Challenges of Coastal Erosion: Seawalls and Community Impact in Australia

As rising sea levels increasingly threaten coastal infrastructure, the debate over effective solutions to coastal erosion has intensified across Australia. The recent situation in Frankston South, where a local homeowner has continued the unauthorized construction of a concrete seawall despite a stop-work order from the local council, exemplifies the complex challenges facing coastal communities. This case raises critical questions about the rights of homeowners, the potential consequences for neighboring properties, and the broader impact on public beach access.

The urgency of addressing coastal erosion is underscored by statements from experts like Professor David Kennedy, a geomorphologist at the University of Melbourne. According to Professor Kennedy, constructing individual seawalls often exacerbates erosion in adjacent areas, effectively transferring the problem rather than solving it. He states, "As a rule of thumb, when you put in a seawall, you double the erosion rates next door" (Kennedy, 2025). This highlights a fundamental issue: the need for a collective approach to coastal management rather than isolated, individual solutions.

The implications of unmanaged coastal erosion are significant. According to a report by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), properties along the coast are increasingly vulnerable to damage from coastal erosion, with many homeowners struggling to find insurance coverage for such risks (ICA Report, 2021). The ICA's findings indicate that the number of properties at risk from coastal erosion and flooding is expected to rise in the coming years, urging communities to invest in sustainable protective infrastructure where feasible.

Local government officials are also grappling with these issues. Councillor Robert Szatkowski, president of the Association of Bayside Municipalities, asserts that clear responsibilities among agencies managing coastal areas must be established to ensure effective action against erosion. "Councils are on the front lines, but we can’t be expected to foot the bill alone for emergency works like beach repairs and sand renourishment," Szatkowski explained (Szatkowski, 2025).

The complexity of coastal erosion management is compounded by the public’s affinity for Australia’s beaches, making discussions about prioritizing infrastructure over natural landscapes particularly challenging. Professor Kennedy warns that without a shift in perspective, the country could end up with extensive seawalls encircling its coastlines, compromising the very essence of its natural beauty.

Communities have begun to explore various strategies to mitigate the effects of erosion. For instance, councils on the New South Wales Central Coast have employed rock bags and sand replenishment techniques to combat the destructive forces of high tides, though many residents call for more immediate solutions (Local Council Reports, 2023). In Victoria, ongoing concerns about the Great Ocean Road, where erosion is recorded at rates as high as 9 centimeters annually, illustrate the critical need for proactive measures (Great Ocean Road Research, 2012).

As extreme weather events linked to climate change threaten coastal infrastructure, experts advocate for a re-evaluation of land use policies along vulnerable coastlines. According to Professor Kennedy, governments may need to consider buying back coastal land to prevent further erosion while rehabilitating affected areas for public use.

The situation in Frankston South serves as a pivotal case study for coastal management in Australia. As local authorities navigate the complexities of individual property rights against the backdrop of communal needs, the outcomes of this case may set significant precedents for future coastal management strategies. Ultimately, finding a balance between protecting private property and preserving public access to beaches will require coordinated effort and innovative thinking from all stakeholders involved.