Coastal changes are an ongoing and intensifying challenge that demand national attention, coordination, and support. Recent events highlight the widespread impacts of coastal erosion, inundation, declining water quality, and associated risks for communities and ecosystems.
In 2025 alone, significant erosion and storm-related events have been reported across Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.
These nationwide challenges underscore the urgent need for cohesive, evidence-based advice and solutions to guide government and industry decision-making, a need that the CoastRI NCRIS consortium is uniquely positioned to address.
Recent media reports
Fears parts of Queensland will have to ‘retreat’ amid predicted sea level rise and increased severe weather events — ABC News, September 2025
First climate risk assessment finds 1.5m Australians at risk from sea level rise by 2050 — ABC News, September 2025
One Central Coast beach is addressing coastal erosion while another is stuck waiting for a solution — ABC News, September 2025
Local governments battle coastal erosion as structures crumble — ABC News, August 2025
SA’s toxic algal bloom is twice the size of the ACT, has killed 13,800 animals and is filling even the experts with dread — The Guardian, July 2025
‘No end of problems’ for Australia’s south-east coastlines as strong winds and large waves hit again — The Guardian, June 2025
Australia’s most climate vulnerable property locations in 2025 — Climate Council, April 2025
Aussies warned to avoid iconic beaches as storms impact water quality — The Australian, January 2025