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7.30: Battling erosion on the Gold Coast

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Tractor on beach
7.30: Battling erosion on the Gold Coast

SUBJECTS:  Geography

YEARS:  7–8


Queensland's iconic Gold Coast beaches experienced severe erosion as a result of wild weather in early 2013.

The liveability of beachside homes in the area is under threat.

See the local council's attempts to shore up the coastline and hear some questions being asked about the best way to protect the landscape.

Where does the responsibility for fixing the problem ultimately lie?


Things to think about

  1. 1.Over time, beaches change their profile by either gaining or losing sand. What forces might enable sand to be deposited on a beach? What conditions might erode sand from a beach? When are beaches likely to experience erosion? What happens to the sand that erodes from a beach? Why might beach erosion be a serious problem in some locations?
  2. 2.How did ex-tropical cyclone Oswald affect Gold Coast beaches? Instead of using the term corrosion, what term should Mayor Tom Tate have used? How has the local council responded to the hazard? In what ways has the response of local residents been similar to and different from that of the council? John Burns gives a historical perspective on beach erosion. What are his views and what evidence does he use to support his case?
  3. 3.How does Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate justify the council's decision to replenish eroded beaches by dumping sand? Why do some people view the replenishment of the beaches as a waste of money? What might happen if this work wasn't done? Who do you believe should be responsible for protecting homes on the Gold Coast, and why?
  4. 4.Investigate a shoreline stability project undertaken in another part of Australia. Make the nature of beach erosion at this location clear. Outline the methods that have been used to protect significant environments and/or assets such as buildings or constructions along the coastline. Has the project you've investigated been successful? Explain your view, and support it by citing appropriate evidence and data.



Date of broadcast: 7 Jun 2013


Copyright

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