Sel Sultmann, Department of Environment and Science

Sel Sultmann is a Principal Coastal Scientist with the Department of Environment and Science and has been involved in coastal management with the Queensland government for over 30 years. This includes development of coastal policy and legislation and creation of statutory tools and mapping for planning and development assessment. Historical roles include development assessment in coastal hazard areas, research into coastal dune stabilisation and management, and sand dune reconstruction and revegetation projects. Currently he has a key role in delivery of the $13M QCoast2100 program which is assisting Queensland’s local governments to develop coastal hazard adaptation strategies to address sea erosion, storm tide inundation and the emerging threat of climate change sea level rise.

Abstract:

Northern Bribie island has been eroding for many years and it’s been suggested for some time that the island could eventually break in two. In December 2020 that reality came very close. So what is the story of this long-term change and what may happen in coming years? This presentation provides a broad overview of the morphological evolution of northern Bribie Island and the forces driving that change. There is no end point to this evolution but there are some clues as to the trajectory it’s on and therefore the future forms of this coast.

So is this change a problem and should something be done? We need to view this question through the prisms of both preserving the high natural values of this area and the possible threats to development and the local community.

Supporting Documents