Our Coastline
Robe Coastal Grants & Protection Update (2025/2026 to 2026/2027)
Council is continuing to deliver a staged coastal management program across key beaches in Robe. These works are made possible through successful grant funding, supported by Council contributions.
Our priority is to respond quickly to storm damage in the most vulnerable areas, while also planning ahead for the future. All actions are guided by the District Council of Robe Coastal Adaptation Strategy, including identified trigger points that help determine when longer-term protection or adaptation measures may be required.
This balanced approach allows Council to manage immediate risks, plan responsibly for long-term coastal changes, and involve the community in shaping future solutions.
Fox Beach – Coastal Works & Funding
What’s happening at Fox Beach
Fox Beach is affected by seasonal storm erosion. Council’s current program includes sand replenishment, a protection options assessment, and approved funding for future works including geotextile sandbags.
Works completed (2025/2026)
Sand Replenishment 2024/2025
- Sand replenishment finished, with an additional 500m³ placed in reaction to storm damage.
- Total: $42,900 ($32,000 Coast Protection Board / $10,900 District Council of Robe)
- Works Completed: June 2026
Outcome delivered: improved beach buffer and short-term storm resilience.
Works in progress (2025/2026)
Fox Beach Protection Assessment (underway)
- Contractor: FSC Range
- Project Start Date: January 2026
- Completion Date: June 2026
- Total: $50,000 ($40,000 Coast Protection Board/ $10,000 District Council of Robe)
Outcome expected: Assessment and advice on clear, evidence-based protection options and staging process to guide future works, including the approved geotextile sandbag project.
2026/2027-Approved Funding
Sand Replenishment
Current Status: Tender currently open for submissions to deliver the carting program.
Project Start Date: March/April 2026
Completion Date: April 2026
Total: $50,000 ($30,000 Coast Protection Board/ $20,000 District Council of Robe)
Geotextile sandbag installation
Current Status: Awaiting outcomes from “Fox Beach Protection” assessment to guide installation works
- 2026/2027 budget allocation to deliver works.
- Estimated Start Dates: October/November 2026
- Total: $276,998 ($205,000 Coast Protection Board/ $71,998 District Council of Robe)
Outcome expected: improved long-term dune toe protection and increased resilience to erosion.
Fox Beach total investment (Split across 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Budgets)
- Total:$419,898
- Coast Protection Board:$307,000
- District Council of Robe: $112,998
Hoopers Beach – Coastal Works & Funding
What’s happening at Hoopers Beach
Hoopers Beach has been identified in the District Council of Robe- Adaptation Strategy as a high-risk area. Recent storm events have accelerated erosion at this location and brought forward the predicted timeframes for key trigger points identified in the Strategy.
In response, Council has reallocated two successful 2024/2025 Climate Ready Coasts grants — “Investigate Nature-Based Approaches for Beach Management” and “Detailed Inundation Assessment.” Following consultation with the Climate Ready Coasts Program, these projects have now been combined into a single integrated assessment titled the “Hoopers Beach Adaptation Option Pathway.”
This assessment will comprehensively review and identify suitable coastal management options and potential adaptation pathways for Hoopers Beach. It will also examine the economic considerations, including cost-benefit analysis and potential funding models to support implementation.
The outcome of this work will provide a strong, evidence-based foundation to guide future decisions and ensure responsible, transparent planning for the long-term management of Hoopers Beach
Works in progress (approved and underway)
Hoopers Beach Adaptation Assessment (approved)
- Funding: Climate Ready Coasts
- Status: Scope and funding variation formally approved. Council is progressing procurement to engage a suitably qualified consultant.
- Completion target: June 2026
- Total: $104,000 ($80,000 Climate Ready Coasts/ $24,000 District Council of Robe)
Outcome expected: a clear set of adaptation options, with costs/benefits to support community consultation and inform future updates to Council’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy.
Coastal Adaptation Strategy
The District Council of Robe is committed to protecting our stunning coastline and ensuring our community remains resilient in the face of coastal hazards. The Robe Coastal Adaptation Strategy has been developed as a proactive approach to managing risks such as erosion and inundation, safeguarding our environment, infrastructure, and way of life.
This strategy, created in partnership with the Wattle Range Council and the District Council of Grant through funding from the Coast Protection Board, identifies key coastal risks up to the year 2100 and outlines practical adaptation pathways to address them. Extensive community engagement played a vital role in shaping the strategy, ensuring that the needs and concerns of residents, businesses, and stakeholders were considered.
Key findings highlight potential impacts on significant locations, including Hooper and Fox Beaches, the Obelisk, and the Marina Entrance, with recommended actions to mitigate these risks. By adopting this strategy, Council is better positioned to seek funding and implement necessary measures to protect our coastline for future generations.
To learn more, explore the full Robe Coastal Adaptation Strategy and Technical Report.