Impacts of Climate Change on Recreation and Tourism

Researchers from Bond and Griffith Universities are collaborating on a two-year, national beach valuation study that will help inform the future management of Australia’s beloved beaches and coastlines under threat from climate change and severe weather events.

The Gold and Sunshine Coasts in Queensland, Clarence Valley in northern New South Wales, the Surf Coast of Victoria and Margaret River in West Australia will all be put under the spotlight, with tourists and residents in each area to be surveyed on their beach use.

“These coastal Local Government Areas represent some of Australia’s and the world’s best beaches and surf breaks and were selected as case study locations in recognition of their national and international importance,” said Principal Investigator, Associate Professor Mike Raybould from Bond University.

“They each rely heavily on sea change in-migration and lifestyle quality and the economic, environmental and recreational values of their beaches are an important component of that image.

“This study is about trying to understand these values in real dollar terms and considering how these could be impacted by adverse events such as extreme weather events, and coastal erosion related to climate change.

“Knowing the values that beaches and coastlines generate can help inform the appropriate allocation of resources to preserve and protect them,” he said.

The study will seek to assist local Councils and the State and Federal governments with coastal management strategies and funding allocation. It also aims to develop tools that will assist coastal planners and decision makers to assess the socioeconomic impacts of climate change.

Funding sources

Funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency on behalf of the Australian government.