For CoastAdapt, the 'coast' is defined broadly to include the foreshore, nearshore areas, and coastal regions likely to be affected by sea-level rise and marine-related climate impacts such as storm surge and coastal storms that track inland.

It also encompasses areas adjacent to the coastline and estuaries, which may be influenced by riverine flooding and other interacting processes.

This definition is intentionally flexible and can be aligned with the definitions used by individual states and the Northern Territory.

Importantly, the coastal zone is understood to include the social-ecological system - the interconnected human and environmental components that together shape coastal resilience.

Adopting this broad interpretation allows for integrated approaches to climate adaptation and sea-level rise, enabling responses that account for multiple, interacting climate hazards and help avoid unintended consequences in risk management.