Since 1988, Byron Shire Council has applied coastal hazard planning provisions to development in the coastal zone. These provisions permit certain development in defined coastal hazard precincts until coastal hazards present a significant risk, when the development is ‘triggered’ for relocation or removal.

Other councils in New South Wales have adopted similar planning approaches as part of their response to projected sea-level rise in combination with coastal hazards.

An overview of the Byron Shire Council provisions and the results of an audit of development at Belongil Beach in Byron Bay provide insights for practitioners considering planning controls as a tool for adapting to climate change.