{"id":9601,"date":"2025-09-08T04:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T04:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/?p=9601"},"modified":"2025-09-09T04:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T04:30:06","slug":"mangrove-buffers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/mangrove-buffers\/","title":{"rendered":"Mangrove Buffers"},"content":{"rendered":"[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/mangrove-wetlands-1675&#215;683-1.jpg&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;center center&#8221; bg_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; bg_stretch=&#8221;true&#8221; enable_3d=&#8221;true&#8221; min_height=&#8221;500&#8243; js_vertical_centered=&#8221;true&#8221; padding_top=&#8221;&#8221; padding_bottom=&#8221;&#8221; section_id=&#8221;donate&#8221; el_class=&#8221;donate-1&#8243; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;70px&#8221;][mk_fancy_title font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;]MANGROVES: BUFFERING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE[\/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;67&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section section_id=&#8221;great-1&#8243; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1563789112768{padding-right: 36px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;great_header_left&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;100&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-nb&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;15&#8243; visibility=&#8221;visible-sm&#8221;][mk_padding_divider visibility=&#8221;visible-tl&#8221;][mk_fancy_title size=&#8221;28&#8243; letter_spacing=&#8221;4&#8243; margin_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; el_class=&#8221;terrain-title-2&#8243;]PROTECTING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON OUR SHORELINES[\/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;60&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-nb&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;20&#8243; visibility=&#8221;visible-nb&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;sub-head&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1757304158852{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]8 SEPTEMBER 2025[\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;5&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1757308791569{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]A recent Cairns Post article has reignited debate: Should mangroves be allowed to naturally re-establish along the northern end of the Esplanade, in front of Cairns Hospital, to reduce erosion and better protect against storm-surge flooding? Or should they continue to be removed?<\/p>\n<p>In the conversation on social media since this article, most locals are backing the mangroves.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Mangroves Matter for Cairns<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cairns is one of Australia\u2019s most climate-exposed cities. Our low-lying coast is highly vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, heavy rainfall and sea level rise. Critical infrastructure \u2014 including the airport, seaport and hospital \u2014 sits right on the frontline.<\/p>\n<p>While both the airport and port benefit from protective barriers provided by mangroves, Cairns Hospital has little buffer between its buildings and the ocean. This makes the site particularly at risk of coastal flooding and erosion.<\/p>\n<p>Mangroves grow naturally on the mudflats adjacent to the Esplanade, but the mangrove seedlings are removed every quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Along with a range of other benefits, there is significant global and local evidence that mangroves could be one of our best natural defences. They&#8217;re great for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Erosion control \u2013 Their dense root systems help stabilise shorelines and reduce coastal erosion.<\/li>\n<li>Reducing storm impacts \u2013 They reduce wave energy by more than 75%, buffering coastlines against cyclones and storm surges. After Cyclone Justin in 1997, Port infrastructure and vessels were damaged by a storm surge but, anecdotally, areas protected by mangroves were not affected.<\/li>\n<li>Fisheries habitat \u2013 Around 75% of coastal fish species depend on mangroves as nursery grounds, which attract birds and support recreational fishing.<\/li>\n<li>Water quality \u2013 They act as filters, trapping sediments and pollutants before they reach the Great Barrier Reef.<\/li>\n<li>Carbon storage \u2013 Mangroves absorb 4\u201310 times more carbon than other trees and do it up to 50 times faster.<\/li>\n<li>Cost \u2013 Natural solutions are more visually appealing and much lower cost than heavily-engineered structures such as rock walls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>More Than Mangroves: A Living Shoreline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mangroves are not the only nature-based solution on the table. Terrain NRM has been discussing the potential to trial an integrated solution along a 500-metre section of the Esplanade in front of Cairns Hospital, combining ecological restoration with engineering.<\/p>\n<p>The approach includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mangrove re-establishment \u2013 Allowing mangroves to grow naturally as part of a curated \u201cmangrove garden&#8221;.<\/li>\n<li>Oyster reefs \u2013 Installing oyster reefs at the outer edge of the mangroves to reduce wave action, support water quality improvements and encourage sand build-up. Similar projects have been successful overseas and in NSW, including the Wagonga Inlet Living Shorelines Project.<\/li>\n<li>Dune rehabilitation \u2013 Building up and stabilising dunes with vegetation to provide another natural buffer against coastal hazards. Engineered structures would likely be included as part of an integrated engineering and nature-based landscaping solution.<\/li>\n<li>Education and cultural connection \u2013 Creating a living laboratory and boardwalks to showcase Traditional Ecological Knowledge alongside Western science, turning the site into a protective landscape and a learning and tourism experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Together, these elements would form a \u201cliving shoreline\u201d \u2014 a dynamic system that can protect the hospital and restore ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity and enhance the visitor experience on the Esplanade.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Challenges to Consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As promising as this approach is, it comes with challenges:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Community values \u2013 The Esplanade mudflats are valued for birdwatching, recreational fishing and uninterrupted coastal views.<\/li>\n<li>Flooding dynamics \u2013 Projects need to account for the combined impacts of storm tide, overland flooding and riverine flooding, ensuring new defences don\u2019t worsen risks for neighbouring areas.<\/li>\n<li>Approvals and governance \u2013 Nature-led solutions cross many jurisdictions, involving Cairns Hospital and Health Services (CHHHS), Cairns Regional Council, Ports North and the State of Queensland. Multiple environmental and planning approvals would be required.<\/li>\n<li>Design and uptake \u2013 These are not yet \u201cbusiness as usual\u201d solutions. Pilot projects, new design standards, and codes will need to be developed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1563789122720{padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 34px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;great_header_right&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;206&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;50&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;50&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1757305244420{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9602 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq.jpg 500w, https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq-266x266.jpg 266w, https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/mangroves_airport_seedling-sq-1024x1024.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1757305641257{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<strong>The Way Forward<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nDespite the challenges, the benefits are clear \u2014 and the risks of inaction are high. Cairns Regional Council has already developed a comprehensive Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy that highlights the role of nature-based solutions.<\/p>\n<p>By developing a clear vision, master plan and business case, Cairns can deliver a long-term, nature-led approach that strengthens the city\u2019s resilience to future climate hazards.<\/p>\n<p>The proposal could be rolled out in stages \u2014 beginning with lower-risk measures such as oyster reefs, followed by the natural re-establishment of mangroves, and later reinforced dunes and visitor infrastructure. Each step would be shaped by community support, funding opportunities and the evolving impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What&#8217;s at stake<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Adopting this integrated approach could:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduce the risks of coastal flooding, erosion and climate hazards.<\/li>\n<li>Save millions of dollars by avoiding ongoing repairs and reducing or delaying the need for expensive hospital relocation and infrastructure costs.<\/li>\n<li>Align with community expectations outlined in the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and Our Cairns survey.<\/li>\n<li>Meet the Insurance Council of Australia\u2019s call for councils to embrace nature-based solutions.<\/li>\n<li>Showcase Cairns as a leader in innovative coastal resilience, in one of Australia\u2019s most visited tourism destinations renowned for its healthy natural assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Big Question<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nThe science, history, and community sentiment suggest mangroves as nature&#8217;s defences could be central to protecting one of our most vulnerable assets \u2014 while also restoring biodiversity, strengthening fisheries, and honouring both Traditional and scientific knowledge.<\/p>\n<p>The next step is a shared one: finding the balance between nature, community values, and resilience \u2014 and deciding what kind of Esplanade we want for the future.<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you have a strong view on this concept, email the Cairns Regional Council Division 5 Member at rob.pyne@cairns.qld.gov.au.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section el_class=&#8221;grean-btn-sec&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;47&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][mk_button dimension=&#8221;outline&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/terrain.org.au\/what-we-do\/biodiversity\/&#8221; align=&#8221;right&#8221; el_class=&#8221;green-btn&#8221; outline_skin=&#8221;custom&#8221; outline_active_color=&#8221;#175137&#8243; outline_active_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; outline_hover_bg_color=&#8221;#175137&#8243; outline_hover_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;]Read More[\/mk_button][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;100&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section section_id=&#8221;great-1-blog&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;105&#8243; visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][mk_fancy_title size=&#8221;28&#8243; letter_spacing=&#8221;4&#8243; margin_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;right&#8221; el_class=&#8221;terrain-title&#8221;]RELATED NEWS[\/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider visibility=&#8221;hidden-sm&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row fullwidth=&#8221;true&#8221; fullwidth_content=&#8221;false&#8221; id=&#8221;post_grid_filter_1&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;grid_greate_3&#8243; 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