Estimation of the Economic Importance of Beaches in Sydney, Australia, and Implications for Management
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Estimation of the economic importance of beaches in Sydney, Australia, and implications for management David Anning School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the award of the degree Doctorate of Philosophy March, 2012 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Anning First name: David Other name/s: Bruce Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty: Science Title: Estimation of the economic importance of beaches in Sydney, Australia, and implications for management Abstract This thesis sought to estimate the economic value of selected Sydney beaches, in order to provide the necessary information to allow local and State government agencies to identify the most appropriate management response to projected climate change impacts. Three case-study sites (Collaroy-Narrabeen, Manly Ocean Beach, and a combined site in the Hawkesbury River that included the Brooklyn Baths and Dangar Island) were selected via a weighted-criteria method using an expert panel. Valuation methods were selected in response to the key coastal management challenges in the region, vulnerability to inundation and shoreline recession. A truncated negative binomial travel cost model identified consumer surplus values of between AUD$2.72 and $20.63 for a beach day, depending on the site under investigation and the specification of the cost parameter. These are similar to those in the published literature. Aggregate values are derived only for comparison with costs of management options, due to concerns about the quality of visitation information. These comparisons suggest a strong economic argument for beach nourishment at the case-study beaches. The Contingent Valuation (CV) method was employed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) of beach visitors for prevention of climate change erosion at the case-study beaches. Screening and follow-up questions were employed to identify the influence of scenario rejection on WTP responses and values. Binary probit analysis of non-protest responses resulted in average WTP of AUD$116.27± 69.63 as a one-time donation. Comparison with previous studies is not possible due to difference in contingent scenarios and payment vehicles. The Hedonic Pricing Method (HPM) was employed to identify price premiums for beachfront property in Collaroy-Narrabeen. Significant variation in beachfront price premiums is explained by the variation in erosion risk information linked to property titles. ‘Risk-free’ beachfront properties were subject to price premiums around 264%, relative to an average property in the sample. Properties in the central portion of the beach, which is subject to greater exposure to erosion, were subject to much lower premiums, in the order of 130%. These figures are substantially higher than those in the published literature, which is a function of the exclusivity of the Sydney beachfront property market. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………………………… …………………… ……….……………………...…….… ……… ………………..…… Date Signature ………… Witness The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE Date of completion of requirements for Award: ONLY THIS SHEET IS TO BE GLUED TO THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THE THESIS ORIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed …………………………………………….............. Date…………………………………………….............. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date ……………………………………………........................... AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT ‘I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.’ Signed ……………………………………………........................... Date……………………………………………........................... Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my amazing wife Tina and my two beautiful and fascinating girls, Emily and Zoe i Acknowledgements As with any doctorate, this research thesis has not been completed in isolation, and would not have been possible without the support of a large number of individuals and organisations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported and assisted me in the course of my research, and apologise in advance for any omissions. Financial support and resources were provided in many forms. I began my doctoral research at Macquarie University, supported by an Environment and Life Sciences Division Scholarship, and subsequently by a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship. Upon moving to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) I was supported by the School of Safety Science PhD scholarship and the Sydney Beaches Valuation Project Top-up Scholarship. I was also fortunate to participate in the 2010 Science Program facilitated by the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. This association gave me access to senior academics and policy experts which will assist me further in translating the economic information generated in the course of this thesis into improved coastal policy outcomes. I must of course give thanks to my supervisory team, without whom my thesis would never have progressed further than an identified area for future research effort. My primary supervisor was Associate Professor Dale Dominey-Howes from the UNSW Natural Hazards Research Laboratory. Dale, thanks first for giving me the opportunity to take on this project. It was a steep learning curve, and there were many challenges along the way. This thesis would not have been completed without your advice, support and encouragement. Geoff Withycombe from the Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) has provided grounding in contextual reality throughout my research journey. This was a highly applied project which could not have been completed without the existing relationships of the SCCG with local and State government partners. The partnership with the SCCG provided access to expertise and resources which would not normally be available to a postgraduate research student, and was a major influence on my desire to become involved with the proposed project. An additional benefit of association with the SCCG was substantial project support in the form of a Community Action Grant from the (former) New South Wales (NSW) Greenhouse Office, which is now part of the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water ii (DECC&W). This funding allowed me to employ and explore a range of new technologies, and to attend conferences and interact with a broader beach valuation community. Stefan Hajkowicz from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) provided expert advice and review of key components, particularly the site selection process and the hedonic pricing application.