A Resilient Village- Carters Beach - Lilian Li

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Background 
Carters Beach is a suburb of Westport with about 300 residents. Locating west of the mouth of the Buller River and 6 kilometres away from Westport, it faces one of the most pristine beaches on the west coast for swimming. State Highway 67A and the completed stage of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail connect it to the facilities and activities of Westport. Carters Beach is safer from flooding than Westport since coastal erosion rates at Carters Beach have been slowing since 2003 (NIWA, 2017).

The beautiful natural landscapes, the mild temperatures and the relaxed lifestyle attract many domestic visitors during the coronavirus pandemic period. Introducing a retirement neighborhood on the low productive land to the south of SH67A will stay more permanent residents, and strengthen social, economic and environmental resilience in Carters Beach Village. It will create job opportunities for services, avoid the over-reliance on tourism and support building shared spaces for local people and reserve coastal wetlands for environmental protection.

Vision
Carters Beach Village will become a successful place with social, economic and environmental resilience and attract more seasonal visitors and permanent residents.