As residents at Sunset Beach were told the only feasible option is to retreat from the shoreline, Waikato District Council has released a draft policy document on natural hazards and climate change. 

On Saturday, the community on the west coast just south of Auckland heard protection against erosion was not feasible.

Emotions ran high as council told people a managed retreat from the shoreline was the best and only option. 

Now council is seeking public feedback on a draft policy document that outlines risks from natural hazards and climate change, and proposes general policy to manage the risks. 

The draft chapter forms part of the Waikato District Plan review.

The chapter includes expected effects from climate change in the Waikato District area, including more frequent droughts causing water shortages, more inland flooding into low lying coastal areas and increased erosion and land instability.

Suggested policies includes avoiding building new subdivisions, housing developments and significant community facilities in areas risking coastal flooding and erosion.

New development needs to take account of the projected increase of rainfall intensity by 2.1 degrees celsius by 2120 and projected sea level rise of one metre by 2120. 

A draft chapter on coastal hazards is also available on the council's website.

That report states areas within Raglan and Port Waikato pose significant management challenges due to the risks of erosion and the historic build up of development in hazardous areas.  

It is reasonable to assume that erosion at Port Waikato will be at 75 metres for every 1 metre of sea level rise, the report said. 

Council will be holding drop in sessions to consult on the natural hazards draft document in Raglan, Ngāruawāhia, Huntly, Tuakau and Port Waikato before 1 November 2019.

People can also submit feedback online through the council's website or through a paper form available at libraries or council offices around the district.