The council believed the increase was due a growing awareness among homebuyers and insurance companies of the coastal hazard risk.

Flooding inquiries in the 2023-24 year numbered 30, and under 25 in the following year.

In contrast, the number of inquiries for coastal inundation throughout the West Coast doubled in the same period, from seven to 15.
The report came as sea protection work at the Greymouth suburb of Cobden remains at a standstill, with both the Grey District Council and the regional council trying to obtain government funding for it.

Low lying parts of Cobden, including on the Range Creek catchment, has a history of flooding. The suburb also has suffered numerous coastal inundation events in the past 70 years from the Grey River mouth and north along Dommett Esplanade -- and as recently as June 2022.

Cyclone Fehi in February 2018 sparked a major environmental disaster when it opened up the historic Greymouth landfill on the shoreline, spewing thousands of pieces of plastic rubbish along the beaches.

It resulted in a major piece of protection work and the abandonment of public vehicle access to a large section of seafront.

The Climate Change Commission recently released a case study on Westport outlining the impact of climate change on that town in the aftermath of the 2021 floods which led to 2000 people evacuating their homes.

WCRC environmental science group manager Shanti Morgan said the council has since July 2023 received a handful of inquiries about coastal inundation from Westport, Carters Beach and Cobden.

Ms Morgan said attributed it to a growing need from homebuyers and insurance companies to understand the coastal hazard risk in the area.

"It is not entirely clear what has led to this increase but is likely to reflect a growing awareness ... to understand hazard exposure in coastal areas."

While flooding remains the primary natural hazard on the West Coast, the region is also vulnerable to coastal inundation in some urban areas, she said.

"A prime example is the Granity area north of Westport where some properties have been flooded and coastal erosion has led property owners to install their own rock protection."

Ms Morgan cited the compulsory inclusion of identified coastal hazard areas in the Te Tai o Poutini Plan combined district plan for the Coast as another reason for an upswing in coastal hazard inquiries.

Those inquiring were provided with information to help them determine their exposure to inundation risks.

"Depending on the detail of the inquiry, council will typically provide relevant hazard maps, from either TTPP, or more recently from our online Natural Hazards portal. While not developed for use at the individual property level, these maps can help the inquirer to determine their risk exposure," Ms Morgan said.