Councils to identify risks from rising seas

All councils around the Australian coastline will be required review their town plans against a detailed assessment of risks posed by rising sea levels under an Australian Government blueprint to prepare for coastal inundation. Work has already begun on the risk assessment through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) amid fears that councils could be approving development in areas at risk of future inundation. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong confirmed the plan recently saying “Although this is an area for which the states have primary responsibility, it is nationally important because of the potentially significant economic impacts.” The Government has also confirmed that it is organising a national summit on the risks posed by rising sea levels, as well as establishing a $2 million fund to help councils identify and prioritise climate change risks and develop management plans. The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has stated that councils need better quality information to assess the level of risk to their communities and to deal with applications for property development in areas at risk of future inundation. ALGA, as part of COAG, is working with the other spheres of Government to address the issues associated with climate change, such as risk assessment and an adaptation framework.