COASTS, CLIMATE (NSW): Draft Policy Statement on Sea Level Rise

In the 20th century, the global average sea level rose by 17 cm and sea levels are projected to continue to rise. There is strong national and international evidence supporting a projected rise of up to 40 cm by 2050, and 90 cm by 2100, for the NSW coastline. Coastal land has been subject to natural coastal hazards for thousands of years, including coastal erosion and coastal flooding. Projected sea level rises will increase these hazards, and NSW needs to plan now for these long-term impacts to minimise social and economic disruption. To support sea level rise adaptation, the NSW Government has prepared a Draft Sea Level Rise Policy Statement. This sets out the Government’s approach to sea level rise, the risks to property owners from coastal processes and assistance that Government provides to councils to reduce the risks of coastal hazards.