Development must be one metre above sea level

MEDIA RELEASE

The Conservation Council of South Australia (CCSA) the peak conservation body for SA, today appeared before a federal inquiry into the impacts of climate change on coastal communities and called for a moratorium on coastal development in areas less than one metre above sea level.

The testimony accompanied the Councils submission, which focused on the need for long-range planning to recognise the threats climate change and rising sea levels would pose to large parts of the Australian coastline.

With over 80% of the Australian population living near the coast, inundation of vital infrastructure, marinas and housing poses serious risks said CCSA CEO Julie Pettett.

CCSA has also recommended the formation of a high level coastal advisory group to help coordinate all relevant agencies. Commonwealth legislation is needed, to provide a framework to protect strategically important coastal habitats and to limit activities that cause coastal erosion she said.

Our coastal councils need support to relocate inappropriate development and protect sensitive habitats such as low lying salt pans and mangrove forests, which protect against storm surges and have the potential to act as buffer zones.

Finally, we need serious mitigation and adaptation strategies to integrate climate change considerations into design, land-use policies, building code and insurance. Failing to do so will condemn our coastlines and their vulnerable populations to climate changeinduced destruction she said.

Release Ends.