Burdekin scores funding to battle impacts of climate change

The Palaszczuk Government has is providing funding to help Burdekin Shire Council to prepare its coastal communities for the impact of climate change.

Minister for Environment and Science Leeanne Enoch said a grant of $44,633 would allow the council to prepare a coastal hazard adaptation strategy, identify risks and develop management options.

“The grant is drawn from a $12 million QCoast2100 fund established to prepare our coastal communities for the emerging challenges posed by rising sea levels and more extreme weather events,” the Minister said.

“Storm tide inundation triggered by cyclones is a significant threat to these communities and this will increase with rising sea levels.”

Ms Enoch said the Burdekin region has significant natural coastal assets that need to be protected.

“The local government area boasts a number of small settlements on the coast including Jerona, Alva Beach, Groper Creek, and Wunjunga,” she said.

“It also includes coastal rural residential communities such as Rita Island.”

Burdekin Shire Council joins 24 others that have already been awarded funding. It is available to all coastal councils.

“I encourage other eligible councils to get on board and follow the lead in taking action on climate change,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is helping eligible councils with proposals and preparation of their potential projects.”

LGAQ President Mark Jamieson said the QCoast2100 program is designed to be accessible to coastal local governments irrespective of their current level of planning, capability and resourcing.

“More than half of Queensland’s 77 councils will be exposed to coastal hazards in the future,” Mr Jamieson said.

“It’s essential that local governments work together identify practical solutions that will help coastal communities prepare for serious issues such as storm tide flooding, coastal erosion and sea level rise.” 

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