Sunshine Coast taking action on climate change

The Palaszczuk Government’s $12 million QCoast2100program is helping the Sunshine Coast get prepared for the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, storm tides and erosion.

In the Sunshine Coast region today, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said Sunshine Coast Regional Council was receiving $500,000 as part of the program to help develop a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

“Under the Palaszczuk Government’s QCoast2100 program, we are providing funding to councils to help identify risks and examine management options in communities threatened by climate change.

“The science is clear - we need to tackle climate change.

“And this program is helping to make our communities resilient to a changing climate.

“The Council will use the funding to carry out a detailed assessment of coastal hazards and identify assets at risk, as well as examining management options to keep the community safe.

“Engaging with and educating the community will also be an important part of the project to ensure people have a role in shaping the response to this significant issue.”

Sunshine Coast Regional Council joins 31 other coastal councils in Queensland, covering all major ‘at risk' urban centres along the coast.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was developing the CHAS so it better understood how future climate change and coastal hazards might affect the region. 

“We appreciate the support of the Queensland Government to help us prepare for the possible impacts of climate change, something that our council takes very seriously,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“We need to learn more about what could be some of the potential impacts on our coastal areas and waterways, and identify practical solutions for our region. It provides an opportunity for council and our broader community to positively and proactively work together.

“The CHAS will examine what may be the potential impacts of climate change, between now and 2100.

“We’ll be able to identify areas likely to be exposed to current and future coastal hazards. This work will help council and our residents understand the risks. Most importantly we’ll be able to adapt, to prepare for change and become more resilient over time.”

Council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy, which provides the blueprint to build a healthy environment and liveable Sunshine Coast, identifies the CHAS as a critical piece of work.

The CHAS not only enables council to make better informed decisions about land-use and planning, it also underpins its disaster and risk management approach.

“It’s imperative that we talk about climate change and in doing so, plan for our future,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“In this way, our region will be identifying and adopting healthy, smart, creative solutions that will support the resilience of the Sunshine Coast for future generations.”

Community consultation on the CHAS is scheduled to start 15 March. During the first phase of consultation, residents will be encouraged to submit photos and stories of historical events that represent the Sunshine Coast’s dynamic and changing coastline.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is administering the QCoast2100program and helping councils with proposals and development of their projects.

For more information visit: http://www.qcoast2100.com.au/

Media contact: 0437 859 987