Coastal councils urged to dip in to $12 million fund to tackle climate change

Queensland’s coastal councils are invited to submit their bids to a $12 million State Government fund to help them safeguard their communities from the impacts of climate change.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles and Margaret de Wit, President of the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ),  and Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland launched the QCoast₂₁₀₀ program today (Thursday) at Redcliffe, one of the communities on the frontline in the battle against the worst of the predicted effects.

“The science is clear that by 2100 we can expect a projected sea level rise of 0.8 metres, cyclone intensity may increase and possibly track further south more often,” Dr Miles said.

“That means accelerated coastal erosion, permanent inundation of low lying areas and an increase in the areas impacted by storm surge and king tides.

“The previous LNP government banned all mention of the words climate change and removed sea level rises from planning policy causing a legal and insurance nightmare. We are returning certainty for local governments.”

Mrs de Wit said work was already underway to make coastal councils aware of the QCoast₂₁₀₀ program and how to apply for funding.

“The LGAQ is in the process of contacting all eligible councils to discuss the program, help them with their project proposals and address any queries,” Mrs de Wit said.

“A project advisor will support interested councils by helping to assess their needs and defining the scope of potential projects as well as preparing proposals for submission.

“We’re looking for a value for money approach which gets affected councils working together to minimise the risks associated with coastal hazards.”

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan Sutherland welcomed the State Government’s $12 million program to help local councils mitigate against the impacts of coastal hazards.

“With more than 150km of coastline in the Moreton Bay Region, our council is committed to minimising, where possible, the community’s exposure to coastal hazards, and projects such as the State Government’s QCoast2100 program will help councils across Queensland fund important adaptation strategies to help reduce vulnerability to storm tide flooding and coastal erosion,’ Mayor Sutherland said.

Attorney-General and Member for Redcliffe Yvette D’Ath said the QCoast₂₁₀₀ program was intended to facilitate new coastal hazard adaptation strategies as well as expand existing projects to make them more effective.

“It’s imperative that councils in affected areas take action now and that’s why we will work with councils and the LGAQ to deliver practical help where it’s most needed.”

“I encourage all affected coastal councils to get your bids in,” Mrs D’Ath said.

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