$409,000 for Livingstone Shire Council to prepare for sea level rise

Protecting the Capricornia coastline from erosion, tidal surges and the changing climate has been boosted by more than $400,000 funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said Livingstone Shire Council would receive a $409,435 grant under the Palaszczuk Government’s QCoast2100 program, to enable Council to complete its Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy between now and October 2019.

“The QCoast2100 program helps communities prepare for coastal erosion and storm tide inundation,” Ms Lauga said.

“The new funding for Livingstone Shire Council will allow them to assess identified areas that are at risk, and examine management options to keep the community safe.

“Some of these areas include Kemp Beach, Putney Beach (Great Keppel Island), Kinka Beach, Mulambin Beach, Farnborough Beach, Muskers Beach, Zilzie Beach and Lammermoor Beach.

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

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said Livingstone Shire Council was one of many councils in Queensland to benefit from the QCoast2100 program.

“This new grant is in addition to one of $56,436 to the council to complete the initial phases of its strategy, which included identifying priority areas for further research,” the Minister said.

The Palaszczuk Government’s $12 million QCoast2100 program is helping Queensland communities understand and prepare for coastal erosion and storm tide inundation and the emerging threat of sea level rise caused by climate change.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) is administering the QCoast2100program and helping councils with proposals and development of their 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 vital that local governments work together to assess risks and identify practical solutions that will help coastal communities prepare for serious issues such as storm tide inundation, coastal erosion and sea level rise from climate change.” 

More information on QCoast2100 program can be found here: http://www.qcoast2100.com.au/

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