Council seeks comment on options for tackling sea level rise

Council is inviting residents and community groups to learn what sea level rise could mean for Noosa and have their say on potential responses Council might pursue.

An interactive workshop in December will outline the most at-risk locations, based on scientific data.

“Importantly, we’re looking to gauge the community’s thoughts on all of the ways we might respond to each risk – whether it’s rock-walls, dune restoration, beach replenishment or land-use regulations,” says Climate Change Project Coordinator Grant Hinner.

He said Council would use feedback collected at the workshop to prepare a shortlist of potential sea-level rise responses for Council to further investigate and cost.

“The workshop is not just for those with a stake in areas we expect to be physically impacted by sea-level rise. How Council responds should be of interest to everybody, as there are a range of options available, of varying cost, effectiveness, visual amenity, and impact on the surrounding location,” Mr Hinner said.

“We need a broad mix of community members to attend, representing different interests. This will make for a robust and fully informed discussion. The decisions we make in the short term can have significant impacts in the long term – on future Councils and the community.”

Considering sea level rise is an important part of developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan. The Plan will set out how Council manages climate-related risks into the future.

The interactive workshop follows earlier consultation to establish the natural and built assets the community values most when it comes to planning for sea-level rise.

Council will hold the interactive workshop at 10am, December 4 at Council’s Tewantin offices, 9 Pelican Street Tewantin. It is expected to run for around three hours.

To register attendance, phone Council on 07 5329 6500 or email grant.hinner@noosa.qld.gov.au.

For more information about Council’s climate change adaptation planning, including a look at the latest hazard maps, visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au/projects/climate-change-adaptation-plan

Mr Hinner said Council aimed to present the draft Climate Change Adaptation Plan to the community for comment in April 2019.

Monday 26 November 2018