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MELBOURNE 
 BRUNSWICK 
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 POINT COOK 
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Climate change and coastal planning 
 Expert available for comment  
 
The Victorian Government has released a coastal planning strategy that for the first 
time takes into account climate change predictions, ruling that new housing 
developments must assume sea levels will rise 80cm by 2100. 
 
Apart from rising sea levels, what other threats do coastal towns face as a result of 
climate change? 
 
Does the Victorian strategy adequately address these issues? 
 
What are other states doing to bring climate change predictions into their coastal 
planning? 
 
Is there a need for national leadership on the issue, rather than a state-by-state 
approach? 
 
RMIT Universitys Barbara Norman is an expert on climate change and coastal 
planning. 
 
She has conducted extensive research on the possible impacts of climate change 
on coastal towns around Australia and the strategies required to protect current 
and future residents. 
 
A Senior Researcher with RMITs Global Cities Research Institute, Ms Norman is 
available for comment on Victorias planning strategy, its implications for the state 
and the nation. 
 
For interviews: RMIT Universitys Barbara Norman, 0424 155 133. 
 
For general media enquiries: RMIT University Media and Communications, 
Gosia Kaszubska, (03) 9925 3176 or 0417 510 735. 
11 December, 2008