EXPERT
COMMENT
Media and
Communications
Tel. +61 3 9925 3176
Fax +61 3 9662 2739
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
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