PW 330/09
14 November 2009
NEW REPORT FINDS COASTAL COMMUNITIES
AT RISK FROM CLIMATE CHANGE
A new report mapping the impacts of climate change on Australia’s coastal communities has been
released today by the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong.
The report – Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts – is the first continental scale mapping of
residential buildings at risk from climate change. It also details the risks to coastal infrastructure,
services and industry in Australia as a result of climate change.
Senator Wong said many coastal communities were vulnerable to impacts such as sea inundation
and erosion. The report shows between 157,000 to 247,600 existing residential buildings will be at
risk from sea inundation by 2100, under a sea-level rise scenario of 1.1m.
“This report paints a picture of the widespread impacts of climate change on Australia’s coastlines,
and the risks posed to buildings located in coastal areas,’’ Senator Wong said.
“The science tells us our climate is changing faster than first projected and the impacts are likely to
be more severe as sea-level rises and extreme storms and floods become more frequent.
“These changes are already happening and we cannot afford to ignore the findings of this report.’’
Major coastal infrastructure that underpins our economy, such as airports and ports, will also be at
risk from climate change, the report shows.
“Sea-level rise, more intense cyclones and ocean acidification will potentially increase the capital
and operating costs of ports quite significantly by mid century,’’ Senator Wong said.
“A number of airports are also located in low-lying areas in the coastal zone, and are at risk of
inundation in the coming century.’’
Senator Wong said the report showed the need to address and start planning for the impacts of
climate change.
“Every day we delay action on climate change, we increase the cost,’’ Senator Wong said.
“This report shows the need to reduce the carbon pollution that is causing climate change, which is
why we are determined to pass the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
“It also shows that Australia must plan to adapt to the climate change we can’t avoid.’’
Senator Wong announced the creation of a seven-member Coasts and Climate Change Council
(membership list attached), to be chaired by Professor Tim Flannery.
The Council will engage with the community and stakeholders and advise the Government in the
lead up to a Coastal Climate Change Forum, to be held in early 2010. This Forum will bring
together all levels of government to develop a strategy for coastal adaptation.
Professor Flannery said the report showed the extent of the climate change challenge facing
Australia, and the need for all levels of government to take action now.
“Our coasts are already being impacted by climate change,” Professor Flannery said.
“We can no longer ignore the need to reduce emissions and manage the challenges that climate
change poses to our way of life.”
“This report highlights the need for planned, coordinated action to help manage the risks,’’ Senator
Wong said.
“State and local governments, business and communities will all need to play a major part to
prepare for unavoidable climate change impacts.’’
Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts – A First Pass Assessment is available from the
Media Contact:
Laura Anderson
0411 143 111
COASTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE COUNCIL
MEMBERSHIP
Chairman, Professor Tim Flannery – Faculty of Science, Macquarie University
Ms Sam Mostyn – expert in sustainability and risk management
Mr Ron Clarke – Mayor of Gold Coast
Ms Paddi Creevey – Mayor of Mandurah
Professor Barbara Norman – Foundation Chair, Professor of Urban Planning, Faculty of Business and
Government, University of Canberra
Professor Bruce Thom – President, Australian Coastal Society
Geoff Lake – President, Australian Local Government Association
NEWS 
