The NSW Government has announced the next steps in it’s plan to respond to the future challenges of sea level rise, and how to protect coast communities.

The best available research indicates sea levels along the NSW coastline will rise 40cm by the year 2050, and 90cm by 2100.

The new documents out for consultation are designed to translate the latest science on sea level rise into a practical plan to limit its impact on future coastal communities.

The plan will address the dual challenges of projected sea level rise and forecasted population moves toward the coast.

It is expected that there will be around 600,000 additional residents living along the NSW coast by the year 2036.

The current problems being experienced in Belongil, Collaroy and Old Bar highlight the need for action, and for the policies being proposed.

Sea level rise and climate change are issues which need to be tackled on a local, state, national and international level.

The documents are now out for public comment:

• NSW Coastal Planning Guideline: Adapting to Sea Level Rise, that provides direction to councils when preparing planning instruments for coastal areas and assessing development proposals
• Coastal Risk Management Guide and Flood Risk Management Guide, which advise councils how to factor sea level rise benchmarks when calculating potential coastal hazard risks and flood risks

The Draft NSW Coastal Planning Guideline encourages a risk-based approach to land use planning and development assessment in light of projected sea level rise impacts.

Councils and State agencies are advised against intensifying land-use in areas threatened by sea level rise. Where possible they are advised to avoid new development in those areas.

Councils are encouraged to avoid changing land use from rural to urban zonings in areas where sea level rise or flooding could present risks to life, property or the environment.

 The guideline provides criteria for assessing new development proposals, based on how close they are to coastal risks and the type of development being proposed.

The draft Coastal Risk Management Guide and Flood Risk Management Guide provide assistance to councils in assessing coastal hazards and flood risk in light of the sea level rise benchmarks.
The objective of these policies is to minimise the social disruption, economic costs and environmental impacts resulting from long term sea level rise.

The Draft NSW Coastal Planning Guideline, Coastal Risk Management Guide and Flood Risk Management Guide have been released for public consultation until 11 December 2009.

For further information on the draft coastal planning guideline or to make a submission please contact the NSW Department of Planning on (02) 9228 6333 or visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au.

For further information on the draft coastal and flood risk management guides or to make a submission please contact the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water on 131 555 or visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au.

The final Sea Level Rise Policy Statement and technical note can be also downloaded from www.environment.nsw.gov.au.

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