Not surprisingly, there is a lot of uncertainty and emotion around CHAP (Coastal Hazard Adaption Plan). This Plan is part of the overall draft Noosa Plan – one that has been heavily influenced by Climate Change forecasts.
With the Mayor’s recent declaration of a Climate Change Emergency, I thought it appropriate to share some information and to raise my personal concerns about our property exposure in the longer-term.
There is a vast range of beliefs when it comes to Climate Change. Deniers quote historical fact to demonstrate reasonable stability over recorded history, while activists quote short-term statistics to demonstrate rapid, negative trends. Most of the time, the ‘numbers’ are never consistent in terms of Global vs. Local. Irrespective of your belief set, most people that I have spoken to agree that things need to change and quickly when it comes to greenhouse gases!
I have seen and heard so many ‘facts’ used and thrown around that in the end it became confusing as to what is actually happening with Climate Change – specifically here in our region. The link below summarises key statistics from BOM, CSIRO, MSQ and other reputable sources. I make no comment except that I have provided them for you to form your own opinions. The fundamental reason for doing so is that Council has (under State guidance) taken the 0.8 metre rise in forecast sea level and then modelled various storm surge, inundation, flood events, etc.
Basically what I am trying to convey is Yes! there should be a sense of immediacy or urgency when it comes to action on greenhouse gas reduction. BUT I argue that it is premature in 2019 to be legislating land use constraints over our properties by way of Town Planning overlays without having verified the accuracy of mapping and providing guidelines to property owners as to how they can start protecting their properties and infrastructure. A Town Planning cycle is only 10 years – Land Use constraints can be introduced at the next revision without diminishing the strategic intent.
You will see these maps in the slideshow and note the impact on your properties – it is not good! I have made some recommendations on this subject and am able to discuss these issues with North Shore Residents face-to-face at the Fire Brigade Meeting on 27 July.
Thanks Nick, I don’t claim to be an expert on climate change but I try to be informed. I think most Australians realise the dangers and hope governments can overcome the hazards but I don’t think Noosa’s Climate Emergency declaration is helpful; I think it’s scaremongering by a Mayor trying to boost his council’s reputation. The proposed State tidal erosion lines have not yet been ratified for inclusion in the new town plan and as you infer there needs to be comprehensive local modelling. A lot will happen between 2070 and 2100.
If Noosa Council was prepared to shoulder its obligations to climate change, it would lead by trimming trees shading homeowners solar panels. Also fix traffic bottlenecks where car engines idle fumes into our air! It’s a copout forcing state and federal government to carbon tax us.