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| Clarence to study coastal climate change impacts |
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A STUDY assessing the impacts of climate change on Clarence’s coastal areas will help other Australian councils understand their vulnerability to sea level rise associated with global warming and to prepare for potential impacts.
Clarence City Council is the only council in Tasmania to be involved in one of six national projects through the Australian Government Department of Climate Change’s National Climate Change Adaptation Program. State funding was provided by the State Emergency Service, through the Tasmanian Risk Mitigation Program. Council’s project spokesperson John Stevens said the project was the only study focusing on one local government area, examining the social, economic and environmental impacts on Clarence. “By combining the study’s findings with Council’s own knowledge and risk management experience, Council will be able to advance the thinking on the impacts of climate change and what will be needed for communities to respond,” Mr Stevens said. “Clarence's low-lying coastal areas have always been exposed to storm surges, flood and erosion risks, but coupled with the likelihood of more frequent severe storms from climate change, if left unmanaged, the potential for damage will become greater.” Mr Stevens said Council understood how important coastal areas were to Clarence and particularly to those residents who enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of living near the coast. “Council is working to ensure the community can continue to enjoy Clarence's coasts as sea level rise brings changes to these areas,” he said. “In undertaking the assessment, Council is working closely with the State and Australian Governments as well as the CSIRO and others to identify adaptive management options. “These solutions may encompass physical options, such as onshore and offshore works as well as regulatory alternatives, including protection of vulnerable areas through planning scheme initiatives.” Clarence Mayor Jock Campbell said Council would listen and respond to all concerns and possible solutions. “Council will actively and openly inform and consult with the community regarding the potential effects of climate change, including possible responses to identified risks, now and in the future,” he said. Alderman Campbell said regardless of people’s views on climate change, the fact was sea levels had risen in the past and were projected to rise at a faster rate in the future. “In the longer term, climate change will affect all communities in one way or another, so we believe it’s better to let the community know the issues and work with them rather than ignore the potential risks,” he said. “Council is expecting the climate change study to be finalised in the coming months and will keep Clarence residents and the broader community fully informed.”
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