‘Defining the Sea Level Rise Problem’ Released

A new report into managing the impact of seas level rise was released today by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) and the Coast Protection Board.

The report, Defining the Sea Level Rise Problem in South Australia, was co-funded by the State Government, Local Government Association and the Coast Protection Board and is part of South Australia’s partnership approach to climate change.

The Presiding Member of the Coast Protection Board  Graham Forman said the report draws on previously-released Commonwealth reports into climate change risk to Australia’s coastline, including South Australia.

“The State Government, the LGA and the Coast Protection Board are taking a leadership role in planning for the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise through the implementation of the State plan Prospering in a Changing Climate: A Climate Change Adaptation Framework for South Australia and have been nationally recognized for their efforts,” Mr Foreman said.

“The report helps to identify where we can work even more effectively with other stakeholders in helping local communities adapt to projected sea level rise. Taking action now will reduce our vulnerability to future sea level rise and minimise long term social, economic and environmental costs.

“The State Government, the LGA, local Councils and the Coastal Protection Board will consider the report and work together to progress its recommendations through a coordinated response.”

LGA President, Mayor David O’Loughlin said the release of the report would be used as a basis for consultation with communities and stakeholders about how best to plan for and address the impacts of sea level rise.

“The report will help unlock barriers to effectively manage and adapt to the long-term risk associated with projected sea level rise,” Mayor O’Loughlin said.

“South Australia continues to lead the nation. We were the first State to introduce a sea level rise policy and embed it into the planning system through the State’s Planning Strategy and Council Development Plans.

“The report makes 11 recommendations around a state-wide approach to address sea level rise, in terms of better coordinated evaluation, education, planning and coastal management.

“It has reviewed what we are already doing, and recommended how we can continue to be a national leader in addressing this risk as a community.”

The report has also been welcomed by the Premier’s Climate Change Council, which originally indicated the need to commission the report to ensure barriers or issues standing in the way of effective collaboration on sea level rise were defined and discussed with the community.

Press Release