Sea level rise disputed

MAPPING accuracy was a major concern presented to Bass Coast Shire Council by residents who will potentially be affected by the land subject to inundation overlay (LSIO).
The overlay will be applied to areas identified as being at risk of river or coastal flooding.
Council maintained no mapping changes were necessary and the overlay – amendment C82 – was based on the best information available.
A number of submitters also argued coastal inundation mapping should be based on a sea level rise scenario of 0.2 metres by the year 2040.
Council’s plan for a sea level rise of 0.8 metres by 2100 allowed for the combined effects of tides, storm surges, coastal processes and local conditions associated with climate change.
Council aims to determine the effects of sea level rise, prepare for potential risks, and discourage development in dangerous areas.
According to mayor Cr Neil Rankine, the overlay is a state requirement for council to identify flood fringe and flood storage areas, as well as to consider the sea level rise due to climate change.
This information will inform council whether it is safe to develop infrastructure in certain areas.
One submitter supporting the overlay thanked council for taking steps to warn people of the consequences of building in certain areas and introducing regulations for future development.
The findings will not necessarily ban infrastructure from being built in affected areas but will allow new buildings to be built with any environmental risks in mind.
However Cr Andrew Phillips put forth an alternative motion to seek direction from an independent planning panel regarding the suitability of planning for sea level rise of 0.8 metres by 2100 or 0.2 metres by 2040 for infill development areas.
Cr Bradley Drew said it would be irresponsible for council to do nothing given the 140 submissions received.
Cr Kimberley Brown agreed the matter should be put before a panel.
Cr Phil Wright said the issue had been “totally blown out of proportion”.
Ken Blackman of Inverloch welcomed the amendment as a sign council was acknowledging flooding risks and the prospect of future inundation.
But he said now council has identified the risks, council must now act to prevent or reduce the chance of such flooding occurring.
For him, living on The Esplanade, that entails improving drainage to take water away when a severe downpour or storm surge occurs.
“In December 2010, a lot of water banked up to our place. At one stage, the water was lapping my door and my doormat was floating,” Mr Blackman said.
“My garage was flooded and if the doorstep had been two centimetres lower, the water would have gone inside the house.”
He said the amendment over his property could affect his ability to sell and all he is asking for is council to ensure nearby drainage is the best it can be.

Wet spot: Ken Blackman in Bay Street, Inverloch, where he believes drainage must be improved to address flooding.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Jul 23 2014. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry