TIME TO ACT ON COAST IS NOW – FEDERAL PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY
27 October 2009: The report of the Federal Parliamentary coastal inquiry released last night
represents a landmark step towards the sustainability of the Australian coast and its
communities, according to the National Sea Change Taskforce.
The inquiry was conducted over a period of 18 months by the House of Representatives
Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts, chaired by Jennie
George MP.
Barry Sammels, the Chair of the National Sea Change Taskforce and Mayor of the City of
Rockingham in Western Australia, said the 47 recommendations in the George report set out
practical ways in which the nation’s coastal challenges could be addressed. The report also
stressed ‘the time to act is now’. Key recommendations include:
Establishment of a new Coastal Zone Ministerial Council to develop an
Intergovernmental Agreement on the Coastal Zone endorsed by COAG;
A separate funding program for infrastructure enhancement in coastal areas
vulnerable to climate change;
2012 be declared as the national Year of the Coast to build community awareness of
climate change and other coastal issues;
An Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry into the liability issues facing public
authorities and property owners in respect of climate change;
A Productivity Commission inquiry into insurance cover for coastal properties;
The Inquiry report urged the need for national leadership in better managing the Australian
coast, especially in the context of climate change. “Sea change councils endorse this view
and strongly support the report’s recommendations,” said Barry Sammels.
“We call on the Rudd Government to act decisively and to provide the leadership necessary
to more effectively manage the coast by adopting the report recommendations. This is an
historic opportunity for the Government to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s coastal
zone which is without doubt our most highly valued natural asset.”
The Inquiry was conducted by a bi-partisan committee which included representatives of all
three major parties. “The committee is to be applauded for considering the major issues
facing the coast and coming up with practical recommendations on how they can be
addressed,” said Barry Sammels.
“Apart from challenges such as climate change and population growth the report also tackles
key emerging issues, such as the legal dilemma facing coastal councils trying to prepare for
the impact of rising sea levels and the vexed question of insurance cover in vulnerable
coastal areas.
“On behalf of the nation’s sea change communities I congratulate Jennie George and her
fellow committee members on the enormous effort they have made to find solutions to these
complex challenges. We look forward to the Rudd Government’s response.”
About the National Sea Change Taskforce
The National Sea Change Taskforce was established in 2004 as a national body to represent
the interests of coastal councils and communities attempting to deal with the pressures of rapid
population growth, ageing populations and climate change. It represents coastal local
Further information:
Alan Stokes – Mob: 0411 592 269
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