The Tasmanian Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O’Connor, has addressed the Australian Coastal Councils Conference in Hobart, outlining her vision for a Tasmanian Coastal Act that would aim to provide a strong management and planning framework for the state’s coastal areas.

 

“Tasmania has over 5000km of spectacular coastline and coastal waters home to diverse marine environments which form an integral part of the lifestyle of many Tasmanians,” Ms O’Connor said.

 

“To manage this properly, I believe we need a Coastal Act that embeds key principles for managing and protecting our coasts in State legislation.

 

“This would enable State and Local Governments to develop strong planning and management frameworks, and support local communities, and prepare for long term climate change adaptation strategies.

 

“We know that because of climate change our coastline and our communities will be affected by sea level rise and that extreme weather events will occur more frequently.

 

“At the weekend workshops I attended in Lauderdale the local community explored some of these risks as well as longer term options about how to manage and plan for coastal adaptation and coastal risks."

 

Ms O’Connor said that she was also working cooperatively with other Ministers, with the Tasmanian Climate Change Office and the Tasmanian Planning Commission to develop a Sea Level Rise allowance that takes into account current inundation levels and understanding of risk around our coastlines.

 

The Conference, organised by the National Sea Change Taskforce, brings together delegates from across the country including local government representatives, researchers, policy makers and others with an interest in the future of Australia’s coast and its communities.