Environment group calls for sea barrier

The Community Environment Network has called for a sea barrier at Ettalong and other multi-million dollar projects to protect the Peninsula and Brisbane Water from sea level rise.

The Network has proposed "engineering solutions for holding back the rising sea" rather than "abandoning the lowest lands" in response to climate change.

The proposal comes with the release of a report of a forum held by the Network's Climate Futures group in Woy Woy in August, entitled Sea Level Rise: Looking for Solutions.

Network chairman Mr John Asquith said" "Some physical measures to hold back the sea included levee banks, sea walls and a barrier similar to the Thames Barrier.

The barrier across the Thames Estuary in England, which at over 500m long is the world's second largest movable flood barrier, cost more than 500 million pounds to build.

"All these measures cost money and could reduce our enjoyment of the waterfront but it was felt that the huge value of waterfront property in the region would justify spending on defence rather than simply abandoning the lowest lands," he said.

Mr Asquith said the report detailed the outcomes of the forum and outlined community concerns and issues to be raised with local politicians.

"The report covers community opinion on how to adapt to rising sea level and the threat of storm flooding."

Mr Asquith said all storms were strengthened by the increased atmospheric moisture and heat energy in the climate system.

"Storms of today are likely to be stronger than those of 30 years ago.

"It is only a matter of time before a storm-flood incident similar to Hurricane Sandy hits the Central Coast as it hit New York.

"Flooding in Brisbane Water and other foreshores around the Coast is worst when storm surge and high tides coincide," he said.

"The height of storm surge increases with the intensity of the storms.

"A strong east coast low already causes serious flooding on the Central Coast and climate change is making these storms stronger."

The report contains background science on climate change and sea level rise in particular as well as information on how flood insurance is changing and what engineering solutions there are for holding back the rising sea.

The forum called for more community involvement in adaptation planning for Climate Change, more consultation by Council with the community, and more action to improve resilience to the impacts of storm attack and flooding.

"The level of understanding in the community of the likely impacts of sea level rise and the scientific background of the problem was seen as a serious barrier with education needed at all levels of Government," said Mr Asquith.

"Affected community members on or near the waterfront should not be expected to bear the costs and impacts alone.

"We all created this problem. We all need to solve it."

Media Release, 3 Dec 2012

John Asquith, Community Environment Network