Plan for more storms, say green groups

Environment groups have called on the authorities to expect more frequent severe storms on the Peninsula as a result of climate change.

Both Peninsula Dune Care and the Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation have called for authorities to recognise the vulnerability of the Peninsula, as a low-lying coastal sandplain.

Peninsula Dune Care has written to the Department of Lands saying that foreshore protection should be "number one priority".

"Protection, for Ettalong and Umina, is best provided by an elevated dune system with ample vegetation."

Dune Care convenor Mr Michael Gillian told the Lands Department: "It is incredible to believe that Gosford Council should be proposing plans ... which propose bulldozing and leveling the dune and vegetation system on the foreshore at Ettalong."

Mr Gillian said that severe erosion at Lance Webb reserve and blown sand at the Ferry Precinct and South Beach were indicative of what could be expected on a broader scale if the plans went ahead.

He said the dune system and vegetation at Town Beach had protected that area of the beach and roadway and showed the importance of a protective dune system.

Mr Gillian said the State Government should ensure the protection of the foreshore.

"Such events are likely to be more frequent in the future as a result of climate change.

"There is little point in having uninterrupted sea views at the expense of an increased risk of flooding on the Peninsula," he said.

The State Government, local councils and the community should plan for more severe coastal storms like that experienced over the Queens Birthday weekend, according to the Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

The frequency of storms resulting from so-called "east coast lows" has doubled in the past 40 years, according to branch president Mr Mark Snell.

"We should plan for this to double again over the next 40 years as a result of climate change.

"Even with strong global action on climate change, the frequency and intensity of these storms can be expected to get worse before they get better," he said.

Mr Snell said the weekend's storm highlighted the vulnerability of the region's water, waste, energy, transport and communications infrastructure.

He said authorities should be planning now for such events, rather than waiting to react when a storm hits.

Mr Snell said that it was lucky for the Peninsula that its rain intensity was half that experienced further north.

"The Peninsula may not be so lucky next time."

Mr Snell said that the State Government's planning strategy for the region and the Water Authority's Water Plan 2050 were examples of just two planning documents that had not taken the threat of climate change seriously.

He said that a risk analysis of the effects of climate change on the region, and contingency planning, should be part of any public planning document looking 20 or more years into the future.

Mr Snell said that concerned residents should consider attending the next meeting of the Central Coast's new Climate Action Group.

Press release, 14 Jun 2007 Michael Gillian, Peninsula Dune Care Mark Snell, ACF Central Coast