Andrews warns on climate change

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews has warned Central Coast communities, including the Peninsula, will need to prepare for hotter daytime temperatures, changes in rainfall and increased risk of flooding.

Ms Andrews said the information was revealed in climate change forum held in Gosford on October 9.

According to Ms Andrews, the forum was one of 11 forums being held by the NSW Government to help develop a climate change action plan for the state.

"We need to understand and prepare now for the economic, social and environmental consequences of climate change," Ms Andrews said.

"The earlier we start preparing for these impacts, the more orderly our transition to changing climate change conditions will be.

"There are expected to be changes to temperature and rainfall patterns.

"Rising seas are also likely to have a significant impact on coastal settlements and all beaches, coastal rivers and estuaries in the region.

"Flow-on effects will mean we will need to make changes in flood protection, agricultural and aquaculture, health services, emergency services and local businesses, as well as how we care for the natural environment."

The forum outlined the projections developed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change in partnership with the University of New South Wales and the Department of Water and Energy to 2050.

According to the projections, sea level is projected to rise by up to 40cm above 1990 mean sea level by 2050 and 90cm by 2100.

The projections also stated that towns next to estuaries and the coast are likely to be at additional risk of flooding as sea levels rise.

"Local knowledge on climate change is vital," Ms Andrews said.

"We need to work with people on the ground to develop a comprehensive plan for dealing with the changes we know will occur.

"We already have many of the systems and local networks in place to help manage risks like drought, flood and fire.

"By working with local councils, businesses and communities we can come up with the NSW climate change action plan that sets out how we adjust these systems and develop new ones to prepare for climate change."

Press release, 9 Oct 2008 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford