No rising sea levels here

I would like to reply to Ms Zoe Russell's "Foreshore properties not worth a postage stamp" letter.

This baseless claim is complete rubbish and Ms Russell hasn't any foundation for saying it.

I have lived here on the waterfront at Booker Bay for 41 years and have taken a keen interest in tides and their various heights, especially the king tides mid-year and at Christmas.

There isn't any rise in levels taking place here.

A check with Fort Denison Tidal Facility will show any person interested in the facts that over the last 100 years the average rise is only a miniscule amount of 0.89mm with no sign of any acceleration.

Yes, there is a gradual erosion taking place along foreshores and has been going on for yonks.

This is a natural process and is due to high tides with prevailing strong winds.

Naturally, where council and residents' interests are threatened various preventive measures must take place.

Speak to our local real estate agents, as I have, and they will tell you waterfront properties such as The Esplanade are still appreciating in value - any fall would be due to the current economic crisis.

The subject of "rising sea levels" is never mentioned by any prospective purchasers.

Tony McPhee, Booker Bay