Based on best advice

Gosford Council's projection of sea level rise and its local effects over the next century has been based on information from international, Federal and State authorities, according to the council's manager of integrated planning Mr Eddie Love.

"We were guided by the State Government's draft policy statement in determining our 100-year time period,"

"Using this guidance we preferred to go with the long term of 100 years rather than a shorter term period.

"We are expecting the rise in sea levels to be a very slow and gradual process therefore using the 100 year time period we could determine the full affect.

"We are trying to be as adaptive and resilient for the long term future of the area and not about the here and now.

"We could assume the sea will rise one cm per year but the likelihood of it actually happening that way is not certain."

He said council was not legally required to publicise the issue of sea level rises in the area but saw it as a "duty of care" to involve the community from the very start.

"Following the exhibition process a report will be brought back to council," Mr Love said.

"From there an outcome will be determined and council can look at developing management options to address the issues raised from the exhibition."

Clare Graham, 7 Aug 2009 Interviewee: Eddie Love, Gosford Council