Hazards to be reassessed

The State Government is encouraging all NSW councils to "re-do" coastal hazard risk assessments in light of the new sea level rise planning benchmarks, according to Director of Urban and Coastal Water Reform Ms Barbara Richardson.

Gosford Council has recently been granted funding for this work.

"The plans that we have looked at for Pearl Beach (and) MacMasters are dated in 1997 or 1995.

"We are keen (for councils) that have "hot spots" to actually review those ... and ensure we have the most up to date information." Ms Richardson said.

The Department will submit an Amendment Bill to Parliament this year, with proposed changes to the Coastal Policy and Coastal Protection Act in light of predicted sea level rise.

Ms Richardson said: "To assist councils deal with the very challenging issues of coastal erosion along our NSW coast, we have several pieces of legislation that we're looking to amend."

Included in the proposed legislative amendments is a provision to allow "temporary erosion protection works", or sea walls to be built by property owners. This will be overseen by a proposed "code of practice", still to be drafted by the Department.

"The overall intent is that we will be able to provide clearer directions about what can and can't be done in terms of managing under storm or emergency events so that landowners, property owners, councils and the State Government are all on the page." she said.

Gabby Greyem, 12 Nov 2009 Interview: Barbara Richardson, DECCW