Share costs on sea level planning, says Freewater

The Federal and State Governments should share the cost of strategic planning for sea level rise, according to Greens candidate for Robertson Cr Peter Freewater.

"This is needed to ensure the immediate and long-term security for those people in Robertson who are affected.

"I have been contacted by a number of people and I am very concerned that the decision made by Gosford Council has created a level of uncertainty that was not intended.

"Gosford councillors acted in good faith on the advice of the NSW State Government.

"That does not mean that those people who have been affected by this decision should stand alone in carrying the burden that it imposes.

"The Greens have a policy that supports people who may be severely affected by climate change and there is no reason why this policy cannot be implemented for this situation and in a tripartisan manner.

"Regardless of any individual personal views on climate change and forecast sea level rise, it is important that the wider community is involved.

"Planning at this stage is a risk management process that must be undertaken to address this issue.

"Members of the community cannot afford to be outside this process because the outcomes of the strategic planning will have an impact on everyone."

Cr Freewater said the Greens policy provided for wider community consultation.

"The Greens are confident that if communities are properly informed that the correct decisions will be made and this will enable the nation to successfully take this challenge on."

Press release, 11 Aug 2010 Cr Peter Freewater, The Greens