Environment network welcomes draft coastal policy

The Community Environment Network has welcomed the draft State Environmental Planning Policy for coastal management.

"Councils and the State Government must plan for the predicted impacts of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of storm events, as well as sea level rise," said Network manager Ms Jane Smith.

"It is crucial for our decision makers to take a cautious approach to planning in the coastal zone so that we don't leave a legacy for future generations to deal with both in terms of direct impacts on life and property as well the financial burden of not acting now," Ms Smith said.

"Coastal areas are dynamic environments and this will be exacerbated by climate change.

"We note Clause 16 from the draft: that development is not to increase risk of coastal hazards.

"Only through the enforcement of this principle will life, property and the environment be protected for everyone."

Ms Smith said: "By including time limited consents and temporary approvals, this allows development in the medium term in areas where the long term risk may otherwise prohibited development.

"A strategic approach must be adopted in terms of coastal protection."

However, the Network is critical that some existing protection will not be carried forward into the new policy.

"For example, consideration of wildlife corridors, threatened species, populations and endangered ecological communities has not been carried over into the new SEPP.

"Although this may be implied in general terms, we are concerned that this weakens the protections.

"There are current protections for wetlands.

"Wetlands are sensitive environments that provide important ecosystem services.

"It is critical that these ecosystems are protected.

"The Network is concerned that these may even be weakened by the draft SEPP," Ms Smith said.

"In terms of the current status of coastal management, it is critical that the Central Coast Council and the NSW Government resolve any outstanding issues and sign off on the Coastal Zone Management Plan as soon as possible so that action can be taken before the next round of winter storms and East Coast Lows."

Media statement, 21 Dec 2016

Jane Smith, Community Environment Network