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Sea Change Task Force Heads WestRepresentatives from the Bass Coast Shire recently attended the National Sea Change Task Force Conference held in Albany, Western Australia. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 12th October 2006 - Back to News As key members of the Task Force, Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, and Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, attended the four day event.
Mr Bawden said the Conference included a presentation on climate change by Dr Brian Ryan, Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.
"Climate change was one of the key topics for discussion," said Mr Bawden.
"Obviously issues such as increased temperatures, rising sea levels and severe weather events pose considerable risks for low lying coastal areas.
"Dr Ryan said the research they are undertaking leaves no doubt that significant climate change is occurring.
"Councils have a responsibility to foster debate within the community about alternative energy sources and the impact of climate change in the local area," continued Mr Bawden.
"What we heard and discussed certainly strengthened our resolve to continue to support renewable energy initiatives."
Mr Bawden said a tour conducted by the City of Albany, included a visit the city’s proposed harbour redevelopment, its historic CBD, new residential developments and recreational boating facilities. The city’s main industries are located in the port, but Albany also took pride in its 12 turbine wind farm, part of the City’s commitment to local renewable energy sources.
The Conference was also addressed by the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer of Mandurah City, one of Australia’s fastest growing communities.
"Their presentation included a very frank assessment of the impact of growth on a small coastal fishing village," said Mr Bawden.
"Mandurah has grown into a large city and is only an hour from Perth.
"Their proximity to the capital city was just one of a number of similarities to Bass Coast," said Mr Bawden.
"Residential and canal developments in sensitive environments have posed planning challenges for the council.
"We could also relate to their struggle to find sufficient space for commercial and shopping facilities in the heart of a rapidly growing town."
Mr Bawden said the importance of a strong public transport system was highlighted by the benefits Mandurah has received from the construction of a new rail service from Perth.
The National Sea Change Task Force grew out of the need for coastal councils to deal with the unique problems created by population movement to the coast. Coastal communities around Australia continue to be impacted by rapid growth as a result of ‘sea changers’ moving to coastal towns. Almost five million Australians now live in coastal communities outside capital cities.
Bass Coast Shire Council was one of the founding members of the National Sea Change Taskforce in 2004. The taskforce now has 68 member councils from right around Australia.
Mr Bawden said one of the great benefits of meetings being hosted by Task Force members is the opportunity to visit other sea change communities.
"Bass Coast Shire is typical of many sea change communities and currently has one of the highest growth rates in Australia," said Mr Bawden.
"Sea change communities are characterised by rapid population growth and urban development placing great pressure on small communities which often lack the resources and skills to cope effectively. "Although most of us share the same challenges, there’s a lot that can be learned about different approaches to tackling these issues," Mr Bawden continued.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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