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Bass Coast Leads Charge For Coastal CommunitiesManaging coastal development and preparing for the potential impacts of climate change were top of the agenda at this year’s National Sea Change Conference. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 4th September 2007 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Mayor and National Sea Change Taskforce Treasurer, Cr Neville Goodwin, said several Australian Government Ministers, Shadow Ministers and MPs attended the conference.
"The work by this Council and the National Sea Change Taskforce (a group of 70 coastal councils around Australia) has really helped get the issues of coastal communities on the Government agenda.
"As a result of lobbying by this Council, the Taskforce and the Australian Local Government Association – the Australian Government has announced a $20 billion package for community infrastructure.
"$1.5 billion will now be available each year for local government around Australia to apply for grants to upgrade local community infrastructure," continued Cr Goodwin.
"This includes things like our leisure centres, community centres and playgrounds.
"We are in desperate need of these funds. We have one of the fastest growing populations in regional Victoria, but with our current funds we just can’t keep up with demand.
"To receive the grants, we have to demonstrate our need through a community plan. We are very well placed to do that. We will now wait for more details from the Australian Government on how and when these funds will be allocated," Cr Goodwin stated.
Australian Minister for Environment and Water Resources, Malcolm Turnbull, was a key speaker at the conference.
He announced a world-leading initiative to help map the Australian coastline, which would help planning for the coast.
"The Australian Government has made a significant investment of $1.7 million to undertake risk assessment and work out which regions need more detailed analysis and planning – similar to a health-check by your doctor," said Mr Turnbull.
"The data will enable us to develop a ‘digital’ model, which is a three-dimensional, graphical depiction of the earth’s surface for Australia’s entire coastline, and will be a key ingredient in national efforts to help Australians prepare for climate change and adapt to it."
Turnbull questioned over desalination
Following the presentation, Cr Goodwin and Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, questioned Mr Turnbull over the proposed desalination project.
"The Minister was very aware of the project," said Mr Bawden.
"We informed him of the community’s concerns and, as in our letter, asked whether he would consider conducting an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is similar to the State Government’s Environmental Effects Study (EES).
"The Minister said he would give it serious consideration. But he did explain that an EIS is triggered by the endangerment of native flora and fauna," relayed Mr Bawden.
The National Sea Change conference was held 20-22 August in Maroochydore, Queensland. Bass Coast Shire Council is a founding member of the Taskforce. During the conference, Cr Goodwin was re-elected treasurer of the Taskforce for another 12 months.
For a full copy of the Sea Change 2007 – Setting the Coastal Priorities conference report visit www.seachangetaskforce.org.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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