UPDATE: The Sutherland Shire Council has just adopted its revised Sea Level Rise Policy, a critical response to escalating climate threats, during a meeting last week. This decision coincided with the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), which reveals that 1.5 million more Australians could find themselves in high-risk coastal areas by 2050.
Councillor Kal Glanznig, who previously represented Australian youth at the UN Climate Change Conferences COP27 and COP28, emphasized the urgency of this policy. “Coastal communities like ours are on the frontline of rising seas,” Glanznig stated, describing the findings of the NCRA as “shocking and horrifying.”
The revised policy, first updated in March 2023, aims to align with the latest scientific research and projections up to 2100. Following a public exhibition that ran from March 19 to April 15, the draft was unanimously approved by the council, marking a significant step in proactive climate management.
“This policy embeds the latest projections into our planning, flood studies, and coastal management,” Glanznig explained. “It ensures we are not reacting after the fact but preparing ahead of time.”
The Sutherland Shire’s Sea Level Rise Policy is designed as a framework to assist both the council and the community in addressing emerging sea level rise risks. It will influence decisions on development applications and the preparation of various planning proposals, including flood risk management studies and coastal management programs.
Glanznig highlighted the importance of integrating this policy with the council’s broader Climate Strategy, draft Resilience Strategy, and the Tree and Bushland Strategy 2025-2035. “These are key tools to build natural buffers, cool our suburbs, and protect biodiversity,” he asserted.
The implications of this policy are profound. From the stunning beaches of Cronulla to the serene banks of the Georges and Woronora Rivers, the council’s mission is to safeguard the beloved places and homes of its residents. “Our job is to protect the places we love so that life here continues to thrive for generations to come,” Glanznig affirmed.
As communities globally are urged to adapt to the increasing threats posed by climate change, the Sutherland Shire’s timely action sets a precedent for other regions facing similar challenges. The council’s commitment to addressing climate risks is not just a policy update; it is a pledge to ensure safety and sustainability for current and future residents.
Moving forward, observers are keen to see how this policy will be implemented in practice and how it will influence local development and community resilience in the face of climate change. As Australia grapples with environmental challenges, the Sutherland Shire’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other councils across the nation.
Stay tuned for further updates as this crucial story develops.
