DARREN CHEESEMAN MP WARNS ON SEA LEVEL RISE
New Climate Change Maps Show Massive Impacts on Greater Geelong Region
New maps which identify the future impacts of climate change on the Greater Geelong Region, show there will be massive impacts right across the region on both a medium level, or high level sea level rise. The maps show severe impacts to transport infrastructure, public facilities, private housing
Key impacts include:
Point Lonsdale becomes an island, with half the township (hundreds of homes) inundated and the region between Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove completely inundated, transforming to a series of small islands.
There will be a loss of housing and the caravan park in Ocean Grove.
Transport routes to Point Henry are also cut, with the site becoming an island.
Dozens of local roads will be inundated.
The Geelong Grammer and facilities used by the school (the rowing shed, yacht club facilities, tennis courts) will also be inundated along with the Lagoon Boat Club and Corio Bay Yacht Club facilities.
Tranport routes to Barwon Heads are cut, with Barwon Heads virtually becoming an island also, with Breamlea also cut off.
The Eastern parts of The Sands estate in Torquay will also be inundated.
Portarlington, Indented Heads and St Leonards will see foreshore inundation, including inundation of caravan parks.
Broadscale foreshore inundation will occur across the Surf Coast and the whole of the Bellarine Peninsula.
Darren Cheeseman said “ It was now recognised this region would be one of the worst affected across Australia.“This new data provides scenarios covering low levels, medium level and high sea level rise, and we have major risks whichever way you look at it. The maps show that we must act to tackle climate change, and establishing a value on carbon pollution right across the economy must be our highest priority.” “The maps provide useful initial information to decision-makers to prepare for potential risks from rising sea levels in coastal areas. I urge Councils and planners to act on this, and I believe the State planning authorities must now prohibit development in vulnerable areas so that private and public investment is protected.”The maps are available online via the OzCoasts website www.ozcoasts.org.au