Wollongong City Council is calling for residents to get involved and help plan for the impact of climate change and sea level rise along our coastline.

Earlier this year Council completed a Coastal Zone Hazard Study to map the risk of shoreline erosion, ocean inundation and potential geotechnical instability in Wollongong over the next 50 and 100 years.

The study found that 2684 local properties may be potentially affected by shoreline erosion, tidal inundation, or potential geotechnical issues up to 2100. The study found 1779 potentially affected properties are privately owned, and 905 are publicly owned.

Director of Planning and Environment, Andrew Carfield, said now that Council is aware of the potential impacts of climate change and sea level rise, we want to work with residents to come up with ways to address these risks.

“In the next 18 months Council will develop a Coastal Zone Management Plan to outline practical measures and planning controls to address coastal management in Wollongong into the future,” Mr Carfield said.

“As a first step, residents are invited to come along to a drop-in information session during November to get more information about the Plan, talk to Council staff and consultants and provide input.”

Date Venue Session time
18 November 2010 Laurel Room, Dapto Ribbonwood Centre 10 am to 12 pm
18 November 2010 Level 9 Function Room, Wollongong City Council  6 to 8 pm
20 November 2010 Excelsior Hall, Thirroul Library and Community Centre 10 am to 12 pm
20 November 2010 Grevillea Room, Corrimal Library and Community Centre 3 to 5 pm

“Over the next 18 months there will be more opportunities for the community to get involved and give their feedback,” Andrew Carfield added.

The NSW Government requires all coastal councils in New South Wales to prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans in accordance with State policies and guidelines.