Climate change, water levels rising and coastal erosion are predicted to seriously effect Australia over the next century, and Hat Head and Grassy Head have been identified as being at “intolerable risks” as a result of erosion.  

The impact at Grassy Head is restricted to a single dwelling that is at risk of coastal erosion by 2100.

In order to meet council’s obligations in managing sea-level rise risks, the draft Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with state, national and international guidelines. 

Affected Hat Head residents were sent a letter by the council this week stating that their “property has been identified as being located within an area that could possibly be subject to impacts associated with climate change projections”.

The council has invited the residents to a community workshop to discuss the Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Hat Head local Bob Neilson told The Macleay Argus that he believes in climate change and the whole of Australia needs to look at the predictions of sea level rises.

“My personal opinion is I believe the climate is warming and certainly carbon emissions are playing a part in that,” Mr Neilson said. 

“At some stage Hat Head has been underwater before and it could possibly go under water again, whether that’s in 50 or 100 years I don’t know.

“I must admit I don’t always agree with the council, however, I think not only the council, but the whole of Australia needs to look at climate change and the predictions of sea-level rise.”

Julae Beilby from Hat Head agreed with Mr Neilson’s assessment. 

“I’m very concerned especially with the creek as we see areas go under quite easily with a king tide so to put that sort of depth into it, it is very concerning as to what will happen to Hat Head," she said.

“My home is quite high so I don’t think I’ll be affected, but if the entry into Hat Head goes under it is going to make it very difficult to live here." 

However, Hat Head local Jeni Thompson told The Macleay Argus she does not believe the predictions and the council is wasting ratepayers’ money.

“A geologist told me Hat Head was an island where the water dropped down to create it and it will most likely come up again due to global warming, but I don’t really believe in that,” Ms Thompson said.  

“I received a letter from council about the Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan and the meeting and I believe it’s a waste of money to do something like this.  

“If it is true I would like to ask the council why they let people build their houses here if it’s situated in a flood zone.” 

A community workshop presented by consultants BMT WBM to discuss the draft Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan will be held at the Hat Head Surf Club on Monday, April 20 at 7:00pm.