HAT Head locals are concerned that the predictions areas of Hat Head will be under water within 50 to 100 years will devalue their homes and only encourage insurance companies to raise costs.
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Climate change, water levels rising and coastal erosion are predicted to seriously effect Australia’s coastline over the next century.
Local governments are at the forefront of responding to the impacts of climate change, not only for future planning, but also for litigation and liability requirements.
In order to meet council’s obligations in managing these risks, the draft Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with state, national and international guidelines.
Over 40 people attended a community meeting at Hat Head Surf Club last month to discuss the plan and the findings of the studies, which incorporate climate change and rising sea level projections.
Senior coastal scientist Michelle Fletcher presented an overview of the process taken in preparing the plan for council, which included information on coastal processes, hazard and risk assessment.
Hat Head local Philomena Curry attended the meeting.
“I just thought I came away knowing not much more than when I went in,” Mrs Curry said.
“Many people came away from the meeting thinking the value of their properties will go down and insurance costs will go up, particularly along Bay St.
“It could make it more difficult for people to sell their homes. If the property values go down will our rates go down as we are paying some of the highest rates in the shire?
“I really think it was an exercise in the council covering their butts in the future more than finding solutions.”
Jeni Thompson from Hat Head also attended the meeting and agreed with Mrs Curry’s assessment, saying the plan was a waste of money and an exercise to protect the council.
“One of the suggestions they came up with was to build a wall right along Bay St,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Do the council really believe building a wall is going to stop the water? It’s like the boy putting his finger in the dyke or King Canute seated on his throne telling the waves to go back.
“Everyone thought the council were wasting money and the only reason they did it was to cover their own backsides.
“My concern is if we are classed as being in a flood zone that will mean all our insurance costs will go up, which can change a lot of things including property values.”
Members of the community are encouraged to engage with council representatives and consultants with any questions they may have on the plan and have until May 22 for submissions to be lodged during the public exhibition period.
For further information visit www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 6566 3200.