Recent Council Minutes Climate Change

ITEM 4 4.15pm – 5.30pm GIPPSLAND COASTAL BOARD – CLIMATE CHANGE


In Attendance:
Councillor Ripper (Mayor)
Councillor Jeff Amos
Councillor Peter Cleary
Councillor Peter Gault
Councillor Darren McCubbin
Councillor Jenny O’Neill
Councillor Bob Wenger
Councillor Malcolm Hole
Councillor Peter Garlick
Chief Executive Officer
Steven Dickson (Director Community & Development)
Ralf Kastan (Director Assets and Operations)
Presenting:
Brett Millington, Gippsland Coastal Board
Mr. Millington briefed Council in respect to recently determined climate change statistics with the
assistance of a powerpoint presentation (available in the Councillors Library.)
The following key points were made:
• An increase in sea level is anticipated and will effect the Wellington Coast
• Concurrent lowering of coastal land due to subsidence will clearly exacerbate the effect of any
sea level rise.
• An estimate of subsidence was given for Golden Beach and Alberton in comparison with 1969
data which demonstrated that levels of subsidence are trending higher than expected.
• The estimate of subsidence in Alberton is extremely high.
• A number of factors contribute to extreme sea levels such as: Weather pattern changes,
winds, wave dynamics and cold fronts.
• It is likely that more frequent extreme rainfall events and storm surges will be biggest issues
for Wellington.
• Evidence suggests that the biggest issues East of Lakes Entrance are storm surges and West
of Wilson’s Promontory are tide levels.
• King tides are usually driven across Bass Strait with the potential impact on the 90 Mile Beach
being a 0.8mt increase.
• A mean sea level rise will make a big impact on the 90 Mile Beach; however expected
decreased wind speeds may counteract their effect.
• The Gippsland Coastal Board are facilitating workshops in Leongatha and Bairnsdale to
develop risk profiles based on critical assets and discuss potential adaptations that can be
implemented. These workshops will be held with asset holders and representatives from
Councils.
• The next stage is to identify vulnerability of built and natural assets on the Gippsland Coast,
implement appropriate actions to protect them and think about strategic plans for the future. At
present, the research and planning that has been undertaken currently puts us ahead of any
major changes. To stay ahead of any significant changes we must continue to plan for the
future.
• The most significantly affected parts of Wellington Shire Council will be Port Albert,
Robertson’s Beach, Mans Beach, McLaughlin’s Beach, Seaspray and Loch Sport.
• The preliminary assessment indicates that many barrier islands may become lower than sea
level which would expose areas such as ‘Corner Inlet’ and ‘Nooramunga Inlet.’
COUNCILLOR AMOS/COUNCILLOR HOLE
That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 89(2) of the Local Government
Act to consider: h) any other matter which the Council or special committee considers
would prejudice the Council or any person; (e) proposed developments;
CARRIED