State tells Town Planners: Don't mention climate change

The Queensland Government has told a regional council to remove all references to projected sea level rises from its town planning scheme, prompting fears over future liability.

Source: insurancenews.com.au

In a letter to the Moreton Bay Regional Council, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jeff Seeney writes: “I direct council to amend its draft planning scheme to remove any assumption about a theoretical projected sea level rise from all and any provision of the scheme.”

Moreton Bay had made the assumption of an 80cm sea level rise by 2100, driven by climate change.

It is the same assumption documented by the Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Townsville councils in their planning schemes.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) fears the council will be liable for damages claims from property owners who build in vulnerable areas. The directive also raises concerns whether homeowners who build in low-lying areas will be able to obtain insurance.

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