Climate Adaption and Development
Approvals
Last
week the Qld Planning and Environment Court delivered a significant climate
change adaptation decision. The Rainbow Shores
P/L v Gympie Regional Council & Ors case sets a new precedent for
decision makers considering development in the Qld coastal zone.
The court has dismissed an appeal by the developer of a large integrated
resort and residential community at Rainbow Beach on the basis of its potential
exposure to erosion, storm surge and climate change related sea level rise.
The court noted that mapping of coastal hazards is currently subject
to draft coastal
protection state planning regulatory provisions.
The Judge concluded that it would be unwise to grant a development
approval, without ensuring that the future development is protected from
potential inundation. The proposal should make allowance for the 100 year ocean
surge level. The Judge could not justify
ignoring the current predictions of sea level rise affecting the property. The development
proposal was considered to be inadequate in its current form.
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