NEWMAN GOVERNMENT CREATES CONFUSION FOR COUNCILS OVER SEA LEVELS.

Media Release.

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney’s decision to remove sea level rises from planning policy is irresponsible says Shadow Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Tim Mulherin.

“It’s a short-sighted decision from climate change deniers and future generations are going to have pay the cost,” said Mr Mulherin.

“The Newman Government has greedily chosen short-term economic gain over sensible, responsible planning that accepts the climate is changing and applies the precautionary principle."

“When Campbell Newman was Lord Mayor of Brisbane he approved housing estates on flood-prone land and when the floods came there was untold misery from which some people will never fully recover."

“But the LNP has not learnt from its errors."

“Now the Deputy Premier has ruled that local councils do not need to consider predicted sea level rises when considering planning applications. They can, if they choose, ignore scientific advice and place lives and property at risk."

“Mr Seeney has not just ignored scientists. He has also ignored warnings from the Local Government Association of Queensland that some new homes could be uninsurable and subsequent legal action could result in some councils being declared bankrupt.”

Mr Mulherin said sea-level predictions from the Queensland Government had offered councils and insurance companies clear guidance and certainty.

“Now the certainty has been removed some councils will be so wary of potential claims they will restrict development to play it safe while others will approve developments in inappropriate places."

“It will also be costly because developers will challenge council decisions."

“It is important that there is a uniform approach, not a patchwork of different planning standards up and down the coast."

“Cairns, Mackay, Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast have been identified as Queensland’s communities most vulnerable to rising sea levels."

“Future generations will suffer the consequences and all because the Newman Government refuses to accept scientific consensus on climate change and is prepared to gamble on the future” he said.