Climate Change Policy

In December 2009, Wyong Council considered a staff recommendation to exhibit a draft Climate Change Policy. The policy was designed to address the complexity of issues and risks facing the Community regarding the impacts of climate change. These included sea level rise, bushfire, human health implications and natural resource management.

Councilors withdrew the policy from public exhibition in January 2010.

Since being withdrawn, there have been suggestions from the public to revise the policy. As a result, workshops with staff and Councilors are planned, to revise the policy before going back to Council for endorsement. The draft Policy will then go on public exhibition for community input. Council’s updated policy will reflect the Department of Planning's Sea Level Rise Guideline released in August 2010.

Climate Change Risk Assessment

The climate change risk assessments are continuing with Council staff identifying the risks associated with council operations and activities and developing relevant treatment options.  These will be evaluated, prioritised and incorporated into an Adaptation Plan.

More Information

In November 2009 the NSW State Government released a number of policies to provide guidance in specifically addressing the impacts of climate change:

• NSW State Government Sea Level Rise Policy Statement
• Dept of Planning’s Draft NSW Coastal Planning Guideline: Adapting to Sea Level Rise
• Draft Coastal Risk Management Guide: Incorporating the sea level rise benchmarks in coastal hazard assessments
• Draft Flood Risk Management Guide: Incorporating the sea level rise benchmarks in flood risk assessments.

Take a look at the Coastal Management Plan for additional information.