There were two grossly contradicting stories in this mornings newspaper.
On the one hand, the NSW Planning Guidelines urged councils to reject rezoning and development applications for housing on land expected to be adversely affected by rising sea levels.
On the other, it seems that the final go-ahead has been given to Stockland to proceed with the McCauley's Beach subdivision at Sandon Point.
Obviously two conflicting needs go head to head in this area. Those who own land with a beach aspect have a valuable asset and will fight any attempt to put restrictions on it's use.
Councils - and the state government - have a responsibility to protect against loss if rising water levels destroy beach side housing.
It all comes down to uncertainty ! Is global warming real ? Will the ice sheets melt and cause sea levels to rise ? And if this happens - by what amount will this inundation occur ?
Ask a dozen different scientific bodies - and you will get a dozen very different answers !
It looks like all levels of government are having the traditional Aussie " two bob each way " bet on this question.
Don't make a final decision - don't do anything to upset the status quo - because what is going to happen - or maybe not happen - is sometime in the future - when either the politician involved or his party will be someone else's responsibility !
It's called " duck shoving " the issue !
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