Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Wong. Can the minister advise the Senate on how the Rudd government is preparing for the impact of climate change on Australia’s coasts?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you to Senator Crossin for the question. It is a very good question because, of course, this nation has an expansive coastline that faces very severe risks from climate change. Over the weekend, on Saturday, I released a new report mapping the impacts of climate change on Australia’s coastal communities. The report, Climate change risks to Australia’s coast, is the first continental scale mapping of residential buildings at risk from climate change. It paints a picture of the widespread impacts of climate change on Australia’s coastlines and the risks posed to buildings located in the coastal zone. It details the risk to coastal infrastructure, services and industry in Australia as a result of climate change. It demonstrates that many coastal communities are vulnerable to impacts such as sea inundation and erosion. Between 157,000 and 247,600 existing residential buildings will be at risk from sea inundation by 2100 under a sea level rise scenario of 1.1 metres. The value of residential buildings in the Northern Territory which was identified, was between $23½ million and $57.7 million.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Some of those opposite may like to pretend that this is not real. The fact is that it is real. Climate change is a reality. The science tells us that the climate is changing faster than first projected and the impacts are likely to be more severe as sea level rises and extreme storms and floods become more frequent. These changes are already happening, and we cannot ignore the findings of this report. We cannot afford to ignore them, even if some on the other side would like to pretend this is not happening.

Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for her answer and, in particular, her reference to the impact of climate change on the coast in the Northern Territory. I notice that the report makes comments on the Nightcliff foreshore, which is critically important to our community, so I would like to know: what did the report warn about the impact of climate change on our infrastructure, and how do we best manage the costs of this impact?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The major coastal infrastructure that underpins Australia’s economy, such as airports and ports, will be at risk from climate change. This is quite clearly demonstrated in the report. Sea level rise, more intense cyclones and ocean acidification will potentially increase both the capital costs and the operating costs of ports quite significantly by mid-century. A number of airports are also located in low-lying areas in the coastal zones and are at risk of inundation in the coming century.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can I say on this issue that, whilst some of those opposite may try to avoid this issue, I am pleased to say that there are many people in local government who have already been dealing with this issue and seeking that this issue be addressed. I quote the Mayor of Warringah, who said that the release of the report was a big step forward and would help local governments who have to make decisions— (Time expired)

Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. I am having a bit of trouble hearing the minister’s answers because of the climate change sceptics on the other side interjecting, but I would like to know that, in addition to reducing Australia’s—

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Resume your seat, Senator Crossin. When we have silence, Senator Crossin will proceed to ask her question.

Trish Crossin (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In addition to reducing Australia’s carbon pollution, I ask the minister: how is the government helping to prepare for the impact of climate change on our coasts?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I might remind the Senate of what Mayor Michael Regan, the Mayor of Warringah, said. He said that the release of the report was a big step forward and will help support local governments who have to make decisions about issues affecting coastal areas. The fact is that there remain many people in local government who have a far more progressive and far-sighted view on the issue of climate than those opposite, and I remind those opposite of what Mr Robert Doyle said in the Age on 12 November:

I see climate change as one of the greatest international issues of our time and as Lord Mayor I take very seriously my responsibility to make sure the people of Melbourne are protected from the impacts of climate change.

I thought it might be helpful to Senator Fifield, who has been interjecting for some time, to know what Mr Doyle’s view on climate change is. The reality is that there are some on that side, regrettably, who will do and say anything to avoid acting. (Time expired)

Honourable Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! It is completely disorderly for senators to use this time to debate across the chamber. When there is silence we will proceed.