Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 23 November 2017:

The current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure, accounting for the full range of projected climate scenarios, having regard to matters, including:

(a) recent and projected changes in sea level rises, and storm surge intensity;

(b) recent and projected changes in temperature and precipitation;

(c) recent and projected changes in extreme weather, including heatwaves, bushfires, floods, and cyclones;

(d) recent and projected changes in natural coastal defence systems including coral reefs, kelp and mangrove forests;

(e) the impact of these changes on the vulnerability of infrastructure in coastal areas;

(f) the impact of these changes on water supply and sewage treatment systems;

(g) the impact of these changes on transportation, including railways, roads and airports;

(h) the impact of these changes on energy infrastructure, including generators and transmission and distribution lines;

(i) the impact of these changes on health, education and social services infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and aged care;

(j) the impact of these changes on private and public housing;

(k) the impact of these changes on public recreation and tourism facilities;

(l) the impact on financing and insurance arrangements for housing, buildings and infrastructure;

(m) the adequacy of current state and Commonwealth policies to assess, plan and implement adaptation plans and improved resilience of infrastructure; and

(n) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia has developed a significant national resilience and adaptation capability and is well positioned to meet the challenge of climate change. In December 2015, the Australian government released the National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy. The strategy sets out how Australia is managing climate risks for the benefit of the community, economy and environment. For example, we are providing guidance relating to transport infrastructure through the Australian Transport Assessment and Planning Guidelines. These guidelines cover public road and rail transport and include appropriate guidance on climate change adaptation for transport planning and project appraisals.

Question agreed to.