[Greens-Media] MS: Lynn MacLaren - Climate Change strategy - Laugh until you cry

[Guthrie, Shane]

Media Statement: Climate Change strategy - Laugh until you cry
Lynn MacLaren MLC, Greens (WA) spokesperson on planning and transport 
31 October 2012 

In response to the State Government's Climate Change strategy, the Greens have called for urgent and immediate action in a range of areas poorly addressed by the paper. The paper, Adapting to our Changing Climate, was released without fanfare on 25 October. It is laughable while claiming to outline the key climate change challenges the state will face and the strategic approach it will need to take to address them.

"For instance, the Greens call for a commitment to provide transport options such as efficient rail (not truck) freight and passenger light rail which reduce emissions along with a realistic assessment of infrastructure at risk due to inundation," Greens planning and transport spokesperson Lynn MacLaren MLC said today.

"Eighty per cent of WA's population lives in coastal areas. Between 1,500 and 2,100 commercial buildings are exposed to a sea level rise of 1.1 metres. Replacement values are estimated at $12 billion to $17 billion. The Western Australian coastal lifestyle is also vulnerable to these impacts, whether from the loss of a favourite beach, a washed out road, or risks to ports and other infrastructure.

"A much more serious approach to increased risks faced by coastal settlements is sorely needed in order for these communities to prevent and mitigate the effects of coastal erosion, sea level rise and storm flooding," said Ms MacLaren. 

"The strategy reveals that the Barnett-Grylls Government is sidestepping responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting low emission technology.

"The Western Australian Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy was announced in 2007 and was the major work program for the then Office of Climate Change for over 18 months. It was an election commitment of the current state government to 'work with industry, scientists, local government and conservation groups to develop a climate change adaptation strategy covering each major sector of Western Australian industry as well as urban planning agencies and state water and energy utilities.' The strategy was to assess the likely impacts and risks of climate change to various sectors of the economy and communities, as well as make recommendations for mitigation and adaptation actions.

"The Greens' approach to preparing for climate change includes proactive local involvement and precautionary action. Our planning strategy is a two-way street: decisions must accommodate the effects of the changing coastal environment on our urban infrastructure and the impacts of our urban infrastructure on the coastal environment. 

The Government's strategy pays lip service to "all levels of government cooperating" but is lacking in specifics.

"Finally, the buck stops somewhere. Our draft laws on coastal management recognise that clear parameters on liability need to be set. Local governments in particular must be empowered and resourced to implement planning principles that prepare for the impacts of climate change. Local councils and the State Government are going to experience a significant financial burden if we don't set out how to mitigate and adapt to climate change. 

"Other states, such as South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, have been far more proactive on this issue, with Queensland enacting a Coastal Management and Protection Act in 1995. Western Australia has no coastal planning legislation.

"The time and effort invested in preparing the draft strategy have been wasted. This watered down ineffectual strategy doesn't pass muster," concluded Ms MacLaren

The Greens draft laws on planning rules to prepare for climate change are available at 
http://lynnmaclaren.org.au/climate-change-readiness-coastal-planning-and-protection-bill-2012

The WA Government paper is available at: 
http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/news/7136-adapting-to-our-changing-climate.html

For comment: 
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC 
Mobile 0403 721 951

For information: 
Shane Guthrie, Media Liaison Officer 
Mobile 0428 207 007

Shane Guthrie 
Electorate and Research Officer 
Office of Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region
Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia
Unit 7, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Tel +61 8 9430 7233   Fax +61 8 9430 7207
Shane.Guthrie at mp.wa.gov.au   www.LynnMacLaren.org.au