The Federal Government has announced the extension of the Coasts and Climate Change Council until December 2011, saying its principal focus would be on advising government to ensure progress on coastal adaptation.

 

It will also support the implementation of key recommendations agreed to in the November 2010 response to the House of Representatives report Managing our Coasts in a Changing Climate: the time to act is now.

 

The Council’s terms of reference are:

 

  • Provide advice to the Minister and the Australian Government on the implications of coastal climate change for decision makers
  • Undertake professional stakeholder engagement activities to inform advice on national coastal climate change adaptation reform priorities
  • Raise awareness of coastal climate change adaptation issues

The new head of the Coasts and Climate Change Council, Professor Bruce Thom AM, said the Council’s membership covering science, local government, planning, engineering and law made it well-placed to advise the Minister and the Government in action on climate change adaptation and ensure that work is done co-operatively in adapting to climate change.

 

The Council comprises:

  • Prof. Bruce Thom AM (Chair), Member, Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists; Emeritus Professor, University of Sydney; President, The Australian Coastal Society
  • Ms Sam Mostyn, Former Group Executive, Culture & Reputation at Insurance Australia Group
  • Prof. Barbara Norman, Professor of Urban Planning, Faculty of Business and Government University of Canberra
  • Mayor Paddi Creevey OAM, Mayor of Mandurah City
  • Mayor Lorraine Pyefinch, Mayor of Bundaberg Regional Council
  • Councillor Genia McCaffery, President ALGA
  • Dr Andrew McCowan, Director of Water Technology Pty Ltd
  • Mr Andrew Beatty, Partner, Baker & McKenzie Lawyers Sydney