The Queensland Government has announced two more local governments will receive funding from its $12 million QCoast2100fund to help prepare for rising climate change threats such as erosion and storm tide flooding.
Douglas Shire and Hinchinbrook Councils have been successful in their application for funding, with both local governments awarded $393,470 and $43,120 respectively, to fund the further development of their coastal hazard adaption strategy (CHAS).
Seventeen councils in total have now been awarded funding under the QCoast2100fund, which is administered by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)
LGAQ President Mark Jamieson said in the last 10 years, natural disasters such as storm tide flooding and coastal erosion had caused billions of dollars in damage to local government assets.
“Coastal communities are already at risk from sea erosion and storm tide inundation caused by cyclones and other severe storm systems and these will become a greater threat with rising sea levels in the future,” Mr Jamieson said.
“That is why it is vital for coastal local governments to find practical solutions that will help their communities prepare for future serious hazards caused by climate change.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the funding would help reduce the area’s vulnerability to storm tide flooding and coastal erosion.
“I’m very pleased that Douglas Shire Council received funding for all stages of our CHAS and appreciate the support of the government and the Local Government Association of Queensland to help our communities prepare for the impacts of climate change,” Ms. Leu said.
“This strategy will help us identify and implement cost-effective mitigation measures and plan for appropriate development and growth in the Douglas Shire.”
Councils so far awarded QCoast2100 funding are: Whitsunday Regional Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Noosa Shire Council, Townsville City Council, Livingstone Shire Council, Douglas Shire Council, Torres Shire Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Coast, Mackay Regional Council, Cairns Regional Council, Redland City Council, Sunshine Coast Council, Gympie Regional Council, Bundaberg Regional Council, Isaac Regional Council, Cook Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council.