Climate change debate dominates election, as SA councils demand national action to stop erosion
South Australian councils have urged the major political parties to help save their disappearing beaches, as debate over climate change looms as one of the pivotal issues of this month’s federal election.
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Worried South Australian coastline councils have called for national action to combat “disappearing beaches” caused by unstoppable erosion.
Councils are spending more than a third of their operating costs on battling the problem, blamed on rising sea levels and bouts of extreme weather.
They want a promise from the major parties to help them turn back the tide as $25 million is projected to protect under threat beaches across the state.
The Australian Coastal Councils Association surveyed 101 coastal councils around the country and established a five-point wish list for the Federal Government.
Its first recommendation was the Government introduce a national funding formula that would help provide the funds to “increase the adaptive capacity of councils to address climate impacts.”
South Australia’s Local Government Association President Sam Telfer said the state’s coastal councils are facing a range of challenges.
“Common issues include coastal erosion, inundation, increased intensity and frequency of storm events, damage to infrastructure such as jetties, sand loss and sand accretion, pollution and inappropriate development,” Mr Telfer said.
“The Coastal Protection Board has estimated that around $25 million is needed to address current legacy issues associated with our State’s coastal assets.”
South Australian councils raised concerns that they are:
SPENDING more than a third of their total operating costs on their coastlines
EXPERIENCING more coastal erosion and worsening extreme weather events that create costs well beyond their ability to pay
WORRIED about unauthorised and dangerous development occurring along their coasts that also presents legal risks
LACK of state and federal government funding, planning or guidance on coastal erosion and climate change.
Liberal campaign spokesman Simon Birmingham said protecting South Australia’s coastline was a priority required a team effort from all levels of government.
“Our government supports state and local governments through funding for research programs into climate science patterns as well as targeted funding for coastal environment projects through our $1 billion National Landcare Program and our new $100 million Environmental Restoration Fund,” he said.
A Labor spokesman acknowledged the concerns by saying the party has a comprehensive climate change policy to cut pollution and in “government would fill a massive information gap on detailed likely impacts of climate change with the first ever detailed assessment of climate impacts on Australia”.
Last year, The Advertiser reported there were concerns many prime tourist beaches in Adelaide could become inhospitable rocky shores in the coming decade.
What the councils are saying
“Increasing frequency and intensity of erosion events is requiring planning and action beyond council’s resources.” – City of Victor Harbor
“The lack of state and federal intervention and guidance in coastal areas is concerning.” – Yorke Peninsula Council
“Over the past two years, council’s average coastal operating costs represented 37% of total operating expenditure.” – Kingston District Council
Climate change looms as key voter issue
Labor Leader Bill Shorten will on Thursday continue his election campaign focused on climate change, saying the issue is as important as the economy, cost of living and health for Australian voters.
Mr Shorten will on Thursday pledge to create 70,000 new jobs in the renewable and clean energy industries, with a $75 million Renewables Training Package, including support for 10,000 apprentices.
But Mr Shorten’s focus on the issue will come under fierce scrutiny with the release of a new report, by former government scientist Brian Fisher, which says Labor’s climate change policy will cost the country at least $264 billion by 2030. It says Labor’s emissions reduction target of 45 per cent by 2030 will force wages 3 per cent lower than otherwise would be the case – and cost 167,000 jobs.
The new report estimates Labor’s policies to achieve its target will wipe between $264 billion and $542 billion from Australia’s Gross National Product. This compares to the Coalition’s target of 26-28 per cent reduction, which would be a $70 billion hit by 2030. But Labor’s climate change spokesman Mark Butler said the report was the “latest in a parade of dodgy numbers cooked up to try to excuse six years of delay, division and denial from the Liberals”.
“We saw this bloke coming a mile away. The PM’s own department don’t want any part of this,” Mr Butler said. “Australians won’t be fooled, or frightened, into ignoring climate change.”
In SA on Wednesday, Mr Shorten made it clear the party would continue to campaign on the issue of climate change, despite repeated attacks from their political opponents about a lack of detail about the costs of its plans.
“I don’t need to give a lecture about climate change to two million Australians who’ve put solar power on their rooftop,” he said.
“It’s without a doubt one of the top two or three issues in this election.”
But he ruled out a deal with Greens leader Richard Di Natale: “Sorry, Richard, it’s not happening.”
The message was backed up on Wednesday night by SA Senator Penny Wong, who told the Lowy Institute Labor’s first international priority was tackling climate change.
Under Labor’s Renewables Training Package, employers would be able to access up to $8000 to take on apprentices, while apprentices would get $2000 for education costs.
Mr Morrison backed the Coalition’s climate change policy, while calling Mr Shorten to outline his policy cost.
“It’s very important that Australians know what the cost is of a change of government,” Mr Morrison said.
Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham questioned Labor’s announcements on solar panels for schools and a Renewable Energy Zone, saying the outcomes could be achieved under Government policy.
Meanwhile, billionaire developer Sanjeev Gupta said electric vehicles would soon be commonplace on Australian roads, regardless of who won on May 18.
Labor policy impact under four different scenarios
■ SCENARIO 1: 25% access to carbon credits, shielding of emissions intensive trade exposed sectors (EITEs) – $542 billion
■ SCENARIO 2: 50% trade, EITE – $276 billion
■ SCENARIO 3: Unrestricted trade, EITE – $264 billion
■ SCENARIO 4 :25% trade, no EITE – $496 billion
COST OF COALITION’S POLICY: $70 billion
* Source - BAEconomics
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