Whitsunday Regional Council seeks feedback on new climate action plan

Find out how the council is planning to address sea level rise and storm surges in Whitsundays coastal communities.

With more than 500km of coastline, the Whitsunday region and its residents are vulnerable to the long-term impacts of climate change. Picture: Supplied.

Now is your chance to have your say on how the Whitsunday region adapts to climate change hazards such as storm surges and sea level rise, with a new plan outlining actions for towns including Airlie Beach and Bowen released today for community feedback.

Whitsunday Regional Council has developed a draft Climate Hazard Adaptation Strategy, outlining its plans to address predicted sea level rise in the region’s coastal communities.

The CHAS studies have found that by 2100, almost 590 residential dwellings in the region will experience an increase of 80cm in sea level over the next 80 years.

The sea level rise will also impact roads and underground water and sewage infrastructure.

A new Whitsundays climate change plan favours 'retreat, transition, or accommodation' strategies over the development of sea walls.

The council now wants to hear what those communities think of suggested adaptation options and how these options could be funded.

Consultation opens today, Friday, April 30, and closes at 5pm on Friday, May 28.

You can fill in the online survey or attend one of the following face-to-face sessions.

Bowen on Saturday, May 8

8am to 10am at Queens Beach / Gideon Pott Park

11am to 1pm at Rose Bay beach carpark

2pm to 4pm at Front Beach near the Catalina carpark

Conway Beach / Wilsons Beach on Sunday, May 9

10am to 12pm at Wilsons Beach picnic shelter

Dingo Beach / Hydeaway Bay on Sunday, May 9

2pm to 4pm at Gloucester Sport and Recreation Facility

Cannonvale / Airlie Beach on Saturday, May 15

10am – 12pm at Cannonvale Beach foreshore

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