iCEP Consultation Report released - coastal erosion high on the list of concerns
Council endorsed and released the Integrated Council Environmental Plan (iCEP) Community & Stakeholder Consultation Report at their meeting last week.
It is well worth a read - and it is evident in the results that many people who care about Sisters Beach have had their say – thank you!
Download the full report (below) which includes community comments and letters from stakeholders (including our local Primary and High Schools).
KEY FINDINGS
A majority of survey respondents said they believed climate change is occurring, and a majority said Waratah-Wynyard is being impacted by climate change right now.
Only a minority said Waratah-Wynyard Council is currently doing enough to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Respondents were very concerned about coastal erosion and the threat of inundation, most notably at Sisters Beach.
Other matters of concern included: insufficient government and stakeholder action; a perceived lack of Council focus on Somerset; the impacts of development and population increase; threats to vegetation; threats to plant and animal biodiversity; biosecurity risks; extreme weather events and bushfires, and the impacts of these on infrastructure; the effects of pollution and waste; the impacts of climate change on agriculture; and potential financial impacts.
Respondents said they wanted Council to demonstrate strong leadership, but to do so in partnership with other stakeholders and the community. They emphasised that the iCEP should be an evidence based plan and should be implemented at the operational level, not simply remain a high-level policy document.
Survey respondents rated as ‘very important’ the following environmental elements: Aboriginal heritage sites; beaches and coastal areas; rivers and wetlands; native bushlands and grasslands; productive landscapes (including farms and forests); plant and animal biodiversity; clean air; open spaces for recreation (including parks and pathways); and Waratah-Wynyard’s ‘clean and green’ image in the eyes of tourists and visitors.
Respondents also said they valued the accessibility of natural spaces; low population and development; street trees in urban areas; the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of Waratah-Wynyard; the transition between built and natural environments; the natural environment’s contribution to wellbeing; opportunities to contribute environmental values; and high levels of community participation.
Respondents said Council could do more to mitigate coastal erosion; ensure careful land-use planning, development and building; help residents and industry to be more sustainable; demonstrate corporate sustainability; to manage waste and pollution; prevent the loss of trees and wildlife habitat; manage biosecurity; and mitigate risks to infrastructure.