8
May 2008 - Minister for Climate Change and
Water, Senator Penny Wong, today announced
$1.2 million funding to investigate the
effects of climate change on key coastal
areas, including the Central and Hunter
Coasts region of New South Wales.
Senator Wong made the
announcement in Newcastle, at the CSIRO’s
Energy Centre, where she saw firsthand the
practical work of Australian scientists
developing clean energy technologies. Senator
Wong will also visit a solar farm and a
clean coal facility in the region today.
“Newcastle is at the
cutting edge of new energy technologies,
which are crucial in our efforts to tackle
climate change by reducing greenhouse gases,”
Senator Wong said.
“As well as working
to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that
are causing climate change, the Rudd Government
recognises the need for us to adapt to the
climate change we can’t avoid.
“The Government is providing
$1.2 million for six case studies on coastal
sites across Australia.
“This research will
examine how these coastal areas are affected
by climate change, and will provide valuable
knowledge to help us plan for the future.”
The studies will look at issues including
the impact of climate change on the coast,
on commercial fisheries, and on infrastructure
in remote oil and gas communities.
One case study is based
in the Central and Hunter Coasts region
of NSW, modelling the impact of climate
change on estuaries and nearby infrastructure.
It will assess the vulnerability
of existing and future residential, industrial
and commercial infrastructure to sea level
rise, storm surge and intense rainfall.
“This case study will
identify critical planning and development
challenges facing the Central and Hunter
Coasts region due to climate change,” Senator
Wong said.
“It will give local
governments, businesses and community groups
the information they need to help plan for
a growing population and future development.”
Senator Wong also today
announced funding of $600,000 to examine
the impact of climate change on Australia’s
infrastructure.
“Research funded through
this project will help the Australian Government
to develop and deliver the appropriate policy
responses to effectively manage climate
change risks to Australia’s infrastructure,
particularly the effect on the Australian
economy,” Senator Wong said.
For more information
about the coastal case studies go to https://www.tenders.gov.au
(DCC15/08). For
more information on the infrastructure risk
assessment, email adaptation@climatechange.gov.au.
Media Contact: Ilsa Colson 0418 368 639
$3.45 MILLION TO BOOST
LOCAL CAPACITY TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
6 May 2008 - Minister
for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny
Wong, today announced $3.45 million to help
local government and professionals such
as engineers and architects better manage
the effects of climate change.
Senator Wong made the
announcement during a speech to the Queensland
Media Club.
“As well as reducing
the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing
climate change, the Rudd Government recognises
the need for us to adapt to the climate
change we can’t avoid,” Senator Wong said.
“The Government is providing
$1.55 million to assist councils to learn
more about the local impact of climate and
plan ahead.
“Another $1.9 million
has gone to tertiary institutions and professional
associations to integrate climate change
into their education and training courses
through the Climate Change Adaptation Skills
for Professionals small grants program.”
Senator Wong said infrastructure
including roads, bridges and buildings were
highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change including increased frequency and
intensity of storms and drought.
“This funding will help
fill gaps in current education and training
programs in fields including engineering,
architecture, urban planning, and water
resource management.”
Fourteen organisations
received grants of up to $150,000 under
the program.
Senator Wong said the
$1.55 million provided in grants to local
government organisations would help them
assess risks and develop action plans to
deal with the effects of climate change.
“Local governments play
a major role in planning and development,
natural resources management, infrastructure,
and health and recreational facilities –
and so are crucial to managing the effects
of climate change on their communities,”
Senator Wong said.
A full list of recipients
under both grants programs is available
at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/index.html
Media Contact: Ilsa Colson 0418 368 639
