Friends of the Earth has criticised the decision of the Victorian Labor government to axe its Victorian Coastal Council.
The group says the decision reflects another failure by the Brumby government to face the challenge of sea level rise caused by climate change.
Media release December 16, 2009
FRIENDS OF THE EARTH
What about sea level rise Mr Brumby?
Friends of the Earth has criticised the decision of the Victorian Labor government to axe its Victorian Coastal Council.
The environment group says the decision reflects another failure by the Brumby government to face the challenge of sea level rise caused by climate change.
Friends of the Earth had previously called on the State government and the Council to revise its Victorian Coastal Strategy after new scientific research and Federal government reports showed that the state planning benchmarks for sea level rise were out of date.
"This decision is a mistake and reflects a failure by the State Government to face up to the challenge of sea level rise" said Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Damien Lawson.
"We already knew the 80 cm benchmark contained in the Victorian Coastal Strategy was dangerously low, and now the government is scrapping the body that is meant to implement the strategy."
"The Premier and the Minister need to inform the Victorian public exactly how this decision will improve Victoria's strategy for adaptation to sea level rise and climate change."
"Last month Friends of the Earth met with communities and councils around Port Phillip Bay through its Port Phillip Rising walk. There is clear and growing community concern about the threat of sea level rise right along the Bay."
"We are concerned that instead of dealing with the reality of sea level rise predictions the government is trying to take the issue off the table before the State election."
For more information: Damien Lawson 04199 253 342