Survey on coast planning

PEOPLE’S opinions will be used to shape the future of planning in the region.

Townsville City Council has opened a survey to gather information about the community’s attitude to future changes to the Townsville coastline.

A study was done in 2012 on the potential impact of climate change on the city’s coastal communities.

This survey will build on information from that project and inform the council’s decision- making about coastal hazard adaptation in the short, medium and long term.

Deputy Mayor and Planning and Development Committee chair Les Walker said the council was committed to planning for the future to ensure Townsville communities were prepared for coastal change.

“This long- term planning will help us manage these changes in a cost- effective, sustainable way,” he said.

Cr Walker said the first step was to raise awareness about potential coastal changes in the region and understand the community’s priorities.

“Input from the survey will inform our assessments, planning and future decision- making to find the best local solutions to protect our coastline and community infrastructure into the future,” he said.

North Queensland Conservation Council campaign manager Tarquin Moon said it was important that climate change was taken seriously.

“This risk at the local government level has been talked about for the past couple of decades,” she said.

“This is an initiative to take stock of what is a reality.”

The online survey closes on October 26.