Residents prepare for change

CASEY residents are invited to help shape the council’s plans to tackle climate change issues by attending consultation sessions in the coming weeks.
The council has decided to commence a broad community consultation program on the possible impacts of climate change within the municipality, especially in the highly susceptible coastal villages.
Coastal towns such as Tooradin were among those that could face sea level rises after Federal Parliament last month released a report looking at the impact of climate change on coastal areas.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said the City of Casey was assessing the likely effects of climate change on the area with a view of developing strategies to support the community.
“As part of this process, council is inviting interested residents to attend a community consultation session to share their thoughts on climate change and guide council’s climate change planning process,” Cr Ablett said.
Executive officer of the South East Council’s Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) Greg Hunt said the report found the community faced a sea level rise of up to 50 centimetres by 2070 and 80 centimetres by 2100. Planning and building changes may occur in Casey’s coastal villages as a result, Mr Hunt said.
“If there is building on the coast there will possibly be restrictions placed on the kinds of buildings and where they will be located,” Mr Hunt said.
The first session was held yesterday at Narre Warren and the next will be on 26 November from 7pm to 9pm at the Balla Balla Community Centre at 65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road in Cranbourne East.
Another session will be held on 1 December from 7pm to 9pm at the Narre Warren North Public Hall at A’Beckett Road in Narre Warren North.
To register or find out more call 9705 5200.