COASTAL COUNCILS CONFERENCE AT BYRON BAY
3 December 2009: A national conference for Australia’s coastal councils will be held at Byron
Bay in March next year to consider the complex issues currently facing coastal communities
including sea level rise, the legal implications of climate change and ageing populations.
Barry Sammels, the Chair of the National Sea Change Taskforce, said Byron Bay has been
selected to host the event because of its relevance in terms of coastal hazards, development
pressures and issues associated with climate change impacts.
“In addition to expert presentations on these topics, delegates will have the opportunity of
studying these issues at first hand in a local field tour to be conducted as part of the event,” he
said.
“They will also have the opportunity to make input into development of a coastal policy agenda for
the next Federal election which will help to achieve the sustainability of the Australian coastal
zone and its communities.”
Cr Jan Barham, the Mayor of Byron Shire Council, said the conference would provide a key focus
on the two major long term issues facing Australia – ageing populations and climate change.
“Treasurer Wayne Swan recently identified these as the two most daunting challenges facing the
nation and coastal communities are at the forefront of having to deal with them,” she said.
“Justine Elliot MP, the Federal Minister for Ageing, will be presenting a keynote address to
delegates on the government’s policy agenda to address the needs of ageing communities.
“The conference will also consider the Rudd Government’s response to the George Report,
Managing our Coastal Zone in a Changing Climate and will include detailed discussion on the
Federal Government’s recently released report – Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts.”
Jennie George MP, the Chair of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water,
Environment and the Arts, which conducted the parliamentary coastal inquiry, will provide an
update on the recommendations of the report and current response by the Australian
Government.
The conference will also include the inaugural general meeting of the Australian Coastal Alliance,
which is being formed to provide an effective interface between coastal stakeholders and coastal
research providers.
ENDS
For more information:
Alan Stokes – Tel: 02 9908 2401 Mob: 0411 592 269
NEWS 
