Some of Sydney’s best-loved beaches, coastal homes and roads are at risk of destruction if urgent
action to curb climate change is not taken, warns the latest Climate Commission report.
NSW government modelling has shown Narrabeen, Dee Why and Manly beaches will become more
vulnerable to erosion, while areas of suburbs such as Rockdale and Kurnell will be hard hit by increased
storm events and extreme weather.
“The NSW government must prepare for the reality that if it does nothing to address increasing
temperatures and sea level rises then Sydney will be the Australian capital worst hit by climate
change,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke said today.
“Our neighbours in Queensland experienced the devastating impacts of extreme weather this summer,
let’s heed the warning in today’s report and ensure we minimise the likelihood of those overwhelming
scenes of loss being repeated closer to home.
“Every year we delay reducing NSW’s carbon emissions brings us closer to paying the high price of
coastal erosion, flooding and other impacts of climate change.
“The next four years of this ‘critical decade’ for climate action presents an ideal opportunity for
creating a state that thinks beyond coal and becomes a world-class clean energy producer.
“The NSW government must act swiftly to restore faith in renewable energy by honouring the solar
bonus scheme, present a credible strategy for rapidly scaling up clean power and improve energy
efficiency.
“The decisions made by the O’Farrell government now will determine whether NSW takes
responsibility for a clean energy future or becomes mired in the dangerous business-as-usual of
increased carbon pollution and sea level rises,” Mr Clarke said.