By Angela Dorizas

Developers have slammed the New South Wales Governments’ draft sea level rise projections as extreme.

The Urban Taskforce, which represents the property development industry, claimed that the State Government’s projections were based on an “extreme scenario”.

The Taskforce’s chief executive, Aaron Gadiel, said the NSW figures did not match-up with projected sea level rise in other states.

“If we’re to believe government projections, in 2050 as you cross the state border from the Gold Coast into NSW, you’ll see a 13 centimetre jump in the sea level,” Gadiel said.

“How can you be standing in ankle-deep water in Coolangatta and knee-deep in Tweed Heads?

“It’s ridiculous for anyone to suggest water levels will change on the state boundaries.”

He said the NSW Government benchmark of 90 cm sea level rise by 2100 was well above predictions in other states and territories.

Gadiel said “planning must be based on facts, not fear”.

“The science tells us that the sea level rise benchmark for 2100 could be as low as 36cm – much less than the 90cm stated in the NSW Government’s draft projections,” he added.

Related Story: Councils seek guidance in preparing for sea level rise

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