Justine Bell suggests Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney’s decision to order Moreton Bay Regional Council to remove future seas level rise from its planning regulations as shortsighted. (The Conversation, 12.12.14): ‘Governments no doubt have challenging decisions to make, and planning for future sea-level rise will not be universally popular. Yes, including sea-level rise may reduce property values and increase insurance premiums. But deferring action will mean that more properties are built in hazard-prone areas. The time will eventually come when governments cannot ignore this issue, and by then there may be even more properties with reduced value and increased insurance premiums. Planning for impacts now will let governments spread the huge cost burden of dealing with sea-level rise over time. Waiting will just make the problem even more expensive.’
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