Rising seas threaten Australian homes

A report on climate changes produced by the Australian parliament shows the need for a nationwide procedure to contend with rising sea levels.

Estimates show that by the beginning of the next century a universal sea level rise of more than 30 inches is possible, bringing a threat to millions of coastal homes and beachside properties.

The main implication of the report is the requirement for government to formulate a defence policy to protect the county's population against rising seas and extreme weather conditions that would ensue.

The coast around Australia is home to more than two thirds of the country's populace with over 700,000 homes situated less than 7 yards above sae level. The tropical state of Queensland was considered most at risk, closely followed by the highly populated state of New South Wales. Coastal erosion and flooding already costs hundreds of millions of dollars.

Action now should include improved early warning systems for extreme sea swells and building regulations to be revised to cope with this major threat to the coastline of Australia.