NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes has told councils to put away their crystal balls and base coastal hazard information (particularly Section 149 Planning Certificates) on hard evidence.
Speaking at the recent NSW Coastal Conference, the Minister noted
- Planning certificates are one of many factors that help buyers to make informed decisions about whether to purchase a property and it is important any notations on these planning certificates are as accurate and reliable as possible
- Current hazards are things that pose an immediate risk like local beach erosion or coastal flooding. Future hazards on the other hand are things that are projected to impact the property in the future due to sea level rise or receding shorelines
- From today we will ensure that advice about current or future coastal hazards, contained on these planning certificates, is evidence-based and clear
- Councils are advised to make a clear distinction between a current or future hazard, which will give the community greater confidence in how information on coastal hazards is disclosed.
As you can read in this full Press Release and in the Planning Circular it refers to, there’s still wiggle room for councils but this is certainly a step in the right direction.
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