Queensland’s iconic coastline is home to significant cultural, social, economic and tourist resources and values.  Recent severe weather events have demonstrated just how fragile our coastal communities really are and highlights the significant vulnerability of over 80% of the population who all reside along the coastline.

How do we protect our coastal way of life and the significant cultural, social, tourism, recreational, and economic opportunities provided by our unique coastal environments? How do we limit the damage or loss of property and life if sea levels continue to rise at predicted rates? How do we plan for the potential impacts of sea level rise before they occur?

These issues and more will be discussed at the Queensland Coastal Conference to be held from 12th to the 15th of May.

Conference Chairman, Sean Galvin, said the event, to be held at the SeaWorld Resort on the Gold Coast, is a critical forum for academics, government, industry, management bodies, developers, coastal communities and other interested stakeholders to discuss solutions to policy, planning and management issues.

“The conference, called Waves of Change, will offer a balanced discussion and information about practical, on-ground coastal management solutions and provide a productive medium for open discussions on potential options to address emerging coastal planning, policy, and management and development issues.

Mr. Galvin said: “From the moment we began planning this, the second such conference to be held in Queensland; it was obvious that climate change and sea level rise was going to take centre stage.
 
“Some of our keynote speakers will discuss these topics, including John (Toshie) Kris, chairman of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, who was born on Thursday Island and is a champion for land and sea management.
 
“Will Steffen is executive director of the ANU Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University, and will speak on global change, climate change and sustainability.
 
“The Queensland Coastal Conference is the only forum that affords all relevant stakeholders to meet in the one location and collaboratively progress coastal protection and management issues with the view of enhancing and maintaining momentum for coastal sustainability in Queensland.”
 
The conference is expected to draw over 250 delegates from all over Australia and overseas including leading research and education organisations, coastal and marine industries and consultants, indigenous groups and community organisations.
 
To find out more about Queensland’s premier Coastal Conference and the  Queensland Coastal Councils Group Forum, please check out the website: http://www.iceaustralia.com/qldcoast09/index.html

 High tides and strong waves during Cyclone Hamish