Report spells doom for coastal houses Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au HUNDREDS of houses in beachside suburbs are at risk of inundation in the next 20 years, a new report has revealed. The study, titled the Economic Impacts from Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge in Victoria, Australia over the 21st century, was commissioned by the Victorian Marine and Coastal Council and Life Saving Victoria, and undertaken by the University of Melbourne. It estimates that by 2100, sea level rise and storm surge in Victoria will cause $442 billion in damage to the economy. The report ranked 40 suburbs by the number of properties which are at high risk of inundation by 2040. Carrum ranked 8th with 556 properties, Edithvale 12th with 376, Bon-
beach 18th with 257, Seaford 21st with 229, and Patterson Lakes 22nd with 196. Chelsea, Aspendale, and Chelsea Heights also featured in the top 40. By 2070 Patterson Lakes, Seaford, and Chelsea will be the local suburbs at greatest risk of inundation, the report found. Victorian Marine and Coastal Council chair Dr Anthony Boxshall said that action needs to be taken to prevent huge losses on Victoria’s coasts. “We know that climate change is going to hurt many Victorian communities if we do not act,” he said. “This rigorous report clearly and comprehensively documents the economic challenges that Victoria’s coastal communities will face from sea level rise and related storm surges. Spending on adaptation over the next two decades could help reduce future risk and save significantly on
the estimates of future costs.” When submitting its plan for future housing developments to the planning minister, Kingston Council included the report in its material (“Housing height limits sent to planning minister” The Times 16/8/23). Professor Tom Kompas from the University of Melbourne wrote in the report that “the economic damages from sea level rise / storm surge to coastal areas are more than enough to trigger considerable financial instability for many coastal communities and the state of Victoria itself, not to mention the potential loss of life, and damages to food, water supply and environmental assets from sea level rise and storm surge, many aspects of which are not accounted for in our calculations.” To read the report visitmarineandcoastalcouncil.vic.gov.au/resources/ vmacc-reports
ASPENDALE is one suburb at risk of major inundation damage by 2100, a new report has found. Picture: Gary Sissons
Battery danger warning
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Mens Shed will expand hours LANGWARRIN Mens Shed is extending its hours. The shed is currently open from 9am to 4.30pm each weekday for members. From 9 October the shed will also open from 6pm to 9pm each Monday. Langwarrin Mens Shed president Steven Schyschow said he hoped the new hours would help more people access the shed’s services. “Generally, men’s sheds are thought of as a place for retired men. However our goal is to be available to a broader group of men in our community. The dominant purpose of Langwarrin Mens Shed is to advance improvements in men’s mental health issues and relieving social isolation,” he said. “The Langwarrin Mens Shed is an active group in our community with over 90 members. The shed not only provides facilities for the traditional trades such as wood and metal working, but also a CNC Laser cutter and a CNC router cutting machines. We have an active computer group who run various training sessions and administrative requirements. For those who are feeling energetic, there is also a bike riding group where the coffee stop is as important as the ride.” For more information visit langwarrinmensshed.org.au
FIREFIGHTERS are urging people to be wary of the dangers of lithiumion battery fires. Around once a week, Victorian firefighters respond to a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery. CFA deputy chief officer Garry Cook said “when lithium-ion batteries are damaged, misused or fail to meet compliance standards, they pose a serious fire risk, particularly while they are connected to chargers.” “These devices make our lives easier, however people should know the risks and make sure they use e-products correctly. The best way to keep you and your family safe is to only purchase from reputable suppliers, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the compatible charger that came with the product,” he said. Energy Safe Victoria is reviewing its guidelines on lithium-ion batteries. Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said “all batteries come with a degree of risk but it’s how you treat them and the care you take with purchasing that determines whether they become dangerous.” “If they’re damaged, replace them and don’t take shortcuts to save some money. Common factors with lithium-ion fires are aftermarket, recycled or modified batteries. They may be cheaper, but they are not worth the risk. You want the safest option which is the battery that is built by the same manufacturer as the product. It’s the same principle with chargers – do not buy the cheapest charger you can find unless it’s made by the manufacturer of the product,” she said. For more information visit cfa.vic. gov.au/batterysafety and frv.vic.gov. au/battery-safety.
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