Tough but critical questions on climate change- particularly for vulnerable areas like the Torres Strait Islands- have been posed in a new consultation paper released today by the State Government.

Premier Anna Bligh and Environment Minister Vicky Darling said it was vital solutions were found for the effects of climate change which had dramatic fallout for the Islands with rising sea levels, coastal erosion and flooding.

The Premier said the document -Climate Change: Adaptation for Queensland- was the first major step toward updating Queensland's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy andencouraged Queenslanders to share their views on difficult questions such as what could be done to counter rising sea levels.

"Queensland is no stranger to harsh weather and as a government we need to be prepared to tackle the harsh reality and seek community input on how we can adapt," Ms Bligh said.

"We want to hear Queenslanders views on the tough questions such as how do we prepare primary industries for change when some agricultural activities may not be viable in the long-term?

"How do we look after our most vulnerable community members during heatwaves?

"It's particularly pertinent that we are releasing this strategy in the Torres Strait because each yearmany Islander communities are inundated by high tides which flood houses, infrastructure and cultural sites.

"Even small increases in sea level has the potential for immense impacts on Torres Strait communities and large increases may result in some islands being completely inundated.

"There's a vital need to work with these vulnerable communities to determine a longer term strategy for managing risks, particularly associated with sea level rise."

Ms Darling said communities such as those in the Torres Strait are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to permanent land loss due to sea level rise.

"For Torres Strait Islanders- and many other Traditional Owner groups along the Queensland coast- sea level rise will significantly impact on their social, culturaland economic practices and heavily influence the health and well being of individuals and communities," Ms Darling said.

"Only this year have we seen first hand the devastation that extreme weather can cause to our landscape, community and economy.

"Changes to our climate will occur gradually over many years, but decisions and investments made today such as major infrastructure are long-lived - it's critical that we continue to plan for climate change now.

"That's why this issues paperidentifies considerations across the key areas ofscience, human settlements, infrastructure, ecosystems, water management, primary industries, emergency management and human health."

"Over the coming two months my department and I will be talking to key stakeholders on the issues that matter most to them. Their valuable feedback will inform the final strategy due for release next year."

Queenslanders are invited to provide feedback by 20 October 2011 online (www.climatechange.qld.gov.au) or via post to Adaptation consultation team, Office of Climate Change, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

29/08/2011