Councils tag LIMs over possible sea rise based on questionable science
Will climate change sea rise threaten small coastal communities like Gore Bay on the eastern coast of the South Island more than in the past?
The coastal hazard proposal in the review limits intensification (including new building and subdivision) in areas likely to be susceptible to coastal erosion within the next 50 years, or vulnerable to sea water inundation associated with a one in 50 year storm event.
Less restrictive controls are proposed for areas identified as potentially susceptible to coastal erosion within the 50-100 year period or vulnerable to sea water inundation in a one in 100 year storm event. The new coastal hazard rules assume a one metre sea level rise over the next 100 years.
Most properties in the new coastal inundation management areas are in existing or proposed flood management areas, with rules requiring raised floor levels for new buildings and additions to mitigate the effects of potential flooding in areas likely to be affected by a major flood event.
