Modest Tasmanian climate change ?
Not bad for an island shaped like a fig leaf ?!

Climate Change in Tasmania -

n the medium term at least – Climate Change in Tasmania will be relatively modest due to the moderating influence of surrounding oceans.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, said recent projections by the CSIRO indicate increased annual rainfall in the west and in central areas, less rainfall in eastern areas, more winter and early spring rainfall, higher annual minimum temperatures and an increase in wind speeds.

“These projections though provide no grounds for complacency and we must recognise that Tasmania will be subject to general sea-level rise, and to changes in climate.

“We have a responsibility not only to address these expected impacts, and even though our contribution to global efforts to combat climate change would be minute – it’s a small important step on a long journey.

Mr Llewellyn said a new climate change and coastal risk management project is now underway, and will assist local planning authorities to incorporate sea-level rise and storm tide inundation issues into their planning and management activities.

“A parallel project funded by the Tasmanian Risk Mitigation Fund is being conducted by the Clarence City Council and is focusing specifically on climate change and sea-level rise risks to the coastline in that municipality.

Mr Llewellyn also said a Draft Climate Change Strategy for Tasmania was prepared last year and released for a three-month public comment period.

“The Government was keen for Tasmanians to have their say on climate change and over 150 submissions and comments have been received – a great result that reflects the interest in this issue in the community.”

The Department is currently reviewing the submissions prior to the preparation of a final strategy.

“At this stage, it is anticipated that preparation of the final strategy will be completed within the next couple of months.

“The final strategy will recognise our responsibility to contribute at the national and international level as well as using the best available knowledge to act now at the State and local level to manage the impacts.

Mr Llewellyn said Tasmania is in the fortunate position of having a strong renewable energy base but there is much more to be done.

“The Government is committed to further development and use of renewable energy in Tasmania, and we will also need to focus on ways of reducing emissions from our industry sectors, transport, primary industries and households.”