However, while a growing number of reports and organisations have spoken about the need for action, Member for Gilmore Joanna Gash has questioned how remedial measures will be organised and funded.

“I want to know who is going to be responsible for what, who is going to pay and when,” Mrs Gash said on Monday.

Following last week’s release of the report ‘Managing our coastal zone in a changing climate’, prepared by the Federal Government’s House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts, Mrs Gash said all three levels of government needed to take responsibility for dealing with the issue.

“The report identifies significant challenges that lie ahead for coastal areas, particularly in relation to planning, insurance matters and increased costs,” Mrs Gash said.

“As a first step I urge the Federal Government to initiate more coastal-based research, consider the consequences and delegate responsibilities to the State and local governments, which naturally should be involved in the process.”

Within the Shoalhaven, 1200 properties were identified as being at risk from rising seas, and Mrs Gash said climate change presented a great economic challenge to the region.

“While Shoalhaven City Council has already been extremely proactive on this issue, identifying areas at risk of coastal hazards since 2004 and taking action, local government cannot be expected to carry the entire load.”

Shoalhaven City Council is one of many local government areas throughout Australia calling for national leadership on the climate change issue, and Mrs Gash said the committee’s 47 recommendations took the first steps towards establishing a national approach.

Recommendation 46 from the committee’s report mentions the need for a National Coastal Advisory Council to provide independent advice on coastal matters, Mrs Gash noted.