Aussie coastal development stopped

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) handed down a landmark decision last month (August) that is already having major impacts on planning decisions in coastal areas across Australia. The recognition by VCAT that climate change - particularly the potential for sea level rises - is a significant factor when considering planning applications is fast causing far-reaching ramifications. In its assessment VCAT recognises that the relevance of climate change on the planning process is still in an "evolutionary phase" and that each case will have its own set of unique circumstances.

The decision by VCAT to quash a residential development at the coastal town of Toora, in Victoria's Gippsland region, because of the impact of climate change The decision has already created massive confusion for local councils, planners and developers across Australia because, at present, these key stake-holders feel they do not have an adequate framework from which to assess the decision on its merits. With the impact of climate change on planning decisions still in an "evolutionary phase" (& what does this mean?) this decision has potentially set a precedent for planning tribunals around the country to knock back any proposed development on the grounds of climate change. Scientific evidence shows that climate change is not limited to coastal areas.

In one sense this is triage in action.... so how this decision is interpreted in the future could have massive ramifications not only in Australia but around the world.