A TOTAL of 1474 properties on the Georges River are identified as being potentially subject to flooding after factoring official projections for sea level rises from climate change.
Under the Draft Lower Georges River Floodplain Risk Management Plan, the properties could be liable to carry planning certificate notations warning property owners, potential purchasers and developers of the flooding risks.
In identifying the properties, Sutherland Shire Council was required by state legislation to consider climate change impacts including sea level rises.
The council was due to adopt the plan last month but deferred the decision to ask for more information from the Office of Environment and Heritage.
The plan identifies 1396 properties in Caringbah, Como, Cronulla, Kangaroo Point, Kareela, Kurnell, Oyster Bay, Sylvania, Sylvania Waters, Taren Point and Woolooware that will be affected by the projected sea level rise of 400 millimetres by 2050.
It also identifies 78 properties in these suburbs that are potentially subject to flooding caused by a potential sea level rise of 900 millimetres by the year 2100.
The plan was developed by a committee composed of council staff, councillors, state government representatives and members of the community.
It was publicly exhibited and the council received 45 submissions.
Concern was raised by some in the community that flood risk notations would lower property values.
But a report by Macquarie University Natural Hazards Research Centre's Stephen Yeo found that there was "no conclusive evidence that flood disclosure has an effect on property values".
The state government's floodplain management manual requires all councils to introduce risk management plans.
It was updated in 2005 to require councils to include advice relating to the potential impacts of climate change, including best estimates of sea level rises.
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