Forgive me, but do the residents of Sutherland Shire have to be indecently exposed to 15 councillors who will shortly be in the decision-making process of determining which residents homes will be deemed flood prone.
The decision will be based on state government legislation to include floor notations on planning certificates for residents, property, based on properties — ‘‘perceived’’ to be at risk.
In 35 years the Plan on Climate Change indicates the sea level — may — rise up to 400mm (approx 15 inches) and 900mm (approx 34 inches) by 2100. The key words are perceived and yet residents in some areas will be subjected to the council claiming they live in a potential flood prone area with the resultant devaluation of their property.
The council obviously intends to proceed with the notations even given the NSW Chief Scientist states the sea modeling us ‘‘immature’’.
While I am no scientist, my experience as a resident of Sylvania Waters for five decades clearly displays that the water level has not changed in that period, but in 35 years, we are told the water level will rise 400mm.
This year we had Christmas tides and a massive deluge of unprecedented wind and rain. Similar to Easter. The scientist would state a perfect scenario for Sylvania Waters to flood.
No such thing! At the peak of high tide, the water level remained at the same height for Christmas and Easter tides as it has for the past 50 years, from when it could be judged.
One could suggest that councillors are on very dangerous ground by adding notations to property certificates based on information that even the Chief Scientist claims are immature.
There is no attempt to enter the climate change debate, but practical reality and real life circumstances clearly display there has been no change of water levels in near 50 years.
Residents have every right to be alarmed with councillors inflicting negatives on to their homes and investments based on perception and unprovable assumptions.
Michael T. Tynan, OAM, managing director, Tynan Motor Group
