Queensland, a rich resource state, is now crying poor largely due to the massive costs as a result of recent devastating floods that saw over 90% of areas in the state declared to be flood effected. Amazingly Queenslanders then voted for a conservative political party noted for its climate change sceptics. Similarly I am concerned about the Tweed Shire Council being dominated by conservatives.
The council’s recently released Tweed Valley Flood Risk Management Plan states: Climate change would significantly increase Tweed’s annual average damage estimates due to flooding, already one of the highest in the State ($22.3million).
Imagine how rates will go up due to this increased flood damage, not to mention adverse effects on residents and small business. The carbon price’s effect on rates and council’s budget is tiny (point three to point four of one percent). Cr Youngblutt has said the carbon tax legislation was the most stupid legislation that had come in. Economic experts advising government say a price on carbon is the most cost effective solution.
So where have this year’s huge rate increases come from? Perhaps the recent damage to Kingcliff’s foreshore or the increased number of potholes due to extreme weather conditions provides a clue.
We need a council with a greater mix of Greens and other progressives not dominated by misguided ways of the past. Then instead of our rates money increasingly being spent on coping with the expected damage, it may be spent on progressive forward thinking with an aim to lessen the effects of climate change.
Lyn Dickinson
Pottsville
