There will be many challenges for all levels of government in responding to climate change. In coastal areas of Australia, climate change will mean increased number and intensity of storms, storm surges, flooding, coastal and dune erosion and in same cases permanent inundation of private land, due to sea level rise and increased ocean temperatures. One of the greatest challenges in responding to these impacts is that of coastal strategic and statutory planners.

The immediate challenge facing all tiers of government is how to adapt to these impacts and what climate change means for coastal communities. Questions raised include: What areas are most vulnerable? How does a local council approach protection of vulnerable areas and planned retreat? In cases where coastal land is subject to inundation or coastal hazards, what level of risk should be borne and by whom? More immediately, councils are faced with the question of how to approach applications for new development in vulnerable coastal areas.

In response to these questions, our paper will outline proposed regulatory approaches at each level of government and offer practical guidance on existing and possible future approaches. In doing so, we will outline the following:
• The current policy position at the Federal level.
• Approaches taken by State governments, for instance, in Victoria, the appointment of the Coastal Climate Change Advisory Committee and Future Coasts.
• Approaches taken to coastal development and impacts associated with climate change in Court and Tribunal decisions.
• Existing planning tools available to respond to the impacts of climate change, including zoning, public/private agreements and conditions imposed on approvals.
• Possible legislative responses, including powers of acquisition, compensation payable in a retreat scenario, limited liability for decision-makers, and guidance for statutory and strategic planners in existing and proposed coastal settlements.