Hundreds of Australians could be forced to leave their island homes under government plans to safeguard residents against rising sea levels.
Home Island is so prone to flooding the plan suggested it's too costly to protect long-term.A recently released report calls for a retreat from the Cocos Islands as sea levels rise.The proposal has not been finalised and is open for public comment until April.Share article
It called for immediate action to reinforce and relocate vulnerable infrastructure before a broad-scale evacuation of the lower-lying Home Island, which was deemed too costly to protect.Supplied: Rose Cumminsa trust for the Cocos Malay peopleThe Cocos Malay, who make up the majority of residents, trace their roots to indentured workers brought to the islands from British colonial south-east Asia and elsewhere two centuries ago.
" they will not contribute one cent towards protecting Home Island. That is absolutely unbelievable and it's unacceptable." They also pointed towards a $23 million investment package announced by Territories Minister Kristy McBain in December 2024 for emergency preparedness on the islands.An unusually large storm surge toppled seawalls and buried beaches on West Island in October last year."I've been given excuses and I've been told of dates when we'd have for the last two years," he said.
Home Island CHRMAP Climate Change Defence Frank Mills Commonwealth Rising Sea Levels West Island
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hundreds of Thousands of Australians Potentially Overpaying Super TaxMany Australians are unknowingly paying unnecessary taxes on their superannuation accounts due to a lack of understanding about retirement phase transitions. The Super Members Council (SMC) estimates that retirees with accumulation accounts could be paying thousands of dollars more in taxes than necessary. The SMC calls for better financial advice and education to help Australians make informed decisions about their superannuation.
Read more »
Elon Musk's Starlink is connecting hundreds of thousands of regional Australians to the internetIn regional and remote Australian communities, Starlink is becoming the internet provider of choice but with that comes fears of what happens when they are forced to rely on Elon Musk?
Read more »
Nearly 1 Million Australians Visit Japan in Record-Breaking Tourism YearAustralia saw a 50% surge in travelers to Japan last year, reaching nearly 1 million visitors. This increase coincides with a record-breaking year for Japan's tourism industry, exceeding pre-COVID levels. Experts cite the weak yen and the allure of Japan's ski season as key factors driving this trend.
Read more »
‘Tsunami’ of corruption: Is match-fixing a major problem in tennis, and are Australians involved?In 2016, a rising Australian tennis star was suspended for throwing a set in a low-level tournament. It was a sadly common tale in the murky world of tennis, where match-fixing is a major scourge.
Read more »
3G Switch-Off Leaves Regional Australians StrandedSince the shutdown of 3G networks by Telstra and Optus, many regional and rural Australians have reported significant drops in mobile phone reception. Despite assurances from network providers about improved connectivity, residents are facing difficulties making calls and accessing data, raising concerns about their ability to stay connected during emergencies.
Read more »
South Australians demand action on domestic violenceSouth Australians have staged a vigil for the lives lost across Australia to domestic violence as they demand urgent change and action.
Read more »