Beach Erosion Risk on Property
To view this video of HSS student work and other dynamic content on this site please upgrade your Flash Player or turn Javascript on.
Movie size: 7,34mb
Requirements: Flash Player 8 or higher
Experts believe some of Sydney's prime beach front properties could soon be swept into the sea. Jordan Millar and Peter Nguyen report the erosion threat is being ignored by Sydney real estate agents and homebuyers.
'Beach Erosion Risk on Property' Transcript
JOURNALIST
This prime beachfront property is worth over 1 million dollars. In 20 years, it could be at the bottom of the ocean.
As Sydney beachfront property prices Skyrocket, increasing beach erosion is being ignored by real estate agents and potential buyers. It's homes on Sydney's wealthy northern beaches that are considered most endangered.
Narrabeen has been identified by an international climate change study as the third worst erosion hotspot in Australia.
CRAIG MORRISON
The houses along say the Narrabeen-Colloroy stretch are selling for over a million dollars and that level doesn't seem to be decreasing with increasing risk.
JOURNALIST
Craig Morrison from the Sydney Coastal Council's group says the danger needs to be taken more seriously.
CRAIG MORRISON
If we get a big swell or a series of big swells there are houses that could be washed into the sea.
JOURNALIST
If such a storm occurs, the houses behind me could be Sydney's newest waterfront properties. As global sea levels continue to rise, research is intensifying into the damage Sydney could face.
Dr Peter Cowell from Sydney University is researching the impact climate change may have on Sydney's suburbs.
PETER COWELL
We are in a position to do the sort of planning that needs to be done. Unfortunately it's not being done.
JOURNALIST
Houses aren't he only concern, public owned beach front areas also face serious risk.
CRAIG MORRISON
People go to the beach, they sit on the sand, they also use the surf club, they use the local cafes, they use the local pubs.
JOURNALIST
Council groups claim that a disaster resulting from beach erosion would cost the local economy billions. Further State and Federal Funding is needed to prevent future catastrophes.