Maps predict future floods for Australian coastal cities

123 ABC Newcastle (Australia): Rising sea levels are likely to cause serious and regular flooding in Australian coastal cities by the end of the century, according to maps released by the Federal Government today. The maps for low-lying areas in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Newcastle, the New South Wales' central coast and south-east Queensland show significant levels of inundation by the year 2100.

The maps show three different scenarios, with the lowest rise of 50 centimetres representing a situation which is likely to be unavoidable. The medium level map shows a rise of 80cm and the highest level of 1.1 metres shows the flooding risk identified in the most recent climate change research.

The Government says the flooding shown in the maps is likely to occur at least once a year.
Climate Change Minister Greg Combet says the maps will help communities prepare for the effects of climate change. "The Government recognises that coastal areas of Australia are a priority for adaptation action, with many communities vulnerable to impacts such as erosion and sea inundation," Mr Combet said...

The map shows estimated inundation at the Port of Brisbane from a moderate sea level rise in the year 2100 (Department of Climate Change)