Perth sea level rise ‘disturbing’
| December 5, 2012
SEA levels on the Perth coastline are rising at three times the global average, the latest State of Australian Cities report shows.
In a statistic that federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese described as “disturbing” and “extraordinary”, readings since 1993 have indicated sea levels are rising by between 9mm and 10mm per year.
The global average is around three millimetres per year.
With temperatures rising and rainfall falling, environmental changes are having little effect on the numbers of people moving to Perth, with the city population growing by 2.6 per cent since 2001 – making it the fastest growing capital in the country.
That expanding population was having little impact on transport habits, with almost 80 per cent of people still travelling to work by car and only 12 per cent by public transport.
Perth also has the lowest proportion of people walking to work of Australia’s capitals, with only 2.6 per cent of people leaving their car or bike at home.
In 2011, Perth also experienced 50 days over 35C, which was the peak of a three-year spike in temperatures.
Perth mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the report highlighted major issues the city would deal with in the next decade.
“The worsening traffic congestion we are experiencing should act as a wake-up call to us all,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“And of particular concern in the State of Australian Cities report is the observation that Perth has experienced a reduction in average annual rainfall between 1952 and 2011, so obviously we all need to be smarter in terms of building design and water efficiency.”
FACTBOX
Perth’s population increased from 1.45 million in 2001 to 1.83 million in 2011, up 2.6 per cent, making the city Australia’s second fastest growing after the Gold Coast-Tweed
Almost 80 per cent of people travel to work by car and 12 per cent by public transport
In 2011, Perth experienced 50 days over 35 degrees Celsius, the peak of a three-year spike of hot weather which has seen more days over 35C than any other time in the past 30 years
One of Australia’s three driest capitals, Perth has experienced a reduction in average annual rainfall between 1952 and 2011
Since 1993, Perth, along with Darwin, has experienced the highest rates of sea level rises among major coastal cities, measuring nine to 10 millimetres per year. The global average is three millimetres
Perth has the highest proportion of residents who feel that their city has a quality natural environment (79 per cent)
Only 41 per cent of Perth residents agree that the city provides good transport infrastructure and services, and is a safe place for people and their property
According to the 2012 AMP NATSEM Income and Wealth Reports analysis of typical household goods and services, Perth is among the most expensive of the capital cities for education, alcohol and tobacco
Perth has the lowest proportion of people walking to work of the capital cities (2.6 per cent).