The danger from natural disasters in the Shoalhaven and Highlands is getting worse, with local communities warned that major storms, bushfires and floods will become more frequent and severe.
Former ACT emergency services chief, Major General Peter Dunn AO (Retired), says the release of Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment shows days of severe fire weather will become more common, driving up the chances of disastrous megafires.
Major General Dunn, a member of the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action group, said the local picture was becoming bleak.
“We’re going to be affected in all of our shires, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and the Shoalhaven, and unfortunately we can expect to see communities impacted by drought, flood, coastal erosion, inundation and extended bushfire seasons,” he said.
Major General Dunn said his fears have increased since the updated assessment was released earlier this week.
“(We need to give) communities, and in particular local government, more resources to get them enlisted as part of the fight.
“But importantly, what we really need to do is get our emergency services geared up.”
He called on the federal government step to up its efforts to head off the looming crisis.
“We … desperately need are very, very ambitious emissions reduction targets from the government.
“They need to be right up there to reduce emissions to almost zero by 2035,” he said.
“This is the only way we have to combat this.”
