House of Representatives Committees

House Standing Committee on Environment and Heritage

Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Inquiry into the environmental implications of the ‘sea change’ phenomenon

Terms of Reference

The committee will inquire into and report on issues and policies related to environmental pressures experienced by Australian coastal areas as a result of the ‘sea change’ phenomenon. The inquiry will have particular regard to:

• the environmental impacts of an increasing coastal population

• measures to reduce the environmental impacts of an expanding coastal population

• mechanisms to promote sustainable coastal communities and protect Australia’s coastline.

The inquiry was referred to the committee by the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources on 9 August 2007.