Peter’s farm is on ‘flood country’. As Australia’s sea levels rise, safe land is vanishing and costs are huge
Rising sea levels and frequent flooding are threatening agricultural viability in Australia's northern rivers region. A new Climate Council report warns that coastal flooding could cause hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage by 2100.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the tangible, long-term economic and personal impact of climate change on rural landholders and national infrastructure.
Peter Lake's NSW northern rivers property after a flood in 2022 flood. The cattle farm has flooded five times since 2009. Photograph: Peter Lake Peter Lake's NSW northern rivers property after a flood in 2022 flood. The cattle farm has flooded five times since 2009. Photograph: Peter Lake Climate crisis Peter’s farm is on ‘flood country’. As Australia’s sea levels rise, safe land is vanishing and costs are huge Climate Council forecasts more than 267,000 coastal properties will be damaged by flooding by 2100, costing hundreds of billions of dollars
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Prefer the Guardian on Google When grazier Peter Lake moved to the Clarence Valley in the New South Wales northern rivers region in 2007, he knew was “buying in flood country with … eyes open”.
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