Cyclones and storm surges to the north and devastating floods to the south; we’ve watched anxiously as our neighbours have endured the effects of violent weather events.

Could such events happen here on the Sunshine Coast?  Scientists are telling us that as our climate changes we can expect more extremes in weather, including violent storms and heavy rain events leading to flooding.  

But other extreme events, such as extended droughts and longer heat waves, are also likely in our region over time and Noosa residents are starting to ask what would happen in our local area when these extreme weather events strike close to home.

The Noosa Climate Action Project (N-CAP), through its Climate Adaptation Workshops, aims to answer some of these questions and give local people the opportunity to discuss how we can respond to threatening weather events and increasing global temperatures.  

This project is a collaboration between Noosa Biosphere Ltd, Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association, SEQ Catchments and the University of the Sunshine Coast.  

Community workshops are being held at different locations around the Noosa Biosphere (former Noosa Council shire boundaries) where local people consider the risks and come up with local, on-the-ground actions to adapt to future impacts of climate change.

The third in the ongoing series of workshops will be held at Peregian Community House on Thursday 3 March from 5.30pm – 9.00pm.  

What:  Climate Adaptation Workshop
When:  5.30 pm – 9.00 pm, Thursday 3 March 2011
Where:  Peregian Community House, 255 David Low Way, Peregian Beach
Why:  Get involved in planning for climate change
Register: email: climateaction@noosabiosphere.org.au 

Attendance is FREE and a light supper will be served to start proceedings.  

Everyone in the Noosa community is invited to come along to the workshop and share your thoughts about climate change, learn more about the recent extreme weather events and the risks they pose and help develop a community action plan to prepare for the effects of climate change.

Previous workshops held at Pomona and the Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa have worked on a draft plan covering issues such as Health & Lifestyle, Biodiversity, Coastal Management, Emergency Management, Economy and Planning & Infrastructure.  

Some key concerns voiced at the last workshop included the effects of storm surge, flooding and sea level rising.  

Now is the time to join the enthusiastic people developing the plan and propose strategies to protect our lives, property and lifestyles from the impacts of climate change.  

We have seen the benefit of planning in the thorough preparation and rapid responses to the recent disastrous weather events around our state.  

So come along and have your say about preparing Noosa for the potential impacts of climate change.

For more information on the Noosa Climate Action Project, visit: www.noosabiosphere.org.au/get-involved/current-projects#ncap  

To register for the next climate action workshop at Peregian Community House on Thursday 3 March, please email: climateaction@noosabiosphere.org.au