The Albanese Government is supporting the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to respond to the impacts of climate change, investing more than $23 million to improve emergency preparedness and community safety, while planning for the future.
Located approximately 3,000km north-west of Perth in the Indian Ocean, the low-lying Cocos (Keeling) Islands are Australia's most remote community.
Climate change is already affecting the islands and their 600 residents' way of life - with increasing challenges from rising sea levels, coastal erosion and inundation, and tropical storms a regular occurrence.
That is why the Government is rolling out this $23.3 million preparedness package, which prioritises the most urgent needs of the community.
This includes $12.2 million to maintain and improve the existing sea walls protecting key community infrastructure, and the critical highway linking the community to the port.
The package will support the repair and extension of cyclone shelters on both Home and West Islands, with $8.1 million being invested to better protect the community during extreme weather events.
The Government will also deliver $3 million in support services on Cocos, as part of its commitment to work with the community on a long-term response to the impacts of climate change.
As part of this future planning, the Albanese Government has established a Ministerial Working Group - chaired by Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain, to guide a whole-of-government response to the impacts of climate change on Cocos.
The Group will support the finalisation of the Coastal Hazards Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP), which identifies on-island assets that will be impacted by sea-level rises over the next 50 years.
Final community consultation on the draft plan will take place in early 2025, which will support the finalisation and release of the report.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP:
"For Cocos residents, climate change is not just a threat, it is a present reality - which is why we're supporting them in the immediate term, while also planning for the future.
"This $23 million preparedness package will support the maintenance and repair of sea walls, along with investment in cyclone shelters.
"This package is also supporting engagement with the community, as we work with them to plan for longer-term responses to the challenges of climate-change."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson MP:
"The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are living through climate change now, with rising sea levels and distinct challenges unique to their remote location - which is why we're making decisive investments to support their immediate resilience.
"We also recognise the importance of having a coordinated plan for the long-term climate change impacts on Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which is why we're committed to working with the community on our forward response."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
"Being better prepared for the challenges that come with climate change is something Cocos (Keeling) Islands residents have long called for, which is why I welcome this $23 million investment from the Albanese Government.
"This will go a long way to addressing community concerns around heavy rains, tropical cyclones, and rising sea levels, but there's longer term planning that we need to undertake - something I'll continue working on with residents and the Ministerial Working Group."
