Property Developers Must Factor In Climate Change Or Deal With The Legal Consequences

Property developers who do not take into account the serious long term consequences of climate change when constructing new building projects face the risk of their development applications being rejected, according to The Fifth Estate.

This was highlighted recently in the case of a developer in Queensland who submitted a development application for the construction of a resort and community housing. The application was refused by the Queensland Planning and Environment Court on the basis that it failed to fully consider the effects of future rising sea levels.

The decision highlights the need for property developers around the country to not only consider the direct impact of climate change over the short term when planning construction projects, but they will also be required to factor in indirect impacts that carry legal risk from future damage caused by climate change.

Developers will need to include the long term impact to the natural environment as well as adaptation of the built environment to avoid the risk of litigation.