Extending CHRMAP community consultation

The Australian Government will extend community consultation on the draft Coastal Hazards Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) for Cocos (Keeling) Islands to 30 June 2025.

This will give CKI residents more time to provide feedback on this draft plan – building on responses already received through on-island consultation sessions that commenced earlier this year.

The CHRMAP identifies on-island assets that will be impacted by sea-level rises over the next 50 years, and recommends a flexible decision-making pathway over time as coastal hazards emerge.

The government is committed to local voices and lived experiences informing future response options.

Following consideration of consultation responses, the CHRMAP will be finalised and published – with this community feedback to also support the government’s Ministerial working group develop a whole-of-government response to the long-term impacts of climate change on CKI.

The government is already investing in the immediate challenges on CKI, by rolling out a $23.3 million preparedness package to improve emergency resilience and community safety.

This includes upgrading existing sea walls protecting key community infrastructure, and the critical highway linking the community to the port – along with improvements to cyclone shelters on both Home and West Islands.

Further information on the draft CHRMAP is available at: Your Coastal Plan CKI | Social Pinpoint 

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Territories, Kristy McBain MP: 

“Rising sea levels, coastal erosion and inundation, and tropical storms are already impacting the Cocos (Keeling) Islands – which is why we’re investing in resilience now, and know that it’s essential to start planning for the long-term future.

“We’ve said from day one that local voices are central to our forward response, because we recognise the unique social, cultural and religious heritage of the Cocos Malay community and their deep connection to these islands.

“That’s why we’re providing the community with more time to be part of this important process and to hear their concerns directly – with feedback on this draft report just the start of how we will collectively consider longer-term responses to climate-change on CKI.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:

“I welcome consultation on CHRMAP being extended, because I’ve heard from the community that they need more time to consider what this draft plan means for them now and moving forward.

“What the Cocos Malay community have told me is that they want to be part of decision-making, and part of the conversation – which is exactly what this consultation process supports.

“Of course, there are a number of concerns around being better prepared for the challenges already here and those to come – something I’ll continue to work on with the community and the government, to ensure we continue supporting residents of CKI.”