That’s the prediction from a Department of Climate Change report released last week.

The Federal Government report, Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coast, has found that up to 28,900 residential buildings in WA may be threatened by the sea level rising by 1.1 metres.

The current value of the buildings at risk is between $4.9billion and $7.7billion, and the local government areas of Mandurah, Rockingham, Busselton and Bunbury have the highest level of danger.

Up to 60 percent of all current residential buildings in Busselton may be affected by the rise.

The report presented the findings of the first national assessment of the risks of climate change for the whole of Australia’s coastal zone.

The assessment focuses on the impacts and risks at the end of this century, and identified key risks to infrastructure and industries for all stares and territories.

WA has the fifth highest number of residential buildings at risk of flooding.

A higher amount of properties are at risk if storm tides are taken into account.

Mandurah has one of the highest numbers of homes within 110 metres of “soft” erosion-prone shorelines.

The report said in the absence of coastal protection measures these buildings may be at risk of increased erosion with sea level rises and storm surges.

A coasts and climate change council has been formed with seven members including Professor Tim Flannery from Macquarie University and Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey.

Mayor Creevey said it was a great opportunity for Mandurah to be invited to the group.

She said the issue of climate change needed careful and correct planning to protect the current and future community.

“Planning for the future starts now,” Mayor Creevey said.

She said it was critical for federal, state and local governments to get the planning right, and that policies needed to be adaptable to local situations.