Shire of Murray residents are asking councillors to avoid "hysterical interpretations" of climate-change risk when justifying planning restrictions.
This comes after councillors delayed a recommendation at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday, to consult further with the Murray Delta Residents and Ratepayers Association (MDDRA).
The Murray Shire has received funding to create a plan to cope with coastal risk, which will inform the community and decision makers about erosion in the short term and outline future predictions over a 100-year time-frame.
Our property values are being interfered with.
- Murray Delta Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Nancy Delfos
In the report, Shire of Murray director of planning and sustainability Rod Peake said there had been an increase in erosion, inundation and vegetation loss in areas of the Peel Harvey Estuary, including the Murray Delta islands.
MDRRA secretary Nancy Delfos told the Mandurah Mail the association had concerns with the recommendation.
"We think the state's approach to climate change needs to be looked at," she said.
"We have made a recommendation for further engagement. It should be about community engagement and consultation."
Ms Delfos said Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation research from 2014 featured "hysterical predictions" of what could happen to the region in the next 100 years.
"The Murray Delta Islands are at the centre of a perfect storm.
As a council we are at risk if we dont take action at all.
- Murray Shire councillor Steve Lee
"Not a category five cyclone, but a regulatory and political storm created when the winds of federal, state and local conservation and tourism goals combined with climate change adaptation processes and local planning scheme revisions.
"This is a complex matter that requires transparency, certainty and justice for our island community.
"It is a collective problem and we deserve a fair collective solution."
Ms Delfos said the only island home that had sold since 2015 was on Coolenup Island, and it fetched less than half of its purchase price.
"If we can't sell our investments, we will suffer harm," she said.
"Our property values are being interfered with."
MDDRA member Ted Rideout said he would like associated parties to take a "non-alarmist" approach to the planning process.
There is potential for this to impact both public and private infrastructure as well as create implications for design and location considerations of new developments and infrastructure.
- Shire of Murray chief executive officer Dean Unsworth
"Hysterical interpretations of climate change risk and 500-year storm scenarios that lead to colourful hazard maps and extreme predictions in 100 years should not be used to justify planning restrictions in the Shire of Murray or any shire in 2020," he said.
Culeenup island holiday home resident Steve Simpson said prices had "dropped considerably" on the island.
"We have put a lot of money in and having the money come down is not good," he said.
"Within the last two years the prices have dropped.
"A couple tried to buy a block next to us and they were told by their bank that they would not be given a loan to buy there.
"Many people have told me they have had serious issues with the Planning Commission to build a shed or add an an addition to the home."
A couple tried to buy a block next to us and they were told by their bank that they would not be given a loan to buy there.
- Culeenup island holiday-home resident Steve Simpson
A study prepared by the Peron Naturaliste Partnership in 2011 said erosion would be the most significant climate change impact in Mandurah, and there would be an increase of flooding risk in the Peron-Naturaliste region.
The report said the Mandurah coastline could retreat 200 metres by 2100, if preventative measures were not in place.
Councillor Steve Lee told the council meeting the recommendation was "a lot to take in".
"It's expansive. It gave me a headache," he said.
Mr Lee said the risk of rising water levels needed to be addressed.
"As a council, we are at risk if we dont take action at all," he said.
The Murray Delta Islands are at the centre of a perfect storm.
- MDRRA secretary Nancy Delfos
"If we ignore it, we could be made liable in the future."
Shire president David Bolt opposed the recommendation, in order to review the late submission from MDRRA.
"They don't have faith with the recommendations," he said.
"If we don't engage a large part of community that has stepped away, the process is flawed. It needs collaboration to work.
"We need more time to absorb what they have said. I am hopeful through further dialogue we can come together."
Cr Bolt moved and Cr Douglas McClarty seconded the amendment of delaying the item to the next meeting on Wednesday, April 24.
Cr Brenda Beecham opposed the recommendation. The item was carried.
Following the meeting, Shire of Murray chief executive officer Dean Unsworth told the Mandurah Mail erosion and inundation was expected to increase over time and could affect future infrastructure planning.
"There is potential for this to impact both public and private infrastructure, as well as create implications for design and location considerations of new developments and infrastructure," he said.
"Whilst at this stage it is too early to determine whether these impacts would be significant enough to restrict future building works in certain locations, the plan will help to clarify the likely extent of these impacts and therefore provide greater certainty for those living near the estuarine coast and riverine areas."