New proposals to tackle flood risk and coastal erosion through ‘green infrastructure’ and new flood risk maps have been set out by the Welsh Government.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
With almost a quarter-of-a-million properties in Wales at risk of flooding, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has today (24 June) launched a consultation on a new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales.
The new strategy builds on the Welsh Government commitment to invest over £350 million in flood and coastal erosion risk management over the life of this Government. It sets out proposals to manage the risks from flooding and coastal erosion over the next decade and considers how we can better understand and address risk in a more sustainable way.
Lesley Griffiths said:
Flooding and coastal erosion can have a devastating impact on the lives of those affected and this new strategy demonstrates our ongoing commitment to support communities across Wales. It will help build resilience, prioritise investment to the most at risk communities and prevent more people becoming exposed to risk.
Our investment makes a real difference in managing risk to homes and businesses. However with the growing impact of climate change, we have to clearly communicate how we cannot prevent all flood and coastal risk. Everyone has a role to play and we need a long term strategy and appropriate measures to help us deal with the challenges that this global problem presents.
The new strategy strengthens our stance on prevention and links with Welsh legislation and policy areas to ensure we do not store up problems for future generations. Our new direction on sustainable drainage and updates to planning policy will help to complement this Strategy and ensure a consistent national approach to the management of land and water.
This, together with the promotion of natural methods of flood risk management, working with the environment across catchments, will help us remain resilient in the years to come. I urge everyone to have their say and get involved in the consultation.
The consultation on the National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management will begin on Monday 24th June and will last for 12 weeks ending on 16th September.