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CSIRO study links climate change, wild weather

New research has found a link between climate change and more extreme weather in southern Australia.

A report funded by the Federal Government and the CSIRO has that found an increase in storms, which generated large waves off Australia's southern coastline, is linked to tropical monsoon activity in the north.

The report also predicts an increase in waves of three metres or more hitting the southern coastline.

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says the research will help planners improve Australia's coastal developments.

"What it gives us is a model to assess in time the impact of climate change and the impact of storm events on Australia's coastline," she said.

"Obviously those are tools which governments over time will have to integrate in their planning.

"What we do know is that we will have to understand far better the impact of climate change on our coastlines."

- ABC

© ABC 2008

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Minister not surprised Wivenhoe accounts differ

20:29 EDT Queensland's Water Minister has told the inquiry into last January's flood disaster that he is not surprised about conflicting evidence on how Brisbane's Wivenhoe Dam was operated.