Stoner labels report's weather claims 'alarmist'

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Stoner labels report's weather claims 'alarmist'

By Anna Patty

THE acting NSW Premier, Andrew Stoner, has dismissed extreme weather predictions for NSW by the federal government's Climate Commission as ''alarmist''.

The report, The Critical Decade, overseen by Tim Flannery, predicts a rise in heatwave events and flash flooding.

Climate change claims "alarmist"? ... A sunbaker enjoys the unusually warm May sun.

Climate change claims "alarmist"? ... A sunbaker enjoys the unusually warm May sun.Credit: Janie Barrett

''I think most people find alarmist suggestions by people like Mr Flannery and his commission,'' Mr Stoner said yesterday.

''They are sceptical about them. We have heard of all our dams drying up in the past. We've heard predictions of the central coast and other coastal parts of the state going under water, the polar ice caps melting. I'm sorry, none of this has happened. As time goes on I think these people's credibility will be found wanting.''

Mr Stoner said predictions that NSW dams ''would never be full again'' had proved untrue.

''We've seen that much water gushing over the top of Warragamba [dam] over recent months it isn't funny,'' Mr Stoner said.

''We also all know that generally speaking when you get away from the coastal areas the temperatures inland are going to be a little warmer.''

Mr Stoner said the state government, which opposed the introduction of the federal government's carbon tax, would consider the Climate Commission report in its entirety, but added ''we take it with a grain of salt''.

The Climate Commission reported that 2009 was the hottest year on record in NSW and the number of days reaching more than 35 degrees in Sydney was expected to triple by 2070.

The report says ''climate change cannot be ruled out'' as a factor contributing to flash flooding in Sydney on March 8, the wettest March day for more than 25 years.

Professor Flannery said NSW was highly vulnerable to climate change.

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