A new coastal development plan proposed by the Queensland Government has factored in a transformation of home design in areas at risk of storm tide flooding.

The draft Queensland coastal plan was opened to public comment on Friday. It bases its calculations on a predicted sea level rise of 30cm by 2050 and 80cm by 2100 due to climate change.

Solutions outlined in the plan include structures designed to withstand storm tide forces with habitable rooms located above a defined storm tide level or a safe refuge available for people during a storm tide event.

Areas below the tide level could be used for car parking.

The draft plan also addresses what Queensland Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones describes as “inconsistencies, ambiguities and jurisdictional overlaps”.

Initially reported in the media as a threat to local council planning powers, this fear has been hosed down by Local Government Association of Queensland.

Association Executive Director Greg Hallam says he has spoken with the minister and is satisfied this is subordinate legislation that will not encroach on local government responsibilities.

“It’s simply a development or building code that we have to adhere to,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.