A new report says Australians may have to leave coastal areas as rising sea levels threaten homes.
A parliamentary committee report says urgent action is needed as seas are expected to rise by 80cm.
The BBC reports about 80% of Australians live in coastal areas and the report recommends new laws banning further development in coastal regions.
Authorities are divided over whether to retreat from rising seas or defend the coastline.
Entitled "Managing Our Coastal Zone in a Changing Climate", the report estimates that $A150 billion worth of property is at risk from rising sea levels and more frequent storms in future years.
There are almost 50 recommendations in the report, ranging from a national coastline plan and greater co-operation between different authorities to a revised building code to cope with storm surges and soil erosion.
