The Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coast report paints a dire picture for the West Australian coast.

The stretch between Mandurah and Bunbury was named the most vulnerable to coastal erosion.

If climate change was not tackled, parts of Bunbury would be swamped, according to the report.

The report cites sea levels rising 1.1 metres by 2100 based on projections presented at the Copenhagen climate congress in March 2009.

The report contains a simulated map of Bunbury showing large areas of residential land flooded.

The Bunbury Mail asked Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino if she was concerned about the potential outcomes for residents along the coast of her electorate.

Mrs Marino would not be drawn on the direct impacts and said she would not comment on a scientific report.

Mrs Marino said something needed to be done about climate change but rejected the idea of an emissions trading scheme as the solution.

"The Coalition believes a global response to climate changes is required and that it must be a practical solution, not simply a tax," Mrs Marino said.

Mayor David Smith said residents should not panic because the Federal report was a prediction for 100 years time based on nothing happening.

He said the City of Bunbury had already started working towards climate change proofing Bunbury and noted the flood control gates in the inlet, ridges provided after cyclone Alby and the sea wall along Back Beach as examples of work already done.

"Certainly we can adequately protect affected properties," Mayor Smith said.

He also said the waterfront development would have to take into account changing weather patterns and sea levels.

"I’m absolutely confident we can develop a waterfront development that can cope with sea levels rising."

But Mayor Smith said it was essential the international community and Federal, State and local governments worked together and everyone looked at reducing energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions.

"Action needs to be taken immediately," Mayor Smith said.

Earlier this year it was announced Bunbury’s coastline would be mapped to help WA prepare for rising sea levels as part of a $1.7 million State Government project.

The Department of Planning has also joined with Geosciences Australia to create a model which will look at sea level rise, storm surge and erosion in the Greater Bunbury area.