The broad objectives and approach of the Project is illustrated below:
Phase One: Understanding climate risks to the Region and identification of priority actions
Phase Two: Deliver priority projects to manage the risks identified in Phase One.
Phase One is the focus of this report. It includes the information gathering and research activities that guide the identification of high priority themes for progression in Phase Two. Phase One consists of the following:
- Conducting a vulnerability assessment based on climate exposure modelling in two time periods – 2030 and 2070 to understand how temperature, precipitation and sea level rise may impact communities, the environment and the local economy (with sensitivities and adaptive capacity assessed).
- Facilitating workshops to disseminate findings, and consider risks flowing from, and potential responses to, the vulnerability assessment.
Phase One’s objectives were to:
- Raise awareness of future climate conditions amongst projects stakeholders
- Explore implications for communities, ecosystems and water catchments, Council properties and infrastructure, private and commercial assets and interests
- Identify potential high priority actions as next steps to investigate, validate and implement in Phase Two.
It is important to note that whilst risks and potential actions were explored in Phase One, this was undertaken at a high level and this does not replace or negate the need for each council to undertake a risk assessment and adaptation planning exercise individually to produce a more comprehensive climate risk register, assets at risk register and climate adaptation plan. Products and recommendations on activities have been included in this Project to assist the Councils with taking the next essential steps (e.g. climate risk and adaptation template, better practice adaptation framework, etc).
The project and stakeholders
Scope
