Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne - Melbourne's Climate Journey Discussion Paper
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Melbourne’s Climate Journey Discussion Paper Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne 2020
Altona foreshore
MINISTER’S FOREWORD are inevitable. Our challenge is to support
the global effort by continuing to reduce
Adapting to a changing climate is one of the our greenhouse gas emissions while preparing …VICTORIA IS LEADING THE WAY
most significant challenges we face together locally for the many and varied impacts
TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF
as a community. On behalf of the Victorian a changing climate will bring.
Government, I am pleased to provide the CLIMATE CHANGE BY ENSHRINING
Regional climate change adaptation strategies,
foreword for this important discussion paper. OUR VICTORIAN RENEWABLE
driven and owned by local people, will help
This preliminary piece of work is to inform the to ensure that we consider new opportunities ENERGY TARGETS (VRET) INTO
preparation of a Climate Change Adaptation that arise, support our most vulnerable LAW: 25 PER CENT BY 2020,
Strategy for Greater Melbourne. The content has communities, and avoid the disruption and RISING TO 40 PER CENT BY 2025
been developed by a community stakeholder costs of delayed action.
AND 50 PER CENT BY 2030.
committee and is now available for your feedback. I hope you will be inspired to share what
I am proud that the Victorian Government has matters to you in your neighbourhood, by
embedded the idea of ‘Community at the Centre’ contributing your views via the EngageVic site.
by providing resources for this work.
I am also proud that Victoria is leading the way
to meet the challenges of climate change by
enshrining our Victorian Renewable Energy
Targets (VRET) into law: 25 per cent by 2020, rising
to 40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030. The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP
Minister for Energy, Environment
However, Victoria is already experiencing
and Climate Change
climate change impacts and further changes
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 1
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne
CONTENTS
FOREWORD 1 What are the different levels Protecting our most vulnerable people 28
of decision-making or planning? 17 Addressing complexities around
MELBOURNE’S CLIMATE JOURNEY 3 coastal adaptation 30
Overview 3 PREPARING THE STRATEGY 19 Supporting and protecting agriculture
What is this project? 5 Our approach 19 in Melbourne’s fringes 31
Preparing ourselves for change 6 Our philosophy 20 Protecting and managing our water supply 32
What regional impacts are we expecting? 6 What do we want to achieve? 20 Responding to emergencies:
before, during and after 33
This Discussion Paper 7
SCOPING AND FRAMING THE STRATEGY 21 Transitioning to a carbon-constrained
Complexities of adaptation 8
and climate-resilient economy:
Coordinating regional approaches energy, small business and investing
with sector-based approaches 10
PRIORITIES FOR OUR REGION 23
in the transformation 35
Information that is easy to interpret,
Ways you can engage 11
timely and targeted 23
What has informed the process to date? 12 NEXT STEPS 39
Promoting holistic responses 24
Delivering adaptation action 40
Building climate and social resilience
OUR REGIONAL CONTEXT 13 directly in our communities 24
What is our region? 13
Strengthening the resilience of our built
HOW WE WILL WORK WITH YOU 41
What’s unique about our region in relation environment and precincts 25 Why be involved? 41
to climate change impacts? 14 Ways to be involved 41
Protecting our natural environment
Perceptions about climate change and providing people with access to nature 27
and its potential impacts are shifting 16
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Page 2
Southern Cross Station, Melbourne
MELBOURNE’S Greater Melbourne climate projections
CLIMATE JOURNEY
Overview
Over the past summer, people across
Greater Melbourne have experienced first-hand
the impacts of extreme hot weather and bushfires.
We have experienced dust storms, hailstorms CONTINUING RISING MORE FREQUENT AND RISING SEA LEVELS WITH
and heavy rainfall events resulting in flash-flooding. DAILY TEMPERATURES LONGER HEATWAVES INCREASED RISK OF COASTAL
EROSION AND INUNDATION
These are climate change impacts that will
affect all aspects of our economy, our society
and our environment. The consequence
of extreme weather is particularly severe for the
most vulnerable members of our community.
Finding ways to cope with extreme weather
impacts and other consequences of climate
change is generally referred to as ‘Adaptation’. EXTREME RAINFALL EVENTS RAINFALL EXPECTED TO THE FIRE SEASON IS LONGER
EXPECTED TO BECOME CONTINUE TO DECLINE IN AND NUMBER OF VERY HIGH
‘Mitigation’ refers to finding ways to reduce our MORE INTENSE WINTER AND SPRING FIRE DANGER DAYS IN SPRING
IS INCREASING
emissions. Both approaches are important.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 3
Melbourne city and the Yarra river Preparing our industries, communities and environments to be able to cope with climate shocks makes good sense. It supports our most vulnerable groups and could reduce future costs. The Victorian Government has provided funding for the local development of six regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategies across Victoria. These strategies will provide an opportunity to identify and prioritise actions for the next five years. The strategies will be regional because our communities know best what the main issues and concerns are at a local level. These regional strategies will align with seven key sector adaptation plans that are also being delivered in Victoria. We all have views of what can and should be done to support our communities and businesses to cope better before, during and after extreme weather events. Preparing an adaptation strategy for our region will be an opportunity to explore and prioritise these ideas. Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 4
This Discussion Paper is the first step, kicking What is this project?
off our approach to developing a strategy for
Greater Melbourne. We’ve set up a Stakeholder Together with our key stakeholders, including 2018 June–July
Background
Committee with Executive Officers from each
of our four Greenhouse Alliances, a member
local government, community groups, agencies
and authorities, DELWP is supporting the –2019 work
representing Resilient Melbourne and a small development of a Regional Climate Change
DELWP support team. Adaptation Strategy (the strategy) for Greater
We are considering the impact of current
Melbourne. This is part of a shift towards
identifying regional issues and adaptation
2020 Mid-late
2020
This Community
circumstances on our region and are modifying needs in a more strategic way. Six Victorian Discussion outreach and
our projects and engagement to ensure this Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Paper engagement
important climate change adaptation work can will complement the seven sector plans being
continue and people can still get involved. delivered as a requirement of the Climate Sectors Testing
You can contribute to the development of our Change Act 2017. and issues: concepts,
workshops, incorporate
region’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy These strategies will be developed to cover forums feedback
by considering the questions posed in this a five-year period and provide long-term
Discussion Paper, contacting us with your ideas frameworks to enable adaptation action in November
(email climatechangemelbourne@delwp.vic.gov.au), Victoria’s regions. They will focus on challenges –December
signing up for our Newsletter or joining one of the that can be best met at a regional level, rather Drafting
virtual forums that we are planning. than a local or state-wide level. Delivery plans the Strategy
will be produced yearly to set out priorities.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 5
More extreme weather events
will put increasing pressure
on our emergency services
Preparing ourselves for change Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan
(2017–2020) outlines its shared vision for a thriving
Climate change is affecting us all in many ways. natural environment, and a healthy, prosperous,
While transitioning to new forms of less polluting safe and vibrant place. By taking action now, our
energy, we also need to make significant ecosystems, economy and communities will be
adjustments to how we build resilience into better positioned to meet the challenges ahead.
infrastructure, how we do business, how we keep
ourselves safe and how we behave as a society. If you are interested in how society addresses the
challenges ahead, please get in touch.
We will find it harder and more costly to adapt
if we do not find ways to discuss some of these
What regional impacts
challenges and work toward solutions now.
are we expecting?
Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council
(AFAC) noted in its 2018 Discussion Paper on Climate Change
Climate projections for Greater Melbourne indicate
and the Emergency Management Sector: that temperatures will continue to increase, with
less frosts, rainfall will continue to decline, and we
can expect more extreme weather events including
THE INCREASING FREQUENCY AND bush fire weather and heavy rainfall events. Sea
SEVERITY OF EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS… levels are expected to continue rising.
PROLONGED HEATWAVES, STORM AND Specific climate change impacts we are already
FLOODS AND INCREASING BUSHFIRE experiencing in our region include:
WEATHER – ARE ONGOING CONCERNS » More frequent and longer heat-waves can
FOR AFAC AND ITS MEMBERS… impact human health and built infrastructure.
More bushfire weather with increased severity
and frequency of grass fires.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 6
» More heavy rainfall events resulting in flash » high-density housing, low home ownership and
flooding that will impact and disrupt businesses high rental and public housing tenancy.
and commuters, with flow on effects for tourism Climate change is striking harder and more rapidly
The Victorian Government’s ‘Cooling and Greening than many expected. The last five years are on track
and the economy
Melbourne Interactive Map’ project, released in July to be the warmest on record, natural disasters are
» Extreme weather events including severe 2019, shows the interaction between vegetation becoming more intense and more frequent, and last
year witnessed unprecedented extreme weather
storms that will impact people, businesses cover, urban heat and social vulnerability. link here throughout the world.
and built infrastructure
ALARMINGLY, GLOBAL
» Poor air quality associated with increased severity This Discussion Paper
and duration of bushfires and worsening air
TEMPERATURES ARE ON TRACK
Adapting to a changing climate is a complex and
pollution levels associated with a hotter climate TO INCREASE BY AT LEAST 3°C
challenging process for the residents, businesses
» Ongoing sea level rise with associated coastal and industries in our region. There is no right or TOWARDS THE END OF THE
erosion and coastal flooding that will impact wrong way to consider the issues. We know we CENTURY—TWICE WHAT CLIMATE
natural areas, as well as private and public assets need to do it because that’s good business and it EXPERTS HAVE WARNED IS
including surf life-saving clubs, jetties and roads. makes sense to prepare our communities, especially
THE LIMIT TO AVOID THE MOST
to find ways to support our most vulnerable groups.
Vulnerability to climate change impacts, such SEVERE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
as extreme heat, is exacerbated in relatively There has also been a lot of work done already,
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES.
disadvantaged communities. Important factors Examples include, Greater Melbourne Snapshot,
which constrain a person’s ability to be informed, Resilient Melbourne project and local government
understand and take action on climate change in plans. After careful consideration with some of
World Economic Forum, Global Risks Report 2020
parts of our region include: our partners we agreed to develop this Discussion
Paper as a way of highlighting key issues and to use
» low literacy levels and poor English skills,
it as a tool to support the development of a draft
» low income levels and unemployment, strategy for the Greater Melbourne area.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 7
We have examined other strategies and plans, » the identification of priorities and actions to
and spoken with peak bodies and stakeholder protect those values Adaptation is complex
groups. We have collated issues for our region » the development of a 5-year strategy plan
and summarised priorities and opportunities for to outline the future we prefer for our region,
future investment. SUPPORT
and how to get there THE
ENERGY
Your input will ensure the strategy meets your TRANSITION
needs and those of the community across the
Complexities of adaptation SUPPORT
Greater Melbourne region. We are considering the
OUR
impacts that coronavirus (COVID-19) is having When we look at our region and our society BUSINESSES
through a climate change lens, a social lens and AND
across our region at this time and modifying our COMMUNITIES
projects and engagement to ensure that people an economic lens, it is clear that issues relating
to mitigation, the renewable energy transition ADAPT OUR
can still get involved. INFRASTRUCTURE
and our adaptation to extreme weather all
We will use this Discussion Paper to feed into the
intersect. For example, planting street trees
next steps: targeted workshops for the important MODIFY OUR
and other greenery in urban areas can provide
sectors in our region and engagement options for BEHAVIOURS
shade and cooling, reduce energy use in homes AND
our communities. We will use digital meetings INSTITUTIONS
and absorb carbon. Careful design of drainage
and forums to provide our Stakeholder Committee
and water storage options can provide water
with information that will result in:
for irrigation while also assisting in managing
» shared understanding of the valued places, stormwater during heavy rainfall events. Installing
institutions, people and assets in our region solar panels and increasing the energy efficiency
» shared understanding of the exposure of those of housing can reduce energy demand on hot
values to climate hazards days and reduce the risk of blackouts.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 8
We need to consider economic implications,
infrastructure resilience and social resilience From the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) website link here
in decision-making for our region.
Many of our region’s small and large businesses
identify energy costs and transport as key
THERE ARE TWO MAIN CATEGORIES OF HUMAN RESPONSES TO CLIMATE CHANGE:
issues for them. Vulnerable households and MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION. BOTH TYPES OF RESPONSE HELP TO REDUCE THE
culturally and linguistically diverse communities RISKS OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
may have restricted capacity to adapt and
could be at risk during extreme weather.
MITIGATION INVOLVES ACTIONS THAT ARE INTENDED TO REDUCE THE MAGNITUDE
They will need information and other resources OF OUR CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. IT INCLUDES STRATEGIES
to respond to extreme climatic events. TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS SOURCES AND EMISSIONS AND ENHANCE
A feature of our region’s housing stock is that GREENHOUSE GAS SINKS.
older suburbs often have a larger proportion
ADAPTATION CONSISTS OF ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN TO REDUCE THE ADVERSE
of energy-inefficient houses, while growth
areas often have a high proportion of high CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE, AS WELL AS TO HARNESS ANY
energy-use housing. BENEFICIAL OPPORTUNITIES. ADAPTATION ACTIONS AIM TO REDUCE THE IMPACTS
We will find it difficult to do business in OF CLIMATE STRESSES ON HUMAN AND NATURAL SYSTEMS.
a low carbon economy if we have not
considered both mitigation and adaptation
aspects of climate change.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 9Coordinating regional approaches
with sector-based approaches
Climate
Seven sector plans are currently being developed Change Act
in parallel to six regional strategies. The sector 2017
plans will be state-wide, and regional plans will
be place-based. Our region includes Melbourne
Development of Climate Change Strategy 2020
city and its fringes, and it will have different issues
to other regions in Victoria.
This diagram shows how sector and regional
plans are informed by climate information and Built Natural Health Primary Education Transport Water
Environment Environment and Human Production and Cycle
engagement. These plans and strategies will Services Training
in turn inform the new state-wide Climate
Change Strategy as required under the Climate
Change Act 2017. Sector adaptation initiatives
Place-based adaptation: Regional Adaptation Strategies
Place-based adaptation initiatives
Climate science, data and communications
Data and information
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 10Ways you can engage
We are considering the impacts that coronavirus Discussion Paper
(COVID-19) is having across our region at this time
and modifying our projects and engagement to
ensure this important climate change adaptation
work can continue and people can still get involved.
Engagement processes
The content of the strategy will be informed by
targeted sector and industry online forums, local
government scenario planning sessions, online
General Public Sectors Industry and Local government, Vulnerable
community engagement options and peak body EngageVic website and Systems: Community Sector Greenhouse Groups
workshops. Ideas will be tested with community and other engagement Targeted meetings Peak Bodies Alliances Projects Peak body
approaches Online forums and forums forums
sessions and surveys.
YOU CAN GET INVOLVED NOW BY GOING TO
THE ENGAGEVIC SITE, LOOKING AT THE MAP
OF OUR REGION AND CONSIDERING PLACES
Information feeds into forums and workshops
AND VALUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU. to examine risks, prioritise issues and refine actions
LET US KNOW WHAT THEY ARE AND WHY YOU
ARE WORRIED THEY MIGHT BE AT RISK FROM
EXTREME WEATHER. Drafting Regional Climate Change
Adaptation Strategy
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 11Farming on the Mornington Peninsula
What has informed » Meetings with key organisations to identify
what was happening already and what major
the process to date? issues were being faced
This is a rapidly evolving space and new reports
» Review of existing high-level documents
and information relating to climate change
and processes1
adaptation, emissions reduction and growing
investment opportunities are constantly being » Review of local government climate
developed. We will remain flexible and incorporate change adaptation strategies and other plans
new ideas where possible. (e.g. heatwave plans)
The following work has informed this Discussion » Examination of the types of DELWP climate
Paper and our process: change adaptation grant funding applications
(3CA and Virtual Centre for Climate Change
» A gap analysis study carried out in collaboration
innovation) in the region over the past 2–3 years
with Victorian Greenhouse Alliances provided
the background: an overview of what was » Review of existing apps and other systems that
happening already in our region, and identification support people in our region during weather
of some gaps in knowledge and work. link here extremes (e.g. Vic Emergency App, Heat Health
Alert, Melbourne Pollen Count and Forecast)
» Interviews with key sectors within the region to
identify issues of importance
1 For Example, Resilient Melbourne Strategy 2016, Plan Melbourne 2017–2050, Melbourne Water Flood Management Strategy
Port Phillip and Westernport 2015
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 12Melbourne skyline
OUR REGIONAL CONTEXT
What is our region? VICTORIA HAS SIX DELWP REGIONS
This Discussion Paper is focussed on the AND EACH REGION WILL PREPARE
Greater Melbourne region that encompasses
A REGIONAL ADAPTATION STRATEGY
the Melbourne CBD, outer suburbs and growth
corridors, Port Phillip and Western Port Bays,
Mornington Peninsula, the Yarra Ranges, the
Dandenong Ranges and the Western Grasslands.
It includes thirty-one local government areas
and French Island.
Each strategy coordination team will ensure that
any complementary or overlapping issues that are
identified between regions can be addressed.
Greater
Melbourne
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 13What’s unique about our lands, rivers, creeks and two bays, as well as some
areas of state and national parks.
region in relation to climate
» Some climate change challenges are increased AS CLIMATE CHANGE INTENSIFIES,
change impacts? by our large urban area. For example, our region CITIES ARE PARTICULARLY
The Greater Melbourne region has certain has less green space per person than other VULNERABLE TO IMPACTS SUCH
characteristics that set it apart from other regions regions with significant pressures on our parks
in Victoria. AS HEAT STRESS AND CAN PLAY A
and natural areas. Built up areas exacerbate flash
flooding and intensify the urban heat island effect. KEY ROLE IN REDUCING EMISSIONS
» The region has a large population, high numbers
of vulnerable2 people and a large ageing To explore the relationship between vegetation
LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY
population. It also has a growing population cover and the urban heat island effect, DELWP
density and is culturally diverse. has collaborated with RMIT, CSIRO and the United in Science report 2019,
» As a large city we have high resource and energy Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub to map World Health Organisation
demands, as well as a rapidly growing built and analyse vegetation, land use and urban heat
environment with associated infrastructure needs. across Melbourne3. Recent social research in
Victoria revealed that healthcare professionals are
» Geographically our region is diverse: we have worried that people living in poor quality housing
coastlines that are natural as well as built up, without efficient heating or cooling are ‘extremely
volcanic plains and grasslands in the west, forests vulnerable’ to climate change health impacts4.
and woodlands on the eastern fringes, agricultural
2 We define vulnerable people as those with chronic illnesses, the very old and the very young, people from lower socio-economic groups, new
migrants whose first language is not English, people who are homeless.
3 https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/cooling-greening-melbourne/mapping-and-analysis-of-
vegetation,-heat-and-land-use
4 Linking Climate Change and Health Impacts (Feb 2020) Sustainability Victoria
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 14» Our region contains a high percentage of the more importance. Our preliminary work has
state’s jobs (expected to reach 80% by 2046). identified that this can lead to confusion
It’s the centre for much of our state-wide about responsibilities on the ground. LOCAL SCALE PROJECTIONS ARE
infrastructure and many of our state and
- a role in helping the rest of Victoria to adapt. NOW AVAILABLE FOR OUR REGION.
national businesses.
For example, the city and surrounds play THE PROJECTIONS TELL US THAT
» The Greater Melbourne area is serviced a role in providing services, resources and
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM DAILY
by all five electricity distributors (Distribution shelter in emergencies.
Network Service Providers). We are in a unique TEMPERATURES WILL CONTINUE
- a large number of institutions, authorities
position for these networks to potentially
and groups, including 31 local government
TO INCREASE, THAT RAINFALL
coordinate activities or initiatives, that could
authorities, four water authorities IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO
be scaled up elsewhere in Victoria.
(Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water, DECLINE, PARTICULARLY IN WINTER
» Greater Melbourne is a transport centre City West Water and South East Water), AND SPRING, AND THAT EXTREME
and hub for our state. the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment
RAINFALL EVENTS ARE EXPECTED TO
Management Authority, numerous schools,
» Our region is a major population centre and BECOME MORE INTENSE LINK HERE
tertiary institutes and many Melbourne-wide
a place many other people visit. As the state’s
and local community groups
capital city, we have:
- many small businesses as well as national
- a large number of high-level strategic
and international businesses
directions, guiding documents, plans and
strategies. This situation can sometimes - major transport hubs; including airports,
provide challenges about which issues carry seaports and train and bus stations
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 15Blue Devil is a striking perennial herb that
grows in Melbourne’s western grasslands
» Despite our population density, the Greater Perceptions about climate
Melbourne region supplies significant amounts
of agricultural and horticultural products for the
change and its potential impacts
state and beyond are shifting
» We have a broad range of capacities and varying A recent report by Sustainability Victoria5
resources for adaptation across our region highlighted that 81 percent of people living
in Greater Melbourne are concerned about
Climate Change and 80 percent of Victorians
?
What do you think is at risk agree that severe weather events such
from climate change impacts as heatwaves are due to the influence of climate
in our region? Should it be change. The report highlighted that people
tackled at a local, regional in Melbourne were particularly concerned
or state-wide level?
about air pollution and the effects of drought.
The 2019–2020 summer has resulted in
significant impacts from extreme heat, including
bushfires and dust storms. Bushfire smoke
from East Gippsland has had significant impacts
on our city and other areas around Victoria and
also on Sydney, New Zealand and Tasmania.
5 https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/About-us/Research/Victorians-perceptions-of-climate-change
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 16Councils are beginning to express serious is in part determined by the characteristics
concerns about the consequences of back and behaviours of our people, as well as
to back disasters and the challenges during our infrastructure, our institutions, the health THE SEVENTEEN UNITED NATIONS
those events and in the recovery phases. of our natural environment and our general
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The compounding effects of resource demands preparedness.
due to lengthening fire seasons are emerging. GOALS PROVIDE A COMMON
To address the complexities around how
Some councils in our region have questioned OVERARCHING FRAMEWORK TO
climate change is impacting on our society
if the impacts of mass evacuations on their
we need to consider how our current DELIVER COMMUNITY WELLBEING
communities (for example in response to flood
decision-making and institutions support us. AND A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
events) have been fully considered6. Identification
of the responsible agencies and the supply
In our Greater Melbourne region we have state, FOR ALL PEOPLE OF THE WORLD.
federal and international rules, regulations
of adequate resources in these situations are
and policies that apply, as well as local GOAL 13: TAKE URGENT ACTION
also of concern.
government level policies, approaches and TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
decision-making processes. AND ITS IMPACTS LINK HERE
What are the different WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACTS OF
levels of decision-making MAJOR EVENTS SUCH AS FLOODS The Victorian Government supports the
or planning? OR FIRES ON OUR COMMUNITIES?
objectives of the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals and is committed to ensuring
that initiatives align with the SDG targets.
The introduction to this paper outlined the WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES
types of weather impacts expected in our region.
OF BACK-TO-BACK DISASTERS?
How our society copes with climate extremes
6 Notes from discussions at SECCCA Regional Forum in August 2019.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 17Many regional climate change plans and
approaches already exist, although boundaries and
jurisdictions differ. The private sector industries Adaptation
and businesses all have their own approaches to
prioritising and acting on issues. International
Individuals, community groups and schools also
make decisions. The diagram shows the different
National
layers of decision-making.
Victorian five-yearly State-wide policy and legislation.
?
Are you aware of any other Climate Change Strategy Seven state-wide sector plans
significant pieces of work,
State level planning and coordination of actions
projects or studies with
region-wide implications?
Regional Adaptation: six regional Other regional
strategies and annual action plans Documents and strategies
?
Planning and delivery of actions at the regional or multi-council scale
Do you know of any barriers
for you to act on climate
change at work, at home Local Plans and strategies, councils, Individual households, schools
or in your community? organisations and groups and businesses
Local level planning and delivery of actions
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 18Six Spine Leather Jacket, Port Phillip Bay
PREPARING The Committee will deliver a set of projects and
a number of forums. These will feed into the OUR REGIONAL STRATEGY
THE STRATEGY development of our strategy through a process
WILL HAVE TWO HIGH-LEVEL
facilitated by a small DELWP project team.
COMPONENTS:
Our approach The Committee will design a series of forums
and sessions for our region’s peak groups to: • DELIVERING ADAPTATION
A small Regional Adaptation Stakeholder
» Develop a shared understanding of the
ACTION PROJECTS, AND
Committee (the Committee) has been established
to support the process of preparing the strategy impacts of climate change on various groups • A PROCESS TO SHARE
for Greater Melbourne. The Committee is made in our region
INFORMATION AND IDENTIFY
up of representatives of our region’s key » Agree on goals and a vision for our region PRIORITIES FOR OUR REGION.
stakeholders including:
» Explore plausible futures and identify important
» Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action THESE TWO COMPONENTS ARE
regional elements that need to be protected,
(WAGA) transitioned or transformed INTERTWINED AND WILL INFORM
» Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action EACH OTHER.
» Identify and prioritise key issues and actions
(NAGA)
» Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action
(EAGA)
» South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
(SECCCA)
» Resilient Melbourne project.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 19Flinders Street Station, Melbourne
Our philosophy » Agree on priority projects in our Yearly
Delivery Plans.
» Engaging – to ensure we can hear from
as many groups as possible » Link, empower and connect key stakeholder
and industry groups in Greater Melbourne and
» Listening – to hear what key concerns and its rural fringe.
potential solutions are
» Catalyse and align approaches for action
» Prioritising – our most vulnerable people and collaboration, so we can be efficient with
and groups our resources.
» Considering – Sustainable Development » Demonstrate and trial innovative adaptation
Goals as a framework problem-solving approaches in our way of
» Building on – Resilient Melbourne Strategy working with our stakeholders and communities.
and other significant, existing Climate Change » Maintain momentum for adaptation and
Adaptation Strategies in our region positive action.
» Scaling up what is already working well
Are you aware of a community
What do we want to achieve? Consider group that could contribute
» Identify regional-scale climate change this to this project or might have
valuable ideas to share?
adaptation priorities for Greater Melbourne
for the next five years.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 20Coastal erosion near Mount Martha
SCOPING There are several ways to frame the regional
strategy:
Key sectors that could be significantly affected
AND FRAMING
by climate change or can help our communities
to adapt, as noted in Victoria’s Climate Change
Geographical area
THE STRATEGY
Adaptation plan 2017-2020:
We could consider issues of importance by
geographical area in Greater Melbourne:
The scope of the strategy is to explore regionally
specific issues only. Any issues better » Urban, coastal, green wedges FROM 2020, ADAPTATION ACTION
addressed at a state level will be fed into the » Inner suburbs, middle suburbs, PLANS WILL BE DEVELOPED EVERY
development of the state-wide Climate Change outer suburbs
Strategy (which will include both mitigation
FIVE YEARS FOR CORE SYSTEMS,
and adaptation issues) and the Systems/Sector Climate change impacts INCLUDING HEALTH AND HUMAN
Plan development process. We could look at what adaptation means in our SERVICES, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT,
region by focusing on the climate change impacts,
BUILT ENVIRONMENT, WATER
such as:
CYCLE, PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND
» Urban heat
TRANSPORT.…THESE SYSTEMS,
» Flash-flooding OR SECTORS, ARE THE AREAS
» Coastal flooding OF POLICY AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
» Bushfires THAT ARE MOST RELEVANT
» Extreme storm events TO CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 21Harvesting water in a community garden
Vulnerable groups Impacts on systems
We could examine the effects of climate change We could identify priorities by examining
on vulnerable groups in our region, such as: the impacts on systems operating within
our region:
» Increasingly ageing population
» Infrastructure
» Young people in larger numbers
in growth areas » Institutions
» Those with chronic health issues » Social systems
or mental illness
» Ecosystems
» People who are renting or have
mortgage stress
?
» People whose first language is not English What do you think
and new migrants is a good way to frame
climate change issues and
» Transient communities such as international solutions in our region?
students and tourists
» People that are homeless or experiencing
other socio-economic disadvantage
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 22Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne
PRIORITIES FOR Information may need to be framed specifically for
use before, during and after emergencies.
Climate Communicators – the Monash Climate
OUR REGION
Change Communication Research Hub’s flagship
program – partners with television weather
Scenarios and tools are required to assist presenters to include climate information in their
We have identified eleven priority areas for decision-making. We know there are trusted weather segments.
our region and want to test them with you. sources that communicate messages more
We recognise that these will need continual effectively and can be used to share information.
review as risks and impacts change. BY AVOIDING ADVOCACY AND
We have heard that early warning information
services are needed to underpin decision-making.
LETTING THE FACTS SPEAK
Information that is Groups and businesses want to know how FOR THEMSELVES, CLIMATE
they can examine their exposure to climate risk, COMMUNICATORS EXAMINES
easy to interpret, and many are aware that they are required to use CITY-LEVEL CLIMATE TRENDS
timely and targeted the most up-to-date information in their decision-
TO HELP AUDIENCES UNDERSTAND
Service deliverers and local making in order to meet their legal obligations.
THE LOCAL IMPLICATIONS
governments have told us they can have Information needs to support frank, realistic and
difficulty interpreting climate change information. OF A GLOBAL PHENOMENON.
robust discussions about options.
They may have insufficient resources to access
and use up-to-date data to provide services
for their communities.
What would help you
Consider to better adapt to climate
this change? What would stop
you from acting?
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 23Promoting Building climate
A useful description of climate resilience is
holistic responses and social resilience
There is a need to look at the directly in our
whole system when dealing communities 7
THE ABILITY TO ANTICIPATE,
with complex problems and changing situations. PREPARE FOR, AND RESPOND
There is evidence that strongly connected
Regional sector or industry forums could assist
communities have higher resilience and lower
TO HAZARDOUS EVENTS, TRENDS,
with capacity building.
vulnerability. Social resilience determines how OR DISTURBANCES RELATED
There are many organisations either working successfully people cope with unanticipated TO CLIMATE. IMPROVING CLIMATE
directly or indirectly on climate change events and how quickly they recover from shocks. RESILIENCE INVOLVES ASSESSING
adaptation. We have heard that there is Building social resilience requires investment.
a need for support to help them understand
HOW CLIMATE CHANGE WILL
New types of institutions may be needed to
the long-term risks and work together on support and build resilience. CREATE NEW, OR ALTER CURRENT,
solutions, including sharing adaptation planning CLIMATE-RELATED RISKS, AND
methodologies and embedding adaptation TAKING STEPS TO BETTER COPE
?
work across organisations. Do we need any new types
of institutions to support WITH THESE RISKS.
social and climate resilience
in our region? What could
they be, and why?
7 Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions: https://www.c2es.org/content/climate-resilience-overview/
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 24Earlier work identified a need to build This is a particular challenge for our region, with
understanding of climate change adaptation its large transient population and high number of Earthwatch works with all levels of government
in Australia – from local councils, to state park
issues amongst communities in Greater Melbourne, residents for whom English is not their first language. authorities and land managers, as well as federal and
as well as sharing information about possible state portfolios like education, environment, science
The need for more training, awareness and support and innovation, and meteorology.
solutions and how they could work in our region.
for people to develop leadership skills in this area
Different parts of our region have different EARTHWATCH HAS A NATURE-
was emphasised. There is an opportunity to build
information needs, for example growth areas will
face different challenges from the dense city centre
on initiatives like the ‘How Well Are We Adapting’ BASED CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM
online monitoring tool and programs such as
or the green fringe. – CLIMATE RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Earthwatch’s ‘Climate Resilient Communities’.
Individuals may also need help to interpret this
PROGRAM, WHICH SUPPORTS
information in a way that is relevant to them. HIGH-QUALITY LEARNING AROUND
Strengthening the LOCAL CLIMATE IMPACTS, ALONG
resilience of our WITH ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION
What social trends and built environment STRATEGIES FOR LOCAL CLIMATE
Consider behaviours could change and precincts ACTION. LINK HERE
this as we adjust to more frequent
extreme weather events? Across our region large amounts of new
infrastructure including housing, roads and
facilities are continually being constructed.
We need to make sure they are being designed
to be resilient to current and future climate
extremes. For example, by ensuring our
buildings and infrastructure can function in higher
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 25temperatures, and that the transport network
can continue to transition, both to changing The Virtual Centre for Climate Change Innovation funded a number of innovative projects in our region.
weather and to a carbon constrained economy.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROJECT
One of the ways to reduce the impact of extreme
heat in urban areas is to incorporate more green AIMS TO ENHANCE AIR QUALITY FOR OUR VULNERABLE POPULATION THROUGH
infrastructure such as street trees, green walls and THE APPLICATION OF FRESH FILTERED AIR VENTILATION. THE PROJECT IS AIMED
green roofs. Living plants can contribute to cooling
urban environments as well as providing some
AT IMPROVING THE WELL-BEING AND EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES OF YOUNG
health and wellbeing benefits. CHILDREN AND QUALITY OF LIFE AND RESILIENCE OF OLDER AUSTRALIANS,
ASSISTING IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION.
How are Victorian councils responding
to climate change impacts on local parks FLOOD-SENSITIVE ROADS PROJECT
and sports fields?
WILL EXPLORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SELF-SENSING FLOOD RESILIENT SMART
Hobsons Bay City Council, Maribyrnong City
Council, Wyndham City Council, Brimbank City
ROADS THAT AUTOMATICALLY RECOGNISE THE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE ROAD
Council, Melton City Council and Glen Eira City SURFACE AND ALERT AUTHORITIES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES IN REAL TIME ABOUT
Council reported programs to upgrade their active THE MAGNITUDE AND EXACT LOCATION OF THE FLOODING. THIS WILL SUPPORT THE
sports fields to warm season grasses that are better QUICK INITIATION OF CONTINGENCY PLANS.
suited to a warmer climate and require reduced
watering. link here
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 26New greening and cooling guidelines have just Protecting our natural
been released8 and there are a number of cooling
environment and MELBOURNE’S OPEN SPACE
and greening projects underway. In another
STRATEGY IS CONSIDERING THE
example, a Hobsons Bay community consultation providing people
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
project entitled ‘Cool Streets’ has just been with access to nature
completed and is aimed at increasing community AS WELL AS THE LINKS BETWEEN
Our region has many different groups and
acceptance of more greening in streets. ACCESS TO GREEN SPACES AND
authorities involved in managing and restoring
DELWP has recently commissioned the native vegetation and other natural assets such MENTAL HEALTH…NEW PARKS
‘Cooling and Greening Melbourne Interactive Map’ as wetlands, rivers and parks. Many natural areas ARE PLANNED AS PART OF ITS
that identifies areas of high heat vulnerability9, that remain in our region are under pressure due to IMPLEMENTATION.
and may be used to prioritise areas for greening. overuse and are being further stressed by a range
A new portfolio within the Department of Jobs, of factors including weather extremes. Frequently,
Precincts and Regions is called Priority Precincts GROUPS LIKE GREENING AUSTRALIA
natural areas with differing managers adjoin each
and is tasked with identifying geographic areas other, adding complexity to decision-making. AND TRUST FOR NATURE NOTE
of opportunity to support jobs and housing
A comprehensive regional approach to managing
THAT RESTORING HABITATS MAY
growth, while building on Melbourne’s legacy NEED TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE
these assets could help prioritise action and allocate
of distinctiveness, liveability and sustainability.
appropriate resources. CLIMATE; SOURCING AND SELECTING
SPECIES FOR PLANTINGS THAT
ARE MORE RESILIENT TO EXPECTED
WEATHER EXTREMES.
8 https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/cooling-greening-melbourne/trees-for-cooler-and-
greener-streetscapes
9 https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/policy-and-strategy/planning-for-melbourne/plan-melbourne/cooling-greening-melbourne/cooling-and-greening-
melbourne-interactive-map
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 27Forests in our region are also under threat from Protecting our most
weather extremes. Native forest managers are
vulnerable people DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
considering how to use climate projections to
THE STRATEGY THE REGIONAL
inform their management approaches, and how A recent international report
adaptation principles can be integrated into their shows that the overall risk
ADAPTATION STAKEHOLDER
decision-making. of climate-related illness or death is increasing11, COMMITTEE WILL TEST ‘ADAPTATION
Increasing urbanisation within our region has
and it’s clear that in our region some people PATHWAYS’ AS A METHOD TO
are more vulnerable than others. The Climate EXPLORE INTERRELATED IMPACTS
led to reduced access to nature for residents
Change Adaptation Snapshot identified many
with impacts on mental and physical health as AND SOLUTIONS. THIS PROJECT
different groups of vulnerable people across
well as cultural impacts. Tree canopy cover varies WILL EXAMINE HOW STAKEHOLDERS
Greater Melbourne. We have heard that the
significantly across our region. While some areas
aged, the very young, people with a disability CAN WORK COLLABORATIVELY
in the east are losing urban canopy cover, it is
increasing in Melbourne’s west, due to initiatives
or chronic health conditions, the socially ON PARTICIPATORY, SCENARIO-
isolated, homeless, new migrants and visitors PLANNING EXERCISES TO EXPLORE
such as Greening the West and Rivers of the West.
are disproportionately more vulnerable to the
A priority action identified in Melbourne’s Resilience ADAPTATION PATHWAYS OR OPTIONS.
effects of weather extremes.
Strategy was the development of an Urban Forest
Strategy for Melbourne. The strategy – Living
Melbourne – Our Metropolitan Urban Forest10 –
outlines six actions to support the protection and
enhancement of the city’s forest.
10 https://resilientmelbourne.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/LivingMelbourne_Strategy_online.pdf
11 United in Science, World Meteorological Organisation (2019) https://ane4bf-datap1.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wmocms/s3fs-public/ckeditor/files/
United_in_Science_ReportFINAL_0.pdf?XqiG0yszsU_sx2vOehOWpCOkm9RdC_gN
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 28These people may all find it difficult to access and community organisations to proactively
or interpret timely and relevant information support their communities. This project works SUSTAINABILITY VICTORIA’S
about what to do in extreme weather conditions with vulnerable communities across the south-east
HEALTHY HOMES PROJECT
that result in heat waves, bushfires or flash-flooding. suburbs to improve their understanding of the
Our key stakeholders agree that we need health impacts of heatwaves and support them
DELIVERS HOME RETROFITS
to address inequality and assist those living better to respond to this climate change impact. FOR DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE
in disadvantaged areas.
A comprehensive vulnerability analysis across all
WITH COMPLEX HEALTH NEEDS.
sectors could inform the actions we should take. THIS WORK FOCUSES ON
There are many excellent local
In relation to heat we can also learn from existing IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY,
Consider community projects that may projects such as the Hume Heatwave Help program, WITH THE GOAL OF IMPROVING
this need help to scale up. How could Cooler Communities and Banksia Gardens, and
INDOOR AIR TEMPERATURES.
they be helped to do this? build on work such as the City of Melbourne
Homelessness Heat Plan. Other relevant work
includes Sustainability Victoria’s Healthy Homes13
‘South East Hot Spots’ is a project12 initiated by project that retrofits homes of disadvantaged
Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation and being people with complex health needs. This work
delivered by enliven in Greater Dandenong and focuses on improving energy efficiency, with the
IPC Health in Brimbank. With the increasing goal of improving indoor air temperatures – another
frequency and intensity of extreme weather example of mitigation and adaptation outcomes
events, Hot Spots provides funding to health merging together.
12 https://www.lmcf.org.au/our-impact/healthy-resilient-communities/hot-spots-initiative
13 https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Grants-and-funding/Victorian-Healthy-Homes-Program
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 29Addressing examining which areas around Port Phillip Bay are
complexities around
most vulnerable15, and Victoria’s new Marine and INCREASING AREAS OF MANGROVES
Coastal Act has been established to help protect
IN SOME AREAS MAY BE AN OPTION
coastal adaptation our marine and coastal environments.
THAT CAN PROVIDE SOME LEVELS OF
Greater Melbourne has more than In the context of increasing change in an already
PROTECTION FROM STORM SURGES.
600 kilometres of coast, including Port Phillip Bay dynamic space, we need to explore ways of having
and Westernport. Many people live and holiday near constructive discussions about the future of some INFORMATION SOURCES LIKE
the coast. Research has demonstrated a strong and of the more at-risk coastal areas, what we want to ‘COASTADAPT’ LINK HERE
important link between the quality of the coastal protect most, and who will pay. There are issues
environment and the quality of life for a great
IDENTIFY A RANGE OF PLANNING,
around the role of insurance, legal arrangements and
number of Victorians. It’s a very dynamic part of the potential disaster relief or assistance. As a region we ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL
landscape in our region, and we know that extreme must have difficult conversations about the range of AND SOCIAL OPTIONS FOR COASTAL
weather events, increased wave action, storm scenarios that are possible for some of these areas, ADAPTATION – WHAT MIGHT THESE
surges and sea level rise will alter sand movements consider the options available, and plan what we will LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?
and increase erosion rates. These areas will continue do in the case of a range of future impacts.
to change.
We also know that, combined with population Options for protecting assets
pressures, catchment degradation and ageing on our coastline range from
Consider protective works to planned
infrastructure, the impacts on our coastline will this
escalate in coming years 14. Current work is retreat. How can we have these
important discussions?
14 Extract from Bay Blueprint, prepared by the Association of Bayside Municipalities.
15 A Coastal Hazard Assessment for Port Phillip Bay is currently underway and is being led by DELWP.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 30Vinyards in the Yarra Valley
Supporting and With a future population of 7 million people,
combined with loss of land, agricultural output
protecting agriculture is modelled to fall by $32 million. The growing
in Melbourne’s fringes population, combined with the loss of agricultural
Although our region has land, is projected to drive up food prices.
a large urban component, it produces 23 percent A project outlined in ‘Plan Melbourne 2017–2050’
of Victoria’s vegetables, seven percent of Victoria’s is exploring the protection of strategic agricultural
fruit (including 96 percent of its berry fruits), land and green wedges to secure a range of social,
59 percent of the state’s chicken meat and over environmental and economic values for the future.
a third of its eggs16. Parts of our region are While agriculture and rural land can be a key
significant for particular crops, as a result of their contributor to climate pollution, it can also play
climate, soil, and other conditions. For example, a major role in addressing the issue. Current
the Yarra Valley produces 78 percent of Victoria’s discussions about the agriculture sector are
strawberries and Koo Wee Rup grows over 90 focused around ongoing farming transitions
percent of Australia’s asparagus. across Victoria. This could include adjusting crops
Urban development pressure presents a major to changing environmental conditions, capturing
threat to Melbourne’s food bowl, both in terms carbon in soils, as well as supporting potential
of the land available to agriculture, as well as the changes in people’s diets and nutritional demands.
economic contribution of agriculture in this region.
16 Sheridan J., Larsen, K. and Carey, R. (2015) Melbourne’s foodbowl: Now and at seven million. Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab, The University of
Melbourne. pp.3-11.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 31Protecting and prioritisation of projects, deliver multiple benefits to
managing our
the community and to achieve strategic outcomes POPULATION GROWTH VICTORIA’S
related to liveability and resilience.
POPULATION IS PROJECTED TO REACH
water supply Melbourne Water provides water supply and 10.1 MILLION BY MID-CENTURY
Melbourne’s population is sewage management services to three retail water
That’s a lot of extra people who all need access
continuing to grow while rainfall continues to corporations18 in our Greater Melbourne region. to water
steadily decline. Run-off and river and creek flows Melbourne Water has been developing Urban
have also fallen. Melbourne’s western catchments Water Strategies and running various scenarios19
have experienced large declines in streamflow to understand how to ensure we continue to
since 199717. have a reliable water supply for our homes, CLIMATE CHANGE WILL MEAN
To facilitate collaboration in water management our environment, our parklands, industries and VICTORIA BECOMES DRIER OVER
planning across organisations, sectors and agriculture. THE LONG-TERM
disciplines, Integrated Water Management That means more extreme events including droughts,
Improved urban design in new developments such floods and heatwaves
Forums (IWMF) have been established. In Greater as including green infrastructure and stormwater
Melbourne an IWMF has been established for each capture can support this aim. Behavioural
of the major waterway catchments. The forums adjustments in water use will also be important.
are designed to facilitate collaboration in water LESS WATER BY 2065 STREAMFLOWS
management, develop a shared vision for water TO SOME O
F OUR CATCHMENTS
management that includes identification and COULD REDUCE BY AROUND 50 PER
CENT PER YEAR
This means less available water in our storages.
17 Water for Victoria. VicWACI.
18 City West, South-East and Yarra Valley Adapted from Water for Victoria
19 For example, Water for a future-thriving Melbourne, Melbourne’s Water Outlook 2020
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 32Responding to
emergencies: before, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VICTORIA: MY COMMUNITY PORTAL
during and after EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT VICTORIA (EMV) IS COLLABORATING WITH OTHERS
With our region’s growing TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY BASED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT THROUGH MY
population and with a large number of Melbourne’s COMMUNITY PORTAL, LAUNCHED IN MARCH 2019.
vulnerable population located in the urban fringe,
emergency management for extreme weather
A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WAS
events such as bushfires has been identified as a INTRODUCED IN 2016 TO SUPPORT PEOPLE TO BUILD SAFER AND MORE RESILIENT
key issue for us. Current work has a strong focus on COMMUNITIES. THE APPROACH RELIES ON COMMUNITY EXPERTISE AND LOCAL
community resilience. KNOWLEDGE TO ENHANCE LOCAL DECISION MAKING. A KEY STRATEGY IS TO PROVIDE
Emergency Management Victoria has identified LOCALISED, RELIABLE AND UP TO DATE INFORMATION, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE
building community and social resilience as a key THROUGH THE PORTAL. LINK HERE
part of its approach. Their Victorian Emergency
Management Strategic Action Plan Update outlines
state-wide strategic priorities, with corresponding STAKEHOLDERS IN GREATER MELBOURNE HAVE TOLD US THAT THEY VALUE
actions, to guide ‘all communities, all emergencies’ COMMUNITY-BASED RESILIENCE AND CLIMATE READINESS TOOLS LIKE THIS.
reform and supports Victoria in achieving its vision
of safer and more resilient communities.
Preparing a Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Greater Melbourne Back to contents Page 33You can also read
