8
Recommendations
x
Further discussion with the insurance industry is required to ascertain the range of products offered in
South Australia that would assist the community to protect itself from hazards associated with climate
change.
x
More localised data collection and analysis of households and businesses is required, including by
survey, to identify potential variations from the above analysis. Close engagement with Government
agencies to obtain a more detailed insight into the insurance profile of assets and how it relates to
hazards across the region.
Regional Growth Projections
Under the
30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide
, the Western Adelaide population is forecast to grow to
around 300,000 or an additional 83,000 people by 2040. As the population grows, the population is also
expected to continue to grow older. There will also be more ‘dependents’ for every person in the working
age population.
The rate of population growth and new dwelling construction is expected to be higher over the next 27
years than has been experienced in recent times. In order to address climate change and other strategic
issues, the urban form in Western Adelaide is, and will continue to change with an emphasis on
increasing residential densities, especially close to transport and services.
The population needs increasingly adequate protection from extreme weather into the future. Dwellings
can provide an energy efficient refuge for residents if suitably designed and/or retrofitted (as well as
affordable), while also reducing the region’s demand for electricity. Growth in population will increase
demand for electricity, further adding pressure upon the region’s energy supply during peak times. Power
loss or expensive supply presents health and commercial dangers to the region.
More frequent and severe heatwaves is likely to impact on the community’s health. The region will have
a greater proportion of people depending on the services of the community. The implications of a
changing climate on a population with a high proportion of dependents are not well understood.
Additional research regarding the climate impacts of demographic change is needed.
Human behaviours may change in response to extreme heat events that cause increases in health risks.
This can impact on a wide cross section of the region’s activities that are undertaken outdoors, including
for example commercial and public works, education events and schedules, volunteering, recreation and
fitness, music and sports events, and weekend markets.
Warmer temperatures may exacerbate air quality issues, which may present further health risks to the
community, particularly for the population living in proximity to industrial areas, arterial roads etc. The
changing population and heightened health risks associated with rising temperature and other factors
may change the demand for services from the community, for which there is likely to be continued
competing priorities.
