12
x
The scale of projections needs to be downscaled to a local level in order to assist a community’s
ability to plan for future climate risks and develop adaptation measures that best suits the local
circumstances.
x
Improve awareness and education of climate change science and impacts by the community, and
ensure decision-makers appreciate the behavioural/cultural/religious attitudes and beliefs, and social
pressures that are affecting willingness and ability to adapt to climate change. The awareness of
Development Assessment Panels in regard to climate change adaptation needs examined with a
view to developing targeted training modules.
x
A stratified education campaign is necessary that targets all stakeholders in the region, using
information obtained through Stage 1 of the WARCCAP project. This should be preceded with a
survey to ascertain how much the community knows about the effects of climate change on lives,
businesses, property and other regional assets, and to gauge the extent of preparedness for
adaption.
x
Undertake an audit of existing regulations, government policy and administrative procedures to
identify the extent to which they limit effective adaptation actions and adoption of measures across
the community.
x
It is important that land use zone policies continue to be reviewed using best available information
and that best practice standards are created to adapt to climate change. Policies contained in the
Planning Strategy need to be updated as new information becomes available in order for Councils to
have appropriate guidance during Development Plan reviews. It should be mandatory for
Development Plan reviews undertaken by Councils or Ministerial Development Plan Amendments to
consider climate change adaptation and ensure consistency with the Planning Strategy.
x
When applying a regional approach to climate change adaptation, there needs to be consistency in
decision-making across and between regions. The decisions of one council can impact adversely on
another council area with regard to its climate change risk profile and delivery of programs and
investments. Consideration should be given to implementing measures within the planning system,
such as regional DAPs or to assign greater powers to a State referral body (e.g. Coast Protection
Board), in order to achieve a consistent approach to climate change adaptation across the region.
x
Investigate options available to councils that remove future liability from council arising from
decisions today that may be subject to litigation in the future due to naturally occurring hazards.
