14
Stage 1 uses best available information to develop a detailed social, economic, infrastructure, and
environmental profile of the region and establishes scenarios describing how the region’s climate may
change in the future. This involves extensive literature reviews, statistical analysis and engagement with
key government bodies.
Stage 2 of the project comprises a detailed risk assessment. Stage 2 will examine in depth the key
strategic issues and features of the region that have been identified in Stage 1, and apply a detailed
research focus to these. It is anticipated that the key areas that will likely require further detailed
modelling, research and analysis in the region will include sea level rise, strategic assets and
infrastructure (public and private), public open space and biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, development
and urban planning, and social / community vulnerability. Stage 2 will provide detailed findings and
recommendations for direct input into the preparation of an Integrated Vulnerability Assessment.
Stage 3 involves the collation of the information and assessments from Stages 1 and 2, and identifies the
resulting vulnerabilities and opportunities across the region. This will also include an assessment of the
potential barriers to adaptation planning, based on findings during Stage 1.
Stage 4 will result in the preparation of a multi-agency plan of action to address key issues and
vulnerabilities, and include a scheduled program of agreed priority actions, roles, responsibilities (private
and public sectors), and proposed resourcing, budget, or investment requirements in the region over
agreed timeframes.
It is intended by the project sponsors that the preparation of the Adaptation Plan will include a major
element of consultation with regional stakeholders.
In regard to Stage 1 of the overall project, it has been prepared in three concurrent parts in accordance
with the project brief:
x
Part A (Sections 4 and 5) involves the development of climate change projections based on scenario
modelling over appropriate time scales for the region. Sea level rise and other coastal events such
as storm surge and coastal erosion are discussed.
x
Part B (Sections 6 to 15) provides a detailed profile of the region. This section describes the region’s
communities, environments, built infrastructure and the range of human services provided. It will also
consider how these (at least the socio-economic profile and infrastructure) may change over the next
few decades.
x
Part C (Section 16) examines the relevant legislative and policy frameworks that apply to the region
and provides an outline of governance arrangements. The section identifies impediments to
successful climate change adaptation and offers a suite of recommendations to resolve such
impediments.
The area covered by this research is illustrated in
Figure 2.2
.
