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The
Local Government Act 1999
establishes a strategic planning framework for local government to
consider climate change impacts and adaptation measures.
The management of natural resources and the coast in accordance with the
Natural Resources
Management Act 2004
and
the Coast Protection Act 1972
needs to be responsive and adjust to changes
in the climate including sea level rise and increased incidence of extreme weather events. The
Natural
Resources Management Plan for South Australia
(2012) recognises the significance of climate change
and importance of the community taking responsibility for natural resources and making informed
decisions. It is against this goal that the Plan seeks to improve the capacity of individuals and the
community to respond to climate change.
The
Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Plan
(2008) covers the Study Area. It
lists the major climate change threats and vulnerabilities within the region and outlines a suite of
adaptation options that are built into strategic objectives in the Plan.
16.2.3. Local Government
Although local government does not have specific legislation to support climate change adaptation,
Councils are responsible for the decision making and policy development underpinning State legislation
including the
Development Act 1993
, the
Local Government Act 1999
and the new South Australian
Public Health Act 2011
, which is being introduced in stages.
In accordance with Section 8 of the
Local Government Act
, councils must,
inter alia
:
x
Participate with other councils and governments in setting public policy and achieving regional, state
and national objectives.
x
Give due weight in its plans, policies, and activities to regional, state, and national objectives and
strategies concerning the economic, social, physical and environmental development and
management of the community.
Against these requirements, the three Councils in the Study Area have prepared the policy documents
outlined in
Table 16.2
, which have relevance to climate change adaptation.
Table 16.2: Local Government policy documents
Council
Plan / Policy
Port Adelaide Enfield City Plan 2010-2016
Environment Strategy for a Sustainable City 2009-2014
Emergency Response Plan 2010
Charles Sturt
Community Plan 2027
Towards One Planet Living: Greening the Western Suburbs Plan 2008-2013
West Torrens
Towards 2025 Community Plan November 2011
Climate Change Action Plan 2009-2014
Councils are also responsible for maintaining the Development Plan for their area. Section 30 General
Reviews provide a 5-yearly periodic opportunity to identify and examine issues facing the council,
