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Barrier
Description
In terms of adaptation planning, significant volumes of information is required from
multiple stakeholders. This information can be difficult to access due to its sensitivity or
commercial value, or difficult to use due to scale, completeness, age, and consistency.
Different data sets within a single organisation can be subject to multiple authorisations
before it can be released. Different definitions of regional geographies creates difficulties
for achieving data consistency.
Several State Government agencies and the relevant councils were also consulted in relation to potential
barriers to climate change adaptation, which provides a more localised focus. A summary of issues is
outlined in
Table 16.5.
Barrier
Description
Regulatory Barriers
x
Contrasting pressures to simplify regulations and reduce red-tape can work against
efforts towards installing broader ranging climate change adaptation policies.
x
Planning policies (including those relating to climate change adaptation) are a guide
only that must be balanced against other policies when making a decision.
x
Statutory processes can be slow to react to climate change impacts, e.g. invasive
plants.
x
There is potential inconsistency in regulations that results in some climate adaption
measures not being considered by other sectors. E.g. levee banks for one purpose
may not support retreat of mangroves.
Information for
Managing risks
x
There is a lack of high-resolution digital elevation models for the SA coast, and
information on detailed flood risks.
x
Lack of appropriate mapping across government agencies in relation to sea level
rise, flood risk, and set back distances. There is also need for mapping vegetation
related to likely changes arising from climate change.
x
The scale of data is not often suitable for councils to utilise.
x
Emergency risk management has been underway with limited data availability,
except in relation to flood risk, sea level rise and storm surge.
x
There is a lack of information in relation to development in coastal areas, flood plains,
and high fire prone areas.
x
Understanding of acid sulphate soil locations and their impacts on vulnerable
species.
x
There is not enough good information about water availability in prescribed areas
and how changes resulting from climate change will impact on long term water
planning. Projected water availability is needed for engaging with water users in
planning for the future.
Governance
x
In relation to managing development at the coast, powers reside with the councils in
most instances. There is risk of inconsistent decision-making due in part to the
limited powers of the Coast Protection Board’s advice-only role.
x
Development Assessment Panels may not be always receptive to climate change
adaptation or mitigation measures.
x
Until recently, no apparent whole of government approach to climate change
