263
x
Policies – no legislative amendments were considered to be necessary, but clearer expression
was needed in the regulations to recognise the policies including the Climate Change Adaptation
Framework.
x
Adaptation – it was considered that regulations should be introduced to support development of
climate change adaptation plans for all State government regions by 2016.
x
Climate change decision making – it was recommended that development of a process for
climate change issues and interactions with Commonwealth law and policy be factored into
government decision making.
In light of these key findings, it is worth considering broader areas of policy that may serve to support
aspects of adaptation which have been raised throughout this course of this project. Some examples of
regulation and policy that relate to issues identified through the report include: OH&S, Aged Care,
Community Housing, Heritage Policy, Regulated Trees, Environment Protection.
16.5.2. Regulatory Barriers
Government policies need to be developed and reviewed in the context of changing climate, emerging
risks, and impacts on community/industry activities so they do not present barriers when change may
become necessary. Similarly, policies can be adjusted to facilitate proactive action rather than being
responsive to hazard events. This could include, for example, health policy, environment protection
policies, government procurement policy, land banking, or state tax policy. The depth and interaction of
regulatory barriers could necessitate a wider review process be undertaken.
The Building Code of Australia may need to adapt in response to the high emissions scenario. Additional
research and more reliable data will be required on specific climate impacts, such as cyclonic events and
intense rainfall, to ensure that standards can be adequately reviewed to take account of longer term
trends. This work is required before BCA changes can be justified.
It is important that 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.
Other measures aimed at addressing regulatory barriers and improving climate change adaptation
include:
x
Work with bodies such as the Public Works and Engineering Australia to updated standards to
incorporate climate change impacts.
x
Work with national bodies, through COAG, to establish a nationally consistent approach to
climate change adaptation. This will enable resources to be pooled and capacity of local
government to develop capacity to address climate change risks.
