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Develop guidelines for the collection and management of data, to improve the quality and consistency of
this across jurisdictions. This would include standards for data collection, modelling methodologies, scale
and tolerances, and roles of organisations in relation to relevant information sets. The outcome would be
information that is suitable to be aggregated up to a regional or State scale, or broken down accordingly.
Development application data can provide useful information for climate change adaptation. Appropriate
methodologies and guidelines would allow Councils to handle information derived from development
applications without exposing their organisation to legal and financial risks.
In relation to information held by private asset owners, it would be beneficial to develop a close
engagement process with the business community to facilitate release of necessary data.
16.5.5. Education
Several references suggest there is a need for improved awareness and education of climate change
science and impacts by the community, as well as a greater appreciation by decision-makers of the
behavioural/cultural/religious attitudes and beliefs, and social pressures that are affecting willingness and
ability to adapt.
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.
It is important to educate local decision makers including council Development Assessment Panels on
importance of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
16.5.6. Legal Liability
In relation to legal liability it would be prudent to 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. This could involve statements that remove liability from councils for
developments approved now, that may need future protection measures due to changes that were
unknown when decision made. Alternatively, the Development Act in relation to extending the scope of
‘good faith’ exemptions may be a candidate for review.
16.5.7. Other
A wide range of investigations have been identified throughout the report that should be undertaken to
address existing data and knowledge gaps. These studies relate to:
x
Urban heat island effects.
x
Effect of built environment on coastal flood waters and water infrastructure.
x
Modelling of beach recession.
x
Analysis of current ecological changes attributed to sea levels.
x
Water quality (coast) and storm water analysis.
x
Analysis of use of open space and recreational facilities under changed climatic conditions.
