3
x
A study examining already observed ecological changes should be carried out in detail.
x
Further investigation is required to examine potential water quality impacts and risk to beach users
that may result from potential increases in stormwater runoff.
x
More detailed analysis is required to assess the influence of small-scale landforms and built
infrastructure on ingress and distribution of coastal flood waters and the effect of any coincident
flooding of waterways or storm water drains.
Regional Profile
The Study Area’s population has grown modestly over the past 10 years and is earmarked for significant
population growth and urban renewal. This presents great opportunities to help shape new
neighbourhoods that are well adapted or prepared for the impacts of climate change.
Considerable diversity in incomes and qualification levels exists across the Study Area, with pockets of
high income households in some places, and concentrations of income support recipients in others.
While this diversity is a strength in one sense, it means that households have very different capacities to
make individual decisions regarding climate change adaptation. Above average rates of renting also
limits the ability of some households to make changes to the homes in which they live.
There is evidence that above-average proportions of the population are living with key heath risk factors,
chronic disease and high levels of psychological stress. This is an area of vulnerability under future
conditions associated with climate change. At the same time, some heath care and support services,
particularly mental health services, are being provided at below average rates in some locations. While a
range of services are provided in the region, some parts of the region (especially in the south) have
limited community support services.
The Study Area contains high proportions of non-English speakers. While culturally and linguistically
diverse communities enrich many aspects of the region’s cultural life, it can present challenges for
information provision and communication in the event of an emergency.
Natural Resources
The Study Area is characterised by highly modified watercourses (River Torrens, Dry Creek, Grange
Creek) and natural and constructed wetlands that provide habitat for marine, freshwater and terrestrial
activity. Under altered conditions associated with changed climate, these are at threat of altered flow
regimes, increased pollution, modified water quality, increases in flooding, and altered water regimes.
Remnant patches of biodiversity are retained across the Study Area within parks, reserves, and dunes,
and estuaries. Many areas of biodiversity are located on land that is privately owned.
Climate change impacts that threaten the biodiversity include intrusion of weeds and pest animals,
pollution, flooding, wind and water erosion, fragmentation, intertidal competition, sea level rise, salinity,
and future development.
