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Climate Change Adaptation Plan
2011
CITY OF WHITEHORSE
Tackling Climate Change Together
Whitehorse City Council Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Tackling Climate Change Together
Prepared for Whitehorse City Council
Prepared by
AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Level 9, 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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AECOM has exercised reasonable care when completing this report. However, caution
must be taken when considering our conclusions because significant uncertainty
remains due to the inherent complexities involved in analysing the past climate and
variables typically encountered when modelling future climate change. AECOM cannot
guarantee the accuracy of the climate observations and projections described in this
report and cannot be responsible for any third party’s reliance upon on this information.
28 July 2010
60047845
© AECOM Australia Pty Ltd 2010
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is solely for the use of the Client identified on the cover sheet for the purpose for
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form without the written permission of AECOM Australia Pty Ltd.
Executive Summary 4
1 Project Background 7
1.1 Objectives 7
1.2 Climate Change Management Cycle 7
1.3 Summary of Climate Change Risk Assessment 8
1.4 Defining Climate Change Adaptation 9
1.5 Policy and Legislative Environment 10
1.5.1 Federal and State Government 10
1.5.2 Whitehorse City Council 11
2 Methodology 11
2.1 Research and Review of Risk Assessment 11
2.2 Internal Stakeholder Engagement 12
2.2.1 Presentation and Discussion with Council Executive and Senior Managers 12
2.2.2 Adaptation Planning Workshop 12
2.3 Community Consultation 12
2.3.1 Municipal Emergency Management Workshop 12
2.3.2 Community Surveys 12
2.3.3 Community Consultation Workshop 12
2.4 Identification and Prioritisation of Adaptation Solutions 13
2.5 Classification of Costs 15
3 Adapting to Climate Change 16
3.1 Adaptation Solutions to be Completed Within the Next Two Years 16
3.2 Adaptation Solutions to be Completed in Two to Five Years 17
3.3 Adaptation Solutions to be Completed in Seven to Ten Years 17
4 The Role of the Community in Adapting to Climate Change 26
4.1 Community Actions to Adapt 27
5 Communicating Climate Change Adaptation 30
6 Review and Progress Reporting 31
7 Conclusion 32
8 References 33
Appendix AClimate Change Risk and Adaptation References 34
Appendix BClimate Change Risks 36
Appendix CCommunity Engagement Framework 41
CONTENTS
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Whitehorse City Council recognises that it needs to respond to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The need to be prepared and resilient to future impacts and implications has been reinforced by several events in recent years including:
• Heavy rainfall and strong wind speeds leading to property damage and more than 275 calls to the Nunawading SES in December 2007, and similar circumstances and impacts in December 2009
• Strong winds and heavy rain causing extensive damage in the City of Whitehorse (February 2005)
• Strong winds causing damage to nine Council buildings (April 2008)
• An extended heatwave causing health impacts (February 2009 and January 2010)
• An extended period of drought.
Whitehorse City Council continues to be proactive in addressing environmental issues, as evidenced by the vision provided in the Whitehorse Sustainability Strategy 2008 – 2013: Our EcoVision (Whitehorse City Council, 2008a). A key action of the strategy is to develop a climate change adaptation plan. Council began the process of developing an adaptation plan by undertaking a climate change risk assessment in 2009. The City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment (Maunsell AECOM, 2009) identified the following priority areas for Council’s response:
• Injury or death due to flooding or storm damage
• Heatwave health risks
• Increased risk of flash flooding
• Reviewing departmental budgets in light of climate change impacts
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Greater need for alternative water supplies and the costs associated with this
• Transport disruptions inhibiting the delivery of Council services.
The development of this adaptation plan builds on the City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment by outlining the actions that Council intends to take to build the resilience of its assets, operations and the resilience of the Whitehorse community. A priority in developing the plan was to reduce what might become extreme risks by implementing a range of actions to adapt to climate change. The plan was developed with participation from Council staff and the community.
A number of interactive forums were held with Council management and representatives from each department to use their local knowledge as well as to seek their commitment to address climate change issues in Council’s strategic operational and capital programs. Activities that were undertaken to engage with and seek input from the Whitehorse community included a community workshop, a community survey and a business survey. In recognition of the critical role of emergency service providers in responding to extreme weather events, the Whitehorse Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) was also engaged to seek their input and learn from their experiences.
This consultation process identified a wide range of potential responses that Council and the community could implement. These actions were supplemented by research into measures undertaken by other municipalities and businesses.
The impacts of climate change go beyond municipal boundaries requiring a planned response greater
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than the resources (or responsibilities) of the Council. This plan focuses on the short, medium and long term actions that Council:
• Can implement within the scope of its own responsibilities and apply to its assets, services, operations and programs
• Can engage and empower the community to raise awareness and take action together
• Needs to advocate to or partner with other organisations and agencies to build resilience.
Council’s adaptation response will involve all sections of Council and require collaboration with external stakeholders including Whitehorse residents and businesses. Other stakeholders that will need to be engaged for the successful delivery of this plan include emergency service agencies, neighbouring Councils and state government departments and agencies. The identified actions are summarised below.
Council Services
• Ensuring adequate provision of resources, including contingency arrangements, to cope with an expected increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
• Continuing to support and work closely with the local emergency management planning committee, while looking for opportunities to continuously improve the preparation and response of Council to extreme weather events.
• Strengthening community engagement on the issue of climate change and assisting residents and businesses to establish local support and response networks.
Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Communicating with and educating staff and the community on the risks posed by climate change and actions that they can take to protect themselves, their homes and their businesses.
• Ensuring staff, contractors and volunteers are prepared for, and supported during, extreme weather events.
Built and Natural Environment
• Securing Council’s assets through undertaking vulnerability assessments and ensuring standards and planning processes for new assets include the consideration of climate change risks.
• Continuing efforts to improve water and energy efficiency as well as identifying new ways to use or divert stormwater and run-off.
• Maintaining and enhancing existing assets by ensuring that maintenance and retrofit programs are updated to consider climate change risks and opportunities for energy and water efficiency.
Financial planning and internal policy
• Seeking a regional or shared approach to building the resilience of local communities and advocating to state and federal governments for financial support to adapt.
• Reviewing key publications including those from the Bushfire Royal Commission and updated design standards to identify applicable actions or processes that can be used by Council.
• Incorporating the consideration of the likely financial impacts of climate change in the budget planning process and insurance arrangements.
To best prepare the municipality for the risks presented by climate change, residents and businesses will need to have an active role. A range of ‘first steps’ are included in this action plan to give the community some early direction on actions they can do right now. Whitehorse City Council will build upon this information
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in developing a more comprehensive external climate change communication and engagement strategy. Examples of things that residents, businesses and the general community can do are listed below:
• Be informed of the risks posed by climate change
• Engage with existing community and business groups by starting the discussion regarding building resilience to extreme events and climate change
• Develop a home or business response plan
• Prepare your home or business for extreme weather conditions
• Adapt your home, business and lifestyle for the long-term impacts of climate change such as water shortages, food scarcity and increased average temperatures.
The adaptation plan complements existing strategies and action plans that are designed to reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and ecological footprint. Key strategies such as Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2008-2013: Our EcoVision, Energy Action Plan 2009-2014, Water Action Plan 2008-2013, Integrated Transport Strategy 2011 and Community Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013 contain actions that contribute to climate change adaptation at a local level. These actions are not repeated in this adaptation plan but their contribution to Council’s overall response to climate change impacts is recognised.
Whitehorse City Council’s climate change risks will change over time. To ensure that Council’s adaptation responses and approaches remain valid and relevant to local priorities and climate conditions, the Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011 will need to be reviewed and updated. Future reviews should re-assess
Council’s risk profile in consideration of changes to climate change information, policy or Council’s assets and activities. Reviews should also consider new opportunities that may arise as a result of the changing climate or policy environment.
This plan is an important milestone in Council’s risk management as well as its response to climate change. Continuing the cross-organisational engagement and response will help ensure the successful implementation of the plan. Ongoing communication and engagement with all sections of the Whitehorse community is critical to ensure that Council’s response continues to meet the needs of the community in a changing climate. By implementing this adaptation plan, Whitehorse City Council will be a local government leader in the region in responding to climate change.
One of the key actions outlined in the Whitehorse Sustainability Strategy 2008-2013: Our EcoVision (Whitehorse City Council 2008a) is to develop a climate change adaptation plan. In 2009, with the assistance of AECOM, Whitehorse City Council took the first steps towards this goal through the development of the Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment (AECOM, 2009). The risk assessment considered risks to Council (e.g. physical assets or provision of services) and risks to the broader Whitehorse community (i.e. ‘municipal risks’).
While key Council strategies list some mitigation responses to address climate change risks, it was determined that a more comprehensive and integrated plan was required. As a result, in January 2010 Council commenced the development of this Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011, which will help to manage its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, enhance the resilience of the Whitehorse community, and identify any opportunities that climate change may present.
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1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
1.1 ObjectivesThe climate change adaptation plan sets out actions to build the resilience of Council and ensure that identified climate change risks do not become extreme by 2030 or 2070.
To achieve these goals, this adaptation plan will:
• Ensure that climate change impacts are highlighted and able to be acted upon in all applicable Council operations
• Provide climate change adaptation actions that are prioritised and linked with the identified risks, major areas of responsibility and Council’s operational and capital works processes
• Contribute to ensuring that all Council services can be delivered sustainability and reliably under all circumstances and continue to build community resilience
• Continue to raise awareness amongst the community and across Council about appropriate local actions that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
1.2 Climate Change Management CycleWhile the process of climate change scenario identification, risk assessment and adaptation planning undertaken in this project has been thorough, Council will need to periodically review its climate change risks and responses, as scientific, technological and institutional factors continue to evolve. In doing so, it will follow a process similar to that described in Figure 1 (AECOM, 2010).
Staying up-to-date with scientific and policy developments relating to climate change will require regular information updates. The information sources listed in Appendix A will assist Council in keeping up to date with key developments in this field, in the Victorian context as well as nationally and internationally.
Figure 1: Climate Change Management Cycle.
Access Latest Climate Change Science
Source latest climate change projedtions relevant for the region
and choose future scenarios against which risks will be assessed.
Review ActionsReview the status of climae change adaptation actions, including the
success of actions already implemented.
Assess Climate Change RisksIdentify and evaluate climate change risks for each operational area under
each climate change scenario.
Implement ActionsImplement adaptation actions,
recognising that actions can often be delivered as part of other projects.
Complete Risk AnalysisAnalyse risk assessment results
to identify the highest rated risks for which adaptation actions will be developed.
Develop an Action PlanDocument adaptation actions
including responsibilities, resources & timing. Integrate
actions into project management and reporting frameworks.
Identify Adaptation ActionsIdentify and evaluate adaptation actions to address risks. Use this
process to prioritise adaptation efforts.
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1.3 Summary of Climate Change Risk AssessmentChanges are already being experienced in Australia’s climate and scientific consensus warns with increasing confidence of many varied and more serious impacts to come. Even with considerable cuts to global greenhouse gas emissions, the lag in the climatic system means that many of these impacts are unavoidable and communities must be prepared to deal with them. Small changes in annual and seasonal temperatures and rainfall conditions can be associated with large changes in extreme weather events (CSIRO, 2007). Metropolitan Melbourne’s future climate, including that of Whitehorse, is expected to change in numerous ways, including:
• Increased average temperatures
• An increased number of extreme heat days
• Decreased average rainfall
• Increased intensity of extreme rainfall events
• Increased evaporation
• An increased frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Completed in April 2009, the City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment identified a total of 66 risks relating to Council’s operations and the community more broadly. The risks were grouped under the following five categories, as outlined in Council’s risk management framework which is based on the Risk Management Standard AS/NZS 4360:2004:
• Financial
• Workplace health and safety
• Business and legal
• Environmental/social/cultural heritage
• Reputation and image.
To prioritise Council’s response, each risk was rated using Council’s risk ranking matrix (refer to Table 1). Each risk was rated in consideration of both 2030 and 2070 time horizons. Definitions of likelihood and consequence can be found in the Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment.
Insignificant1
Minor2
Moderate 3
Major4
Catastrophic5
Almost Certain5
H H E E E
Likely4
M H H E E
Possible3
L M H H E
Unlikely2
L L M H H
Rare1
L L L M H
Likelihood
Consequence
Table 1: Whitehorse City Council Risk Ranking Matrix.
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Of the 66 risks, seven were rated as ‘extreme’ in 2030, while 15 were projected to be ‘extreme’ in 2070. The risks identified as priorities for Council’s adaptation response included:
• Injury or death due to flooding or storm damage
• Heatwave health risks
• Increased risk of flash flooding
• Increased demand for contingency funding
• Greater need for alternative water supplies and associated costs
• Transport disruptions inhibiting the delivery of Council services.
These risks were reviewed and updated to take account of Council’s existing priorities.
For information on all of the risk identified and Council’s risks management framework, refer to the City of Whitehorse Climate
Change Risk Assessment available on Council’s website (www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au).
1.4 Defining Climate Change AdaptationResponses to climate change can be categorised as either climate change mitigation or adaptation. While climate change mitigation relates to reducing the extent of changes in climatic conditions (by limiting greenhouse gas emissions), adaptation measures aim to increase the resilience of a system to projected climatic changes. Some mitigation measures can help adapt to the effects of climate change. For example, a house that employs passive cooling uses less energy through reduced air conditioning demand while being more resilient to extreme temperatures due to the slow transfer of heat into the building.
The primary objectives of adaptation measures are outlined in Table 2.
Area Adaptation Objective
AdministrativeTo adapt policies and plans to reduce vulnerability to, and increase benefits from, the impacts of climate change.
Operational
To introduce technical, structural or economic adjustments to reduce or prevent loss and other negative effects of climatic change on assets and operations (including economic appraisals that consider the potential impacts of climate change over the lifetime of the investment, or the consideration of relocation).
Standards and regulationTo adapt standards, regulations and guidance to include the consideration of impacts from the changing climate.
Research and monitoringTo support relevant research on the impacts of climate change and adaptation, and appropriate monitoring of effects.
Education and communicationsTo raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and adaptation at all appropriate levels and encourage behaviour modification.
Stakeholder partnershipsTo work cooperatively across organisational, regional and sectoral boundaries to deliver robust adaptation (including emergency management and seeking external funding).
(Source: adapted from AEA Technology Environment, et.al., 2005)
Table 2: Primary objectives of adaptation measures.
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Adaptation responses have been specifically developed for the risks identified as ‘extreme’ in either 2030 or 2070. Additionally, several other measures were developed to respond to high to low risks, if they had not been addressed by actions developed in response to extreme events. This adaptation plan presents a set of actions that cover all six of the primary adaptation objectives listed above.
1.5 Policy and Legislative Environment
1.5.1 Federal and State Government
Over the last five years there has been significant change in national and state legislation and policy relating to climate change adaptation. A high level discussion of the key legislation and policy is provided below. As the focus of this plan is adaptation, discussion of climate change mitigation policies has not been included (e.g. the proposed emission trading scheme or renewable energy targets).
National Climate Change Adaptation Framework
In April 2007, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF). The NCCAF provides the basis for government action up to 2014. The long term goal of the NCCAF is to position Australia to both reduce the potential impacts of climate change as well as realise potential opportunities. The two key priority areas for action were identified as:
• Building understanding and adaptive capacity
• Reducing vulnerability in key sectors and regions.
Implementation of the NCCAF will be driven by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change. Up to $126 million has been committed to funding initiatives from the NCCAF. Biennial reports on implementation are to be completed with the framework to be reviewed in the fourth year after the implementation date. For more information, refer to www.climatechange.gov.au/en/government/initiatives/climate-change-adaptation-program.
Taking Action for Victoria’s Future – The Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan In July 2010, the Victorian Government released Taking Action for Victoria’s Future – The Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan. The plan reaffirms both the urgent need for action on climate change and the need for all Victorians (governments, businesses, households and individuals) to share the responsibility for acting. Context on the issue is provided in the form of past state government actions, the Victorian greenhouse gas emissions profile and reduction targets set by other countries and states around the world.
Ten key actions focussing on both mitigation and adaptation are outlined in the plan with a range of commitments made against each action. Additional detail, including funding information, for each action will be finalised after further consultation and be included in an implementation plan to be released later in 2010. The 10 actions listed in the plan are:
• ACTION 1 – Legislating to cut Victoria’s greenhouse pollution by at least 20 per cent
• ACTION 2 – Moving towards a cleaner energy future
• ACTION 3 – Making Victoria the solar state
• ACTION 4 – Supporting cleaner and more efficient homes
• ACTION 5 – Positioning Victoria to be a global leader in clean technology
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• ACTION 6 – Creating new opportunities in agriculture, food and forestry
• ACTION 7 – Delivering innovative transport solutions
• ACTION 8 – Greening government
• ACTION 9 – Helping Victorians adapt to climate change
• ACTION 10 – Strengthening our Climate Communities (Victorian Government 2010 p.9.)
For more information on the Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan and the Victorian Government’s other climate change initiatives refer to www.climatechange.vic.gov.au.
Victorian Climate Change Bill
In 2006, the Victorian Government committed to introducing a Climate Change Bill (the Bill) to ensure that climate change actions are support by legislation and protected under state law.
Since 2006, the Victorian Government has indicated that a range of measures originally intended for the Bill had been d elivered through separate legislation including feed-in-tariffs for solar panels for households and the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act.
According to the Victorian Climate Change White Paper (Victorian Government 2010 p.12.):
‘The Bill will:
• Legislate Victoria’s target to cut emissions by at least 20%
• Establish the framework for measuring and reporting on climate change actions
• Embed climate change considerations into a range of government programs and decisions.’
The Victorian Government has indicated that the Bill will be introduced into Parliament shortly after the release of the Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan (July 2010).
2.0 METHODOLOGY
1.5.2 Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011
Whitehorse City Council has a number of policies and action plans that will interlink with actions in the Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011. For example, the Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2008-2013: Our EcoVision, Energy Action Plan 2009-2014, Water Action Plan 2008-2013, Integrated Transport Strategy 2011 and Community Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013 contain actions that complement those outlined in this plan. Interlinking Council plans and policies will help ensure that duplicate actions are avoided and that implementation is effective.
Broad consultation across Council departments and the community formed a key component of developing the adaptation plan. This section provides an overview of the steps undertaken.
2.1 Research and Review of Risk AssessmentAECOM initially undertook a review of the findings from the City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment research to confirm the priority risks. Research was then undertaken into adaptation options that are specific to local government and their responsibilities. The findings from this research formed a basis of knowledge for the adaptation project and the consultation activities that followed.
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and Council. The session raised the risks that climate change present to the municipality and sought input from the group on the following topics:
• Current understanding of the risks presented by climate change to Whitehorse City Council
• Actions already being taken by agencies in response to extreme events
• Recent extreme weather events and reflections on the collective response
• Consideration of areas for improving the collective response.
2.3.2 Community Surveys
A community survey was developed to gather perspectives and input from a wider group of people than could be achieved during the workshop. The survey also began the community education process by asking important questions about the potential impacts of climate change and response options. The survey was made available to the community through Council’s website and advertised in the local media and at Council’s Sustainable Living Week activities. In total, 31 responses were received. More information regarding the results of the survey and the role of the community in adapting to climate change is provided in Section 5.0. Input was also sought from the Whitehorse business sector through the use of a survey and input from Council’s Economic and Business Development Unit. Important questions were included to begin the process of asking businesses to consider the issues presented by climate change and encouraging potential responses to reduce risks.
2.3.3 Community Consultation Workshop
The community has a significant role in building the resilience of the municipality to climate change. A key component of the consultation process was the Tackling Climate Change Together workshop held at the Whitehorse
2.2 Internal Stakeholder Engagement
2.2.1 Presentation and Discussion with Council Executive and Senior Managers
The early engagement of the executive and senior management teams was critical in providing direction for the adaptation program. An interactive forum was held to gain commitment from these influential groups of internal stakeholders as well as to identify their priorities for Council’s adaptation response.
2.2.2 Adaptation Planning Workshop
An internal workshop with staff representation from all Council departments was held to gain input from the Council into the adaptation planning process. The workshop emphasised the risks climate change presents to Council and the Whitehorse community. Guided by the priority areas for response identified by the executive and senior management teams, participants drew upon their experience and local knowledge to identify adaptation responses.
2.3 Community Consultation
AECOM undertook targeted stakeholder consultation in close collaboration with Council’s project team. The activities undertaken are outlined below.
2.3.1 Municipal Emergency Management Workshop
The impacts of extreme weather events are already being experienced by the community. The Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC) and its member agencies currently provide a critical role in the response to these events. A facilitated discussion was held with the MEMPC in February 2010. Organisations that were represented at the session included Victoria Police, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the State Emergency Service (SES), Ambulance Victoria, St John’s Ambulance
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Centre in April 2010. The attendees were asked to identify a range of actions that could be undertaken to respond to the risks posed to the community, either directly or through impacts to Council services and assets. Emphasis was placed on identifying actions that the community could do with support from other organisations, including Council. Consideration was also given to barriers that might limit the ability of the community to act.
2.4 Identification and Prioritisation of Adaptation SolutionsA range of criteria were implicitly considered when identifying climate change adaptation solutions, and explicitly considered in the prioritisation of these. The criteria that were considered in the identification of adaptation solutions are listed below:
• The action clearly responds to at least one identified priority climate change risk (from the climate change risk assessment and Council review of these risks).
• The action is considered necessary by council staff (based on discussions with Council executive team members and senior managers and the internal staff workshop).
• The action was identified by community members as necessary (based on the findings from the community consultation workshop and community survey).
• The action was identified by local businesses as necessary (based on the business survey).
• The implementation of the proposed adaptation solutions will help ensure that all risks rated extreme for the 2030 timeframe in the climate change risk assessment will have a residual risk of high or less by 2030 (refer to Section 1.3 for information regarding risk descriptors).
To prioritise the identified adaptation solutions, all identified solutions were scored against the following four criteria:
• ‘Win-win’: The extent to which the action will benefit multiple Council operations or asset types or respond to multiple climate change risks. For example, engaging contractors and volunteers to provide extra resources during and following extreme weather events addresses multiple climate change risks associated with clean-up backlogs, health risks to the vulnerable and resourcing pressures for Council.
• ‘No regrets’: The extent to which the action would provide opportunities or benefits regardless of the degree of climate change that occurs. For example, selecting drought tolerant plants for parks and gardens reduces watering costs at the same time as increasing their resilience to reduced rainfall.
• ‘Cost-effectiveness’: The extent to which the action’s costs could be justified considering its benefits and the ease with which it can be implemented. For example, developing a community climate change communication and engagement strategy is considered to be cost effective given the extensive benefits that would arise following the dissemination of information and engagement of the community at all levels.
• ‘Preparatory or foundation tasks’: The extent to which other adaptation actions rely on this being done first. For example, a foundation task might be to ensure that existing Council staff and volunteers have appropriate training and knowledge to respond to extreme weather events to help the community following an event. Alternatively an action could be a continuation of an existing Council program or match an existing priority.
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The overall scores were then used as a first filter to assess the timing for implementation of each adaptation solution. Council then gave consideration to its existing program and budgetary commitments assigning each solution to one of three timeframes. The timeframes indicate when adaptation solutions should be completed. It may therefore be necessary to commence work on adaptation solutions earlier than the recommended timeframes depending upon when identified actions are operationalised.
0-2 years
The implementation of adaptation actions that align with the proven and effective existing budgeted Council programs and commitments is a priority. The adaptation solutions described in this section represent actions that can be achieved within the current approved Council budget and should be completed within the next two years. The majority of adaptation solutions in this category met the following criteria:
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Table 3 : Classification of costs estimates for adaptation solutions.
Estimated Cost Classification
$0-$20,000 $
$20,000-$250,000 $$
$250,000+ $$$
• Directly benefits a number of groups, services, operations or asset types (multiple beneficiaries).
• Beneficial regardless of the extent of climate change that ends up occurring (benefits regardless of extent of climate change).
• Associated costs can easily be justified considering its benefits (good value for money).
• Other adaptation solutions require this to be done first and/or the action aligns with existing Council priorities or programs.
2-7 years
Adaptation solutions for implementation within 2-7 years met three or four of the criteria listed under ‘0-2 years’. The majority of these solutions require the extension of existing work programs and practices with some initiatives being new to Council.
7-12 years
The adaptation solutions for implementation between 7 and 10 years met between one and three out of four criteria listed under ‘0-2 years’. The majority of these solutions represent new initiatives to Council or require the completion of earlier actions to determine the appropriate scope, staging and resource requirements.
2.5 Classification of CostsCost ranges were estimated for each adaptation solution, the classification of which is shown in Table 3. These costs are estimates and should be used for indicative purposes only. Costs have been calculated as net costs over a 10 year period (i.e. where costs are incurred on an annual basis, these have been summed).
The actions have been summarised in this action plan, which outlines Council’s response to the City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment. The actions will be reviewed on an annual basis and a more detailed costing will be prepared by Council for those considered a priority for implementation. This will occur as part of Council’s capital works or operational budget processes. The implementation of adaptation options must satisfy cost benefit criteria and be affordable within Council’s annual and long-term financial budget parameters.
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3 ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The impacts of climate change go beyond municipal boundaries requiring a planned response greater than the resources (or responsibilities) of the Council. This plan focuses on the short, medium and long-term actions that Council:
• Can implement within the scope of its own responsibilities and apply to its assets, services, operations and programs
• Can engage and empower the community to raise awareness and take action together
• Needs to advocate to or partner with other organisations and agencies to build resilience.
This section outlines the actions that Council intends to take to help build the resilience of Council and the Whitehorse community to the impacts of climate change. The actions are categorised according to their relative priority and timeframes within which implementation should occur. Each adaptation solution is then summarised in a table which indicates the risks that the solution responds to and an estimated cost range to implement the response. The methodology for identifying timeframes and costs is described in Section 2.4. Details of the risks which correspond to the risk codes referred to in this section can be found in Appendix B, along with a brief commentary on the adaptation responses relevant to each risk.
The spectrum of adaptation categories that fall within each cost and timeframe category are represented in Figure 2. The figure illustrates the types of actions thatare likely to be implemented, or commenced, early and at low cost (i.e. investigation of vulnerability) through to those that involve greater investment (infrastructure works).
There are some adaptation actions that may create opportunities for Council which are not limited to reducing its vulnerability to climate change. For example, planting additional trees in the municipality can help reduce heat island effects by providing shading and reducing the amount of light reflected from other surfaces (such as bitumen or concrete). Additionally, trees increase the amenity of the municipality, provide habitat for wildlife and can help improve local air quality. Consideration of the mutual benefits and opportunities such as this will have been captured as they form part of the ‘win-win’ criterion used to assess the adaptation solutions (refer Section 2.4 for further details).
3.1 Adaptation solutions to be completed within the next two yearsA total of 13 adaptation solutions meet the criteria outlined in Section 2.4. The proposed solutions include a range of activities spanning communication initiatives, education campaigns, reviews of existing Council insurance arrangements and continuing a range of proven and effective Council programs.
Figure 2: Local government adaptation Figure response and cost relationship (AECOM, 2010b).
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Key examples include:
• Develop an external climate change communication and engagement strategy.
• Continue with the development and implementation of Whitehorse City Council’s ESD Planning Policy for inclusion in the Planning Scheme.
• Continue current community and Council energy and water efficiency programs to encourage measures that reduce climate change risks related to energy and water consumption.
• Review existing insurance arrangements to ensure that current insurance cover is appropriate for dealing with potential climate change impacts.
3.2 Adaptation Solutions to be Completed in Two to Seven YearsA total of 19 adaptation solutions have been identified for implementation within two to five years. The proposed solutions cover a range of activities including involving the community in emergency response activities, conducting vulnerability assessments and reviewing the availability and capacity of contractors and volunteers to provide extra resources.
Key examples include:
• Review existing Council design and construction standards to adequately identify whether climate change is considered.
• Review work practices and maintenance regimes to ensure that climate change is considered.
• Review the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission’s recommendations regarding planning and responding to extreme weather events. Identify recommendations that are applicable to the City of Whitehorse
• Review existing emergency response systems and service delivery models in relation to climate change impacts, especially extreme weather events.
• Conduct a vulnerability assessment of existing Council assets and prioritise those most at risk from climate change impacts.
3.3 Adaptation Solutions to be Completed in Seven to Ten YearsThe nine adaptation solutions to be implemented in this timeframe focus on the implementation of upgrades to Council infrastructure as identified in vulnerability assessments, reviewing council funding arrangements and food security.
Key examples include:
• Retrofit Council assets to be more energy and water efficient and address any structural issues identified in vulnerability assessment.
• Consider providing additional funding to help manage increases in capital expenditure (e.g. investments in improving the resilience of infrastructure) and operational expenditure (e.g. increasing insurance costs and responding to extreme weather events) caused by climate change impacts.
• Consider establishing arrangements for temporary adult and childcare facilities to be set up for assisting Council staff to attend work during extreme events.
Table 4 outlines the recommended solutions that Council can implement to adapt to climate change. Note that the risks that adaptation solutions relate to in the table are described in Appendix B.
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Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B)
Budgetary Implication
Lead Division
0-2 years
Develop an external climate change communication and engagement strategy to continue to raise awareness about climate change issues affecting the community. This strategy should include information about:• Likely climate change impacts in the municipality• What can be done to reduce climate change risks• Heatwave health risks • Opportunities to improve water • and energy efficiency• What constitutes an emergency and • what to do when one occurs• What businesses and food services can do• When to call Council, the SES, or wait and see • What Council is doing or able to do.
C1 H1 H3 P2$Core 100%
City Development
Continue with the development and implementation of Whitehorse City Council’s ESD Planning Policy for inclusion in the Planning Scheme. This should include incentives for retrofit of commercial/industrial/residential developments in a manner that reduces climate change risks to new and existing infrastructure and property and water sensitive urban design matters.
N2$$Core 100%
City Development
Continue current community and Council energy and water efficiency programs to encourage measures that reduce climate change risks related to energy and water consumption.
C5 H3 N2$$Core 100%
City Development
Investigate opportunities for retarding or redirecting runoff from storms to reduce the risk of localised flooding. This could include retarding basins, increases in permeable surfaces or wetlands, intercept tanks or storages.
H1$$Core 100%
City Development
Continue Council sustainability rebate programs that encourage the retrofitting of residential and private property with sustainable fittings and fixtures. These include greywater treatment system rebate, rainwater tank rebate, solar rebate and home composting incentive program rebate. These programs should be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant and cost effective in bringing about change.
N2$$Core 100%
City Development
Table 4: Climate change adaptation solutions to be implemented by Whitehorse City Council.
19
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division0-2 years (continued)
Continue to ensure that staff, volunteers (e.g. food services, walking school bus participants) and other outdoor-specific staff are aware of the Council’s occupational health and safety procedures regarding extremely hot weather and storm events.
This should include regular training and reminders at the beginning of each season and prior to forecast extreme events.
H2 $Core 100%
Commu-nications
Review departmental budgets in light of climate change impacts, identifying funding changes that may be needed to address service delivery regardless of climate change and depending on specific needs/priority areas.
P1 P3$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Continue to conduct debriefs and post-event reviews following extreme weather events. The reviews should consider the following:• Identification of lessons learned• Communication of lessons across the organisation• Identification of requirements for systems to be updated.
C1 C2$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Review existing insurance arrangements to ensure that current insurance cover is appropriate for dealing with potential climate change impacts.
P2$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Ensure that existing Council staff and volunteers have appropriate training and knowledge to respond to extreme weather events.
C1 H2$$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Continue to provide adequate safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) to staff to cope with a potential increase in the number of emergency incidents associated with an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme events.
H2$Core 100%
Infrastructure
Table 4: (continued)
20
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division0-2 years (continued)Continue to liaise with sporting clubs regarding managing sustainable levels of use of sporting facilities as well as ongoing safety inspection and ground assessment regime.
H4$Core 100%
Infrastructure
Continue to implement and further develop a pest plant eradication program and incorporate any new trends.This should include consideration of how Council can identify and remove from public reserves. It should also assist the community to identify and remove pest plants from private property.
N4 $ Infrastructure
2-7 years
Conduct a vulnerability assessment of existing Council assets and prioritise those most at risk from climate change impacts. Assessments will be tailored for the different groups of Council assets, and information will be entered into the asset management system to keep track of the expected life span of assets. This process will be informed by reviewing how recent extreme events (e.g. fire, wind, hail, rain) and ongoing events (e.g. drought) have impacted Council’s assets, and how Council responded. Other councils affected by recent extreme events should also be contacted to discuss their impacts and responses and support lessons learnt.
H1 N1 P2
$$Increment 100% EFT 0.2 (12 months)
City Development
Review existing Council design and construction standards to identify whether climate change is adequately considered and/or whether Council should advocate for or consider amending its standards. Review work practices and maintenance regimes to ensure that climate change is considered Where not currently included consider using a safety margin in guidelines and standards for climate change factors based on studies already undertaken by other councils, standards authorities and other tiers of government. Prioritise the review of existing drainage practices in light of the impacts of extreme rainfall events, and any change to standards following the publication of the updated Australian rainfall and runoff data (expected in 2012). Consideration should also be given to the outcomes of the vulnerability assessment.
H1 N1 P2$Core 100%
City Development
Table 4: (continued)
21
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division2-7 years (continued)
Continue to raise awareness among Council staff and volunteers of how climate change is likely to impact their service and work practices. This should be supported by training or information provision to build capacity and communicate changes to work practices as a result of addressing climate change risks, based on the outcomes of investigations, reviews and vulnerability assessment.
P2
$Core 60% EFT 0.2 (12 months)
City Development
Continue to work with and prepare the business community on environmental matters including climate change (e.g. the Lean Deployment Business Program).
C1 C4 N2$$Core 50%
City Development
Continue to promote actions that the community can take to prepare private property for extreme events.This may include:• Promotion of maintaining or increasing permeable surfaces• Reporting of blocked street drains• Encouraging cleaning of private property including private drains and gutters• Reporting overhanging limbs near phone or power lines• Organising back-up telephone/ communication/emergency arrangements.This could link to the development of an external communication and engagement strategy.
H1
$Core 50% EFT 0.2 (6 months)
City Development
When reviewing planning policies, structure plans, and Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement, ensure that appropriate allowances are made for the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme events and changes in average climatic conditions, and the need to make private properties more sustainable in their energy and water use.
H1 N2$$Core 100%
City Development
Make use of the Victorian Government alert system for providing early warning to the community about the type and scale of extreme weather events with support from emergency service agencies (e.g. Melbourne’s heat alert system).
C4 H1 H3 P2
$ Increment 100% EFT 0.4 (1 month)
Corporate Services
Table 4: (continued)
22
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division2-7 years (continued)
Ongoing review of existing emergency response systems and service delivery models in relation to climate change impacts, especially extreme weather events. Check the availability and condition of back-up telecommunications, water and power services. Investigate the potential for contractors, volunteers and paid staff to have an increased role in responding to extreme events, and review the customer request system capability to prioritise multiple calls. Participate in simulated emergency exercises with relevant agencies to test emergency response systems and practices.
C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 H1 H3
$$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Review the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission’s recommendations regarding planning and responding to extreme weather events. Identify recommendations that are applicable to Whitehorse City Council.
C1 C2 C3 H2
$$Increment 100% EFT 0.4 (1 month)
Corporate Services
Continue to promote pest eradication and develop pest animal eradication program. Work with relevant health authorities and animal welfare organisations on pest eradication program and provide information to the community on pest eradication.
N4$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Monitor financial implications of climate change policy measures such as carbon accounting or the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and revise Council’s financial policy as required.
P3
$ Increment 60% EFT 0.2 (2 months)
Corporate Services
Consider investment opportunities and payback periods when considering long-term climate change adaptation actions.
P3$Core 100%
Corporate Services
Advocate for the need to adopt a regional or shared approach to climate change adaptation with other local councils and relevant stakeholders. A consistent regional approach is desirable and will assist in reducing the risk of liability issues arising and will make better use of existing resource and expertise. Consider creating a regional climate change adaptation taskforce, led by Whitehorse City Council.
C1 C3 C4
$$Increment 80% EFT 0.2 (1 month)
Executive
Table 4: (continued)
23
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division2-7 years (continued)
Review staff resourcing requirements and consider making allocations on a seasonal basis. This should include exploring opportunities for expanding the use of casual or part time staff to increase Council’s capacity to respond to extreme events in circumstances where existing Council staff resources are insufficient.
C1 C4 H2 H3
$$$Increment 100% EFT 8.0 (1 month/ year)
Executive
Advocate and apply for climate change adaptation funding opportunities where these are available. Advocacy should include representation by state and federal government s for additional funding and projects to address climate change risks for the local community.
P1 P3$(Core 100%)
Executive
Consider developing neighbourhood-based cells of citizens or network with existing groups (e.g. Neighbourhood Watch) supported by Council and emergency service agencies, to assist with responding to extreme weather events. Continue the support of existing networks and consider participation in the Red Cross ‘Emergency REDiPlan’.
C1 C3 C4 C5 H1 H3
$$Increment 100% EFT 0.2 (6 months)
Human Services
Review the Whitehorse City Council Heatwave Research Report to identify recommendations related to climate change adaptation which could be implemented.
C2 C3 C5 H3$Core 100%
Human Services
Review drought-management actions and if required develop a specific drought management plan to ensure that this includes adequate climate change adaptation measures. This includes continuing existing actions such as using warm season grasses on sports fields and drought resistant street plants. Consider prioritising drought management measures in capital expenditure programs and ensure that cost implications are then factored into operational budgets.
N3 N4
$$Core 70% EFT 0.2 (1 month/ year)
Infrastructure
Review the availability and capacity of contractors and volunteers to provide extra resources during and following extreme weather events. Ensure contract agreements include call out and support during extreme events, including involvement of key contractors in test or simulated emergency exercises where appropriate.
C1 C2 C3 C4 H2 H3
$$ Core 50% EFT 0.4 (1 month/ year)
Infrastructure
Table 4: (continued)
24
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division7-12 years
Identify further opportunities for stormwater use and wastewater recycling within the municipality, including water sensitive urban design. A cost benefit analysis methodology could be developed which includes the consideration of financial, social and environmental factors which could be applied to stormwater harvesting and wastewater recycling opportunities. Findings from Council’s Sporting Field Review, which explores potential opportunities for water reuse and recycling, should be considered.
H4 N3
$$Increment 90% EFT 0.2 (12 months)
City Development
Encourage localised food production to reduce dependence on centralised distribution systems that are more vulnerable to impacts from climate change. For example, new sites could be identified for community gardens or Council could allow cultivation of nature strips for growing fruit and vegetables.
N2
$$ Increment 100% EFT 0.5 (12 months)
City Development
Consider establishing arrangements for temporary adult and childcare facilities to be set up for assisting Council staff to attend work during extreme events.
C4 H2
$$ Increment 100% EFT 2.0 (2 weeks/ year)
Corporate Services
Explore opportunities to fund the SES to provide additional assistance during and after extreme weather events. This could include lobbying for more state government funding for the SES and other emergency authorities.
C1 C4 H2
$$Core 60% EFT 0.2 (1 month)
Corporate Services
Consider upgrading sports field surfaces to artificial or more water efficient surfaces over time, where applicable and cost effective. Ensure all new facilities are designed as water efficient playing surfaces including provision of alternative water supply where viable.
H4
$$Increment 100% EFT 1.0 (12 months)
Human Services
Table 4 : (continued)
25
Adaptation Solution Related risks(Appendix B) Cost Lead
Division7-12 years (continued)
If the current usage arrangements for sporting fields become unsustainable, explore potential different uses for sports fields or alternative scheduling arrangements.Sports which are not dependent on grass pitches being watered could be investigated for expansion. These initiatives may be supported by considering the findings from Council’s Sports Field Review, which explored potential opportunities for water reuse and recycling.
H4 N3 P2
$$ Increment 100% EFT 0.5 (6 months)
Human Services
Retrofit Council assets to be more energy and water efficient and address any structural issues identified in vulnerability assessment.
N1
$$$Increment 60% EFT 1.0 (12 months)
Infrastructure
Consider providing additional funding to help manage increases in capital expenditure (e.g. investments in improving the resilience of infrastructure) and operational expenditure (e.g. increasing insurance costs and responding to extreme weather events) caused by climate change impacts.
P1 P2 P3$$$Increment 80%
Infrastructure
Table 4: (continued)
26
The community should be informed about potential climate change impacts and encouraged to participate in appropriate responses. It is important that the community, including residents and businesses, are empowered to build resilience, takes ownership of the outcomes, and becomes more self-reliant.
People often want to be involved in solutions but do not know how. This creates anxiety and barriers that must be addressed for real outcomes to be achieved. A critical role for Council is to identify and overcome barriers and to support the community as they take the steps required to become more resilient.
Opportunities for local, respectful and well informed discussions require a truly democratic approach. All sectors of the community should be engaged, including minority groups, children and the elderly, homeless, indigenous groups, culturally diverse groups and the socially isolated. Whitehorse City Council can use its connections to the community to help reach these people and include them in the development of community-based adaptation responses.
With the local community taking ownership and local, tailored planning policies, support for adaptation responses will be strengthened, leading to sustainable adaptation outcomes and a ‘social licence’ for government to act. This coordinated approach will build trust in the community and enhance Whitehorse City Council’s reputation as a leader in sustainable practices.
However, this will not be easy and will require social innovation, Council resources and the consideration of evolving concerns and issues. Council will need to ensure that the community has access to reliable and current information and provide opportunities for feedback to help residents to make decisions about their future. Conversations must take place at a local level in a well informed, respectful atmosphere. Leadership within the local community is essential.
The community will need guidance and assistance to develop the strategies, structures and networks required to build their resilience. They must be encouraged to build their skill levels and given opportunities to share their skills and local knowledge.
4 THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
27
4.1 Community Actions to AdaptRecognising the community’s key role in responding to climate change, a community adaptation workshop was held which was open to all residents. The community workshop focused on the following risks that relate to residents:
• Negative impacts on community health, safety and wellbeing
• Damage and disruptions to private property
• Decreased ability for Council to respond following extreme weather events
• Reduction in capacity or loss of Council services.
The community workshop:
• Identified adaptation options that could build individual and community resilience
• Considered the barriers preventing action
• Identified actions that could assist in overcoming barriers.
While Council may be able to assist in initiating and managing some community responses, the success of many actions will be dependent on the level of interest and engagement shown by the community (e.g. individuals developing home response plans). Other community oriented actions will involve Council having a larger role, such as developing and implementing communication and engagement programs that raise awareness of climate change impacts and potential responses. Consideration was given to which actions the community lead and those which Council can assist with. The identified actions for which Council could effectively lead were considered and incorporated into Council’s adaptation actions in Section 3.0. The development of the community communication and engagement strategy will be a key step in Council assisting the community to adapt to climate change. However, Table 5 outlines a range of actions that the community can lead and begin taking action.
28
Clim
ate
Ch
ang
e Im
pac
t
Ad
apta
tio
n
Res
po
nse
Act
ion
sPo
ten
tial
Res
ou
rces
Neg
ativ
e im
pact
s on
co
mm
unity
he
alth
, sa
fety
and
w
ellb
eing
Be in
form
ed
Obt
ain
info
rmat
ion
on c
limat
e ch
ange
incl
udin
g:•
The
antic
ipat
ed im
pact
s in
the
City
of
Whi
teho
rse
• Th
e ar
eas
that
are
mos
t vu
lner
able
• Re
duci
ng c
limat
e ch
ange
ris
ks a
t ho
me
• Re
duci
ng c
limat
e ch
ange
ris
ks t
o bu
sine
sses
• Im
prov
ing
wat
er a
nd e
nerg
y ef
ficie
ncy.
Att
end
Whi
teho
rse
City
Cou
ncil
info
rmat
ion
sess
ions
, sho
ppin
g ce
ntre
dis
play
s,
mar
ket
disp
lays
com
mun
ity m
eetin
gs, s
usta
inab
ility
exp
os, b
arbe
ques
etc
.(T
his
will
be
supp
orte
d by
the
dev
elop
men
t of
the
Cou
ncil
exte
rnal
cl
imat
e ch
ange
com
mun
icat
ion
and
enga
gem
ent
stra
tegy
.)
Whi
teho
rse
City
Cou
ncil
ww
w.w
hite
hors
e.vi
c.go
v.au
St
orm
Saf
e an
d Fl
ood
Safe
(Vic
SES
)w
ww
.ses
.vic
.gov
.au
Hea
twav
e Pl
an f
or V
icto
riaw
ww
.hea
lth.v
ic.g
ov.a
u/en
viro
nmen
t/do
wnl
oads
/hea
twav
e_pl
an_v
ic.p
dfSa
fety
Vic
toria
ww
w.s
afet
y.vi
c.go
v.au
Re
d C
ross
RED
iPla
nw
ww
.rec
ross
.org
.au
Build
a s
tron
g se
nse
of
com
mun
ity
• C
onsi
der
bein
g a
clim
ate
chan
ge a
mba
ssad
or t
hat
can
be a
co
nnec
tion
betw
een
Cou
ncil
and
the
com
mun
ity.
• Lo
ok in
to o
ppor
tuni
ties
to p
artic
ipat
e in
the
‘Tra
nsiti
on T
owns
’ mov
emen
t.•
Kno
w y
our
neig
hbou
rs, e
spec
ially
the
vul
nera
ble.
Mak
e su
re t
hat
they
are
in
form
ed a
nd c
onsi
dere
d du
ring
and
afte
r an
ext
rem
e w
eath
er e
vent
.•
Con
side
r cr
eatin
g a
Regi
onal
Clim
ate
Cha
nge
Ada
ptat
ion
Task
forc
e (t
o be
led
by W
hite
hors
e C
ity C
ounc
il).
• C
onsi
der
crea
ting
a lo
cal b
usin
ess
Regi
onal
Clim
ate
Cha
nge
Ada
ptat
ion
Task
forc
e (e
.g. b
uild
ers,
plu
mbe
rs, a
rbor
ists
, ele
ctric
ians
, bric
klay
ers,
labo
urer
s).
Whi
teho
rse
City
Cou
ncil
ww
w.w
hite
hors
e.vi
c.go
v.au
/ Tr
ansi
tion
Tow
nsw
ww
.tra
nsiti
onto
wn.
com
.au
Food
ser
vice
, hom
e ca
re,
Rota
ry, L
ions
, APE
X g
roup
s
Dam
age
and
disr
uptio
ns
to p
rivat
e pr
oper
ty
Dev
elop
a
hom
e re
spon
se p
lan
• D
iscu
ss y
our
optio
ns w
ith y
our
fam
ily a
nd m
ake
sure
tha
t in
the
eve
nt o
f a
seve
re
wea
ther
eve
nt, y
ou h
ave
a co
mm
on u
nder
stan
ding
of
the
best
res
pons
es.
• D
evel
op a
pla
n an
d re
view
it a
fter
an
extr
eme
wea
ther
eve
nt.
• H
ave
a lis
t of
em
erge
ncy
num
bers
.•
Hav
e an
alte
rnat
ive,
saf
e de
stin
atio
n in
min
d an
d m
ake
sure
it is
con
sist
ent
with
Cou
ncil’
s, E
mer
genc
y Se
rvic
es’ a
nd t
he S
ES’s
advi
ce.
Stor
m S
afe
and
Floo
d Sa
fe (V
ic S
ES)
ww
w.s
es.v
ic.g
ov.a
u Re
d C
ross
RED
iPla
nw
ww
.rec
ross
.org
.au
Prep
are
your
ho
me
and
busi
ness
an
d as
sess
yo
ur a
sset
s
• En
sure
tha
t yo
ur r
oof,
gut
ters
and
dra
ins
are
wel
l mai
ntai
ned.
• En
sure
tha
t yo
u ha
ve d
roug
ht-r
esis
tant
tre
es a
nd b
ushe
s to
red
uce
the
impa
ct o
f ex
trem
e w
ind
and
rain
fall
even
ts, b
ut d
o no
t ha
ve t
hese
too
hig
h or
clo
se t
o th
e ho
use
to a
void
dam
age.
• In
stal
l ins
ulat
ion
and
low
-ene
rgy
light
glo
bes,
aw
ning
s, c
urta
ins
and
exte
rnal
sha
de s
truc
ture
s an
d pr
omot
e cr
oss-
vent
ilatio
n.•
Hav
e a
tarp
aulin
, bat
tery
pow
ered
rad
io a
nd li
ghts
, lon
g-lif
e fo
od a
nd w
ater
ava
ilabl
e.•
Inst
all a
nd r
egul
arly
tes
t ba
ck u
p or
em
erge
ncy
pow
er a
nd t
elec
omm
unic
atio
ns.
• En
sure
tha
t yo
ur in
sura
nce
cove
rs y
ou, y
our
hom
e an
d yo
ur
vehi
cles
for
fire
, floo
d, s
torm
, hai
l, w
ind.
Stor
m S
afe
and
Floo
d Sa
fe (V
ic S
ES)
ww
w.s
es.v
ic.g
ov.a
u W
hite
hors
e C
ity C
ounc
ilw
ww
.whi
teho
rse.
vic.
gov.
au
Red
Cro
ss R
EDiP
lan
ww
w.r
ecro
ss.o
rg.a
u
Tab
le 5
: Co
mm
un
ity
clim
ate
chan
ge
adap
tati
on
res
po
nse
s an
d a
ctio
ns.
29
Clim
ate
Ch
ang
e Im
pac
t
Ad
apta
tio
n
Res
po
nse
Act
ion
sPo
ten
tial
Res
ou
rces
Prep
are
your
co
mm
unity
gr
oup
Dis
cuss
pot
entia
l im
pact
s w
ith y
our
grou
p.A
sses
s as
set
vuln
erab
ility
, ins
uran
ce, l
iabi
lity,
ada
ptat
ion
optio
ns, c
omm
unic
atio
n ch
anne
ls, e
tc.
Dev
elop
a p
lan
to r
espo
nd t
o po
tent
ial i
mpa
cts.
Ensu
re t
hat
your
res
pons
e is
con
sist
ent
with
Cou
ncil’
s, E
mer
genc
y Se
rvic
es’ a
nd S
ES’s
obje
ctiv
es.
Dev
elop
the
ski
lls r
equi
red
to r
espo
nd t
o an
em
erge
ncy,
incl
udin
g fir
st a
id, h
ow
to s
ecur
e yo
ur h
ome,
how
to
use
two-
way
rad
ios,
how
to
avoi
d ris
ks e
tc.
Stor
m S
afe
and
Floo
d Sa
fe (V
ic S
ES)
ww
w.s
es.v
ic.g
ov.a
u Re
d C
ross
RED
iPla
nw
ww
.rec
ross
.org
.au
Dec
reas
ed
abili
ty f
or
the
Cou
ncil
to r
espo
nd
follo
win
g ex
trem
e w
eath
er
even
ts
Empo
wer
ing
the
com
mun
ity
Seek
info
rmat
ion
on t
he r
isks
and
app
ropr
iate
res
pons
es in
the
cas
e of
an
extr
eme
wea
ther
eve
nt.
Dev
elop
a c
omm
unity
or
neig
hbou
rhoo
d re
spon
se p
lan
– as
sess
eff
ectiv
enes
s af
ter
an e
vent
.D
evel
op a
res
pons
e ne
twor
k of
peo
ple
with
sui
tabl
e sk
ills
in t
he c
omm
unity
.
Clim
ate
Com
mun
ities
ww
w.s
usta
inab
ility
.vic
.gov
.au/
ww
w/
htm
l/286
4-cl
imat
e-co
mm
uniti
es.a
sp
Redu
ctio
n in
cap
acity
or
loss
of
Cou
ncil
serv
ices
Empo
wer
ing
the
com
mun
ity
Be p
art
of a
com
mun
ity o
r ne
ighb
ourh
ood
resp
onse
gro
up. M
ake
sure
tha
t yo
u ar
e co
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30
Climate change adaptation requires the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders. To guide effective communication of climate change risks and associated adaptation solutions an internal communication plan should be developed that outlines:
• The appropriate audience(s) that need to be informed
• The key messages to be communicated
• Communication activities to be undertaken
• Responsible branches
• Timing for delivery.
Internal Key MessagesThe following key messages should underpin all communications:
• Every branch has a role to play in supporting Council’s adaptation response and an opportunity to build the resilience of Council and the Whitehorse community.
• Council’s response needs to be incorporated into existing business budgeting and work planning processes.
It is important that an effective process for engaging the community about climate change adaptation is developed to gain support and encourage ownership. A suggested framework for achieving this is provided in Appendix C. The development of internal and external communications plans will be undertaken by Council.
5 COMMUNICATING CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION
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The City of Whitehorse’s climate change risks and associated opportunities will alter over time. To ensure that Council’s adaptation responses and approaches remain valid and relevant to local priorities and climate conditions, the Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011 will need to be reviewed and updated.
The Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011 should be reviewed following future reviews of the Council Plan. The review should re-assess Council’s risk profile in consideration of changes to climate change information, policy or Council’s assets and activities. Following this review Council’s climate change risk profile may need to be updated to reflect any changes in its climate change risks. Consideration should also be given to the potential opportunities and benefits that may arise as a result of the changing climate and policy environment (e.g. new funding sources, opportunities for the development of renewable energy or green business precincts). The review should also monitor the implementation of adaptation options.
Regular and ongoing reporting of Council’s climate change adaptation performance is critical to inform decision making and motivate changes in behaviour. To ensure that decision-makers, staff and the community are aware of how Council is implementing the adaptation actions outlined this plan, reporting should be undertaken on an annual basis and the relevant actions within the plan should be considered as part of Council’s annual budget process. Reporting should cover changes in risks, opportunities, the implementation of actions and challenges that have arisen.
The reporting on the progress of implementing this plan will be aligned with the annual reporting of related sustainability strategies such as Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2008-2013: Our EcoVision, Energy Action Plan 2009-2014 and Water Action Plan 2008-2013.
6 REVIEW AND PROGRESS REPORTING
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7 CONCLUSION
This plan outlines a set of actions for implementation that will help to ensure that the identified climate change risks do not become ‘extreme’ by 2030. This response will involve all Council divisions and collaboration with external stakeholders including residents, businesses and emergency service agencies.
The identified actions are summarised below:
Council Services
• Ensuring adequate provision of resources, including contingency arrangements, to cope with expected increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
• Continuing to support and work closely with the local emergency management planning committee, while looking for opportunities to continuously improve the preparation and response of Council to events.
• Strengthening community engagement on the issue of climate change and assisting residents and businesses to establish local support and response networks.
Health, wellbeing and safety
• Communicating with and educating staff and the community on the risks posed by climate change and actions that they can take to protect themselves, their homes and their businesses.
• Ensuring staff, contractors and volunteers are prepared for and supported during extreme events.
Built and natural environment
• Securing Council’s assets through undertaking vulnerability assessments and ensuring standards and planning processes for new assets include the consideration of climate change risks and opportunities for energy and water efficiency.
• Continuing efforts to improve water and energy efficiency as well as identifying new ways to use or divert stormwater and run-off.
• Maintaining and enhancing existing
assets by ensuring that maintenance and retrofit programs are updated to consider climate change risks and opportunities for energy and water efficiency.
Financial planning and internal policy
• Seeking a regional or shared approach to building the resilience of the local communities and advocating to state and federal governments for financial support to adapt.
• Reviewing key publications including those from the Bushfire Royal Commission and updated design standards to identify applicable actions or processes that can be used by Council.
• Incorporating the consideration of financial impacts of climate change in the budget planning process and insurance arrangements.
The City of Whitehorse’s climate change risks will alter over time, as will the potential opportunities presented by a changing climate and policy environment. To ensure that Council’s adaptation responses and approach remain valid and relevant to local priorities and climate conditions, the Whitehorse Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011 will need to be reviewed and updated. The review should re-assess Council’s risk profile in consideration of changes to climate change information, policy or Council’s assets and activities. In addition consideration should be given to the potential opportunities that may arise (e.g. new funding sources, opportunities for the development of renewable energy or green business precincts).
Adopting this action plan will be a significant step toward building the resilience of Council and the Whitehorse community. Local residents will need guidance and assistance to develop the strategies, structures and networks required to build their resilience. They must be encouraged to build their skill levels and given opportunities to share these skills and local knowledge. Timely implementation of the plan will therefore include ongoing engagement with the community, and this will critical to the success of Council’s response and its position as a leader in the region.
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8 REFERENCES
AECOM 2010, Climate Change Management Cycle, Developed by AECOM
AECOM 2010b, Local Government Adaptation Response and Cost Relationship, Developed by AECOM.
AEA Technology Environment, Stockholm Environment Institute, Metroeconomica 2005, Objective Setting for Climate Change Adaptation Policy,
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) 2007, Climate Change in Australia - Technical Report 2007, CSIRO
Maunsell AECOM 2009, City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment
Middelmann, M. H. (Editor) 2007, Natural Hazards in Australia—Identifying Risk Analysis Requirements. Geoscience Australia, Canberra.
University of Melbourne 2007, Dried Out Grounds Bring Hard Times, The University of Melbourne Voice 1.
Victorian Government 2010, Taking Action for Victoria’s Future – The Victorian Climate Change White Paper Action Plan, Published by the Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet, Melbourne, July 2010
Whitehorse City Council 2008a, Whitehorse Sustainability Strategy 2008 – 2013: Our EcoVision.
Whitehorse City Council 2008b, Water Action Plan 2008-2013.
Whitehorse City Council 2009, Whitehorse Energy Action Plan 2009–2014.
Photo
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International• AdaptNet – www.globalcollab.org/gci/adaptnet
• Stern Review on the economics of climate change –http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_change/stern_review_report.cfm
• The UK Climate Impacts Programme – http://www.ukcip.org.uk/
National• Australian Government Department of Climate Change and
Energy Efficiency – www.climatechange.gov.au
• Adapting to Climate Change in Australia: An Australian Government Position Paper –www.climatechange.gov.au/en/publications/adaptation/position-paper.aspx
• Australian Climate Change Science - A National Framework – www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/science/cc-science-framework.aspx
• Australian Red Cross Emergency REDiPlan – www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_emergencyservices_prepare.htm
• Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report – (IPCC 2007) – www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg2.htm
• Climate Change Impacts and Risk Management: A Guide for Business and Government (Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency) – www.climatechange.gov.au/community/~/media/publications/local-govt/risk-management.ashx
• Climate Change in Australia: Technical Report (CSIRO 2007) – www.csiro.au/resources/Climate-Change-Technical-Report-2007.html
• Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts – www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/coastline/climate-change-risks-to-australias-coasts.aspx
• Climate Change Science - Faster Change and More Serious Risks – www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/science/faster-change-more-risk.aspx
• Garnaut Climate Change Review – www.garnautreview.org.au/domino/Web_Notes/Garnaut/garnautweb.html
• Renewable Energy Atlas of Australia – www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/renewable/atlas/index.html
• State of the Climate (CSIRO/BoM 2010) – www.csiro.gov.au/resources/State-of-the-Climate.html
APPENDIX A CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION REFERENCE SOURCES
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Whitehorse Victoria• Victoria’s climate change website – adaptation action
www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/Greenhouse/wcmn302.nsf/childdocs/-0A075FE0F68F56D6CA2575C40007BF74?open
• Climate Communities – Sustainability Victorian www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/2864-climate-communities.asp
• Flood Safe – Victoria State Emergency Services www.ses.vic.gov.au/CA256AEA002F0EC7/page/FloodSafe?OpenDocument&1=65-FloodSafe~&2=~&3=~
• Heatwave Plan for Victoria 2009-2010 – Victorian Government www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/downloads/heatwave_plan_vic.pdf
• Safety Victoria – Victorian Government www.safety.vic.gov.au/CA256C5C002964E8/HomePage?ReadForm&1=Home~&2=~&3=~
• Storm Safe – Victoria State Emergency Services www.ses.vic.gov.au/CA256AEA002F0EC7/page/StormSafe?OpenDocument&1=67-StormSafe~&2=~&3=~
• Victoria Future Coasts Program – www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/Greenhouse/wcmn302.nsf/LinkView/6921636738849362CA257500001AF55DA2C8013E5CEDE429CA25766D0016E286
Whitehorse City Council• City of Whitehorse Sustainability – www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Sustainability.html
• City of Whitehorse Climate Change Risk Assessment – www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Whitehorse%20 Climate%20Change%20Risk%20Assessment%20Report.pdf
• Water Action Plan 2008-2013 – www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Water-Action-Plan.html
• Whitehorse Energy Action Plan 2009–2014 – www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Energy-Action-Plan.html
• Whitehorse Sustainability Strategy 2008-2013 – www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au/Sustainability-Strategy.html
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Council Services
Clean up delays and backlogs may generate community concern (C1)
Whitehorse City Council is responsible for providing a range of services which ensure that the local community maintains a high quality of life. Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events may require significant resources in a short space of time, potentially compromising Council’s ability to provide adequate and timely clean-up responses and diverting resources from Council’s normal operations and service delivery. This is likely to harm Council’s reputation and could generate community concern.
To respond to these risks, Council should ensure that it is making the best use of available resources when responding to, or cleaning up after, an extreme weather event. This could be achieved by conducting a range of reviews, including existing procedures, post event debriefs, and recommendations from the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission regarding planning and responding to extreme weather events.
Inefficient Council response following extreme weather event (C2)
Whitehorse City Council receives a significant volume of calls requesting assistance during and immediately following extreme weather and storm events. The current system for logging requests for assistance does not effectively allow multiple calls relating to the same incident to be grouped, meaning that multiple trips may be made when a single journey could have sufficed. Issues also related to the allocation of priorities when multiple calls are received. The current system should be reviewed and updated to more efficiently manage responses to future extreme weather events, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. There may also be opportunities to start using new alert systems or hire contractors to assist with clean-up efforts.
Adaptation solutions for this risk are similar to those discussed for Risk C1, with the priority being for Council to ensure that it is making the best use of available resources when responding to extreme weather events. Specifically, opportunities for improving the efficiency of Council’s existing system for prioritising responses to extreme weather event need to be explored.
Extreme weather events inhibit delivery of Council’s essential services (C3)
Extreme weather may affect Council’s services in a number of ways. For example, extreme wind or rainfall events can slow or block transport routes by flooding roads, blocking traffic with falling trees, or impairing visibility for drivers. Traffic may slow or inhibit Council employees or volunteers from carrying out work which requires transportation (e.g. waste collection) or lead to the temporary closure of Council facilities. Extreme weather events may also interrupt power supplies and inhibit the delivery of Council’s essential services such as food services or telephone connections inhibiting internal and external communication and customer services.
Council already has a MEMP that outlines key actions for Council and emergency services to respond to extreme weather events. Additional actions may however be required in future as a result of climate change, such as drawing on the support of volunteer community members for additional assistance if Council services are unable to be delivered. There may also be opportunities for Council to engage with neighbouring municipalities or involve contractors to assist with cleaning up following an extreme weather event.
APPENDIX B CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS
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Insufficient staff to meet needs as they arise from major storm events (C4)
Major storm events can cause extensive damage to Council infrastructure and private property. Following storm events, Council experiences large volumes of service requests and commences an often lengthy and costly cleanup process. With storm events expected to become more frequent and severe, adequate services and assistance may be difficult for Council to deliver should insufficient staff and resources be available in future.
The adaptation solutions for this risk are similar to those discussed under Risk C3. Whitehorse City Council should explore opportunities for engaging with neighbouring municipalities or involving contractors to assist with cleaning up following an extreme weather event. Existing emergency response systems and service delivery models should also be reviewed to ensure that they are adequate to respond to extreme weather events.
Loss of external services compromises Council’s ability to respond to extreme weather events (C5)
Many Council services are dependent on externally provided services such as energy, water and telecommunications. The interconnected nature of these networks means that widespread service disruptions may affect thousands of people across an entire region. There is a possibility that service interruptions affect Council premises and the broader municipality simultaneously, creating demands from the community for assistance at a time when Council is itself compromised.
Council has limited ability to influence the reliability of externally provided services, but does have the ability to encourage water and energy efficiency in local homes and business. Current examples of Council encouraging community efficiencies include providing forums and workshops focussed on sustainable living and sustainable business practices as well as the provision of a sustainability rebate programs. Additional actions may be considered in future including the deployment of emergency response teams or adequately trained Council staff following the loss of an essential service across a large part of the municipality as part of a regional or shared response by multiple agencies or organisations.
Health, Wellbeing and Safety
Increased risk of flash flooding (H1)
Flooding risk is expected to increase as a result of climate change affecting the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. Infrastructure that has been designed to cope with the current nominal average recurrence interval (ARI) is therefore likely to underperform as the definition of ARIs will change in line with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. The potential for injury or death to occur from these extreme events is of particular concern as flash floods have caused more deaths and injuries than any other natural disaster in Australia (Middlemann, 2007).
A number of adaptation solutions have been identified which can help to mitigate flash flooding risks. These include a combination of system and policy approaches, such as reviewing Council’s existing emergency response systems or making use of the Victorian Government’s alert system for providing flood warnings to residents, and physical works or engineering solutions such as retarding or redirecting runoff from storms.
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Occupational health and safety risks for staff (H2)
Extreme weather events can create occupational health and safety risks for Council staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors. The risks are dependent on the type of extreme weather event, all of which have different types of associated hazards. The greatest risks are likely to be associated with Council staff being directly exposed to extreme events while assisting community members, such as after a major flood event.
Whitehorse City Council should ensure that staff are aware of Council’s occupational health and safety procedures regarding extremely hot weather and storm events, which could be achieved for a relatively small cost and should be a priority. There may also be opportunities for Council to seek assistance from external parties such as the SES, who could be provided with funding in return for additional assistance during and after extreme weather events.
Social isolation and health risks to the vulnerable (H3)
Extreme wind, bushfire, rainfall and heat events all create occupational health and safety risks for the community. Those most at risk include infants, the elderly and people with existing health conditions. These vulnerable members of the community also risk becoming socially isolated when an extreme event occurs, as they are likely to remain within their own homes and may not have anybody to provide assistance. The disadvantaged or homeless are also particularly vulnerable to health risks associated with heatwaves.
Many of the adaptation solutions for this risk are similar to the system or policy responses which are listed under Risk H1 for responding to flash flooding risks. Additionally, the continued use of shading structures and vegetation in community open spaces can help the vulnerable cope with increases in the frequency of very hot days. A number of the recommendations provided in the Heatwave Research Report (Whitehorse City Council, 2008) and current research being conducted by the Department of Human Services may assist with identifying appropriate actions. Lastly, energy-efficient homes should be encouraged as these help maintain more stable indoor temperatures compared to those homes that have poor thermal mass.
Decreased rainfall causes hard ovals and scarcity of grass cover which reduces participation in sport (H4)
Many sporting grounds rely on rainfall or irrigation for watering. During summer months many grounds lose their grass cover and become very hard, especially if water restrictions are in place. Informal grounds in gardens are also often used for recreational sports. There has already been a noticeable impact of the drought on recreational players with an increase in the number of traumatic injuries due to falling on hard surfaces (University of Melbourne, 2007). The restriction of the use of sporting grounds has a negative impact on the community health and community spirit. Restricted use of grounds also directly impacts clubs by reducing their ability to operate, employ staff and generate revenue.
Whitehorse City Council has limited ability to adapt to decreasing volumes of annual average rainfall or water restrictions. Opportunities for stormwater capture or water recycling are often prohibitively expensive or have long pay back periods, under current water pricing regimes. An alternative option may be to explore opportunities for sports fields to be used for a broader range of activities than they currently are, such as for sports that do not require grass pitches.
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Built and Natural Environment
Lifespan of Council’s assets is reduced (N1)
The lifespan and performance of assets are likely to be reduced by future changes in climate, contributing to rising costs for maintenance and replacement. The majority of infrastructure has been designed to cope with historical climatic conditions, and not the conditions that are likely to be experienced as a result of climate change. The longer the lifespan of an asset the greater its susceptibility to climate change impacts, which are projected to significantly intensify in the second half of this century. Impacts may be caused by an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events or from gradual changes to average conditions.
Whitehorse City Council could conduct a vulnerability assessment of existing Council assets in order to identify those which are most susceptible to climate change impacts and assess the need for changes to asset management processes. For planned assets, design and construction standards and guidelines will need to be reviewed to ensure that changes in climate are considered.
Climate change impacts on private buildings and property (N2)
Whitehorse City Council makes decisions about planning, design and development within the municipality. As changes in the climate become more apparent it is important that Council’s development policy, strategic planning and development approvals include appropriate allowance or consideration of changing climate conditions. Failure to consider identified climate change risks in decision making may put the Council in a position where they are liable for future damage or losses which may have been foreseeable and avoidable. Such decisions may include granting planning applications, infrastructure designs or the management of public events. Current examples of Council encouraging community members to become more environmentally sustainable include providing forums and workshops focussed on sustainable living and sustainable business practices as well as the provision of a sustainability rebate programs. In addition to continuing those actions, planning policies should be reviewed to ensure that appropriate allowances have been made for climate change. In addition, Council should keep abreast of any relevant changes in state government planning policy aimed at responding to the effects of climate change.
Greater need for alternative water supplies (N3)
Melbourne has experienced 13 years of below average rainfall, with supply reservoirs reaching levels of approximately 30 per cent capacity. This reduced urban water supply has resulted in the imposition of water restrictions, which are a major driver for Council to identify alternative water supplies. Pressure from higher tiers of government, combined with community expectations for judicious water use by Council are creating additional drivers for identifying alternative water supplies and providing any required infrastructure. It should be noted that over time the likelihood of this risk could reduce somewhat as alternative water sources come on line (such as the Melbourne desalination plant), but this may be at least partially offset by further reductions in rainfall.
Whitehorse City Council has previously explored opportunities for recycling and reusing water and has implemented a range of related solutions. Additional adaptation solutions include the installation of stormwater retention and re-use systems (e.g. Bolton Park) and reviewing and implementing Council’s drought management plans. Current energy and water efficiency programs should also be continued particularly those that encourage retrofits to existing buildings and facilities.
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Increased infestations of pest plants and animals (N4)
Warmer and drier temperatures combined with less rainfall are expected to have a significant impact on both the quality and amenity of Council’s green spaces. Changing climatic conditions could cause the loss of significant quantities of local and native vegetation and generate infestations of pest plants and animals. Whitehorse City Council should review drought management actions or develop a specific drought-management plan to ensure that this includes adequate climate change adaptation measures.
Financial Planning and Internal Policy
Increasing demand for contingency funding (P1)
Whitehorse City Council usually requires a short-term increase in financial and human resources following an extreme rainfall or wind event. As the frequency of these events may increase in frequency and intensity as a consequence of climate change, the use of contingency funding is likely to become more common. Unless money has been specifically set aside for response and clean-up, resources will typically be drawn from other sections of the Council, potentially affecting operational budgets and impinging on the delivery of programs or services.
This can be avoided by adjusting Council’s existing budgetary process to ensure that a percentage of relevant departmental budgets are set aside for responding to extreme weather events. Alternatively, annual departmental budgets could include funds earmarked for climate change adaptation activities (i.e. these would not be exclusively for responding to extreme weather events but could fund various activities which help the department to adapt to climate change).
Liability issues from climate change related impacts (P2)
Liability issues associated with climate change are a key consideration for local government. Liability and/or litigation can arise from two different sources:
• Failure to adequately plan for hazards associated with climate change which could have been reasonably anticipated and failure to communicate the risk of those hazards to stakeholders and the general public.
• Implementation of adaptation measures that are opposed by stakeholders or members of the community and subsequently challenged in the courts.
A priority action for Council is to continue to review existing insurance arrangements to ensure that current insurance cover is appropriate for dealing with potential climate change impacts and claims related to climate change. Another key initiative which can help to protect residents and businesses from the impact of climate change is the development of an external climate change communication and engagement strategy aimed at raising awareness of climate change risks among the community and build capacity to respond.
Risks to Council’s long term financial plan (P3)
A number of climate change risks and adaptation solutions have been discussed which will have financial repercussions for Council. The cumulative effect of these could threaten Council’s long-term financial plan. An additional action is for Council to explore opportunities for accessing climate change adaptation funding from state and federal government.
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A suggested stakeholder and community engagement framework for the Council is described below. This framework for community engagement in a local government context involves five key steps: clarify the scope, plan the approach, get commitment from the Council, deliver what is agreed and evaluate and continuously improve.
The recommendations for engaging with stakeholders and the community about climate change adaptation in this chapter incorporates feedback provided by the community at the Tackling Climate Change Together workshop, held in the Whitehorse Centre in April 2010.
This workshop, and the feedback arising from it, should be recognised and celebrated as the critical first step in the ongoing process of successfully engaging the community in adapting to climate change in the City of Whitehorse.
Figure 3 shows a recommended approach to community engagement in a local government context, identifying the steps required to undertake an effective community engagement campaign. For each step an explanation and list of considerations has been provided below.
Clarify the Scope Establishing a clear scope of work from the beginning of the process is the fundamental first step to achieving a successful outcome. Prior to developing its Community Engagement Plan, Council should consider the following:
• How does the Council intend to adapt to potential climate change impacts?
• What does it want to say?
• What are the negotiable and non-negotiable actions and messages?
• What is the allocated budget? Is this sufficient and, if not, where can the Council or the community get more funding (e.g. grants and funding)?
• What components of the adaptation actions (including communication and engagement activities) is the Council responsible for? Who is to be responsible for the rest?
• What is the timeframe and how does it fit in with other Council objectives?
APPENDIX C COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Clarify thescope
Evaluate and continuously
improve
Deliver what’s agreed
Get commitment
from the council
Plan the approach
Figure 3: AECOM’s approach to community engagement.
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• What resources are available (human, financial, machinery, office and infrastructure)
• Who will manage the community engagement program?
Plan the ApproachA holistic approach to communication, stakeholder relations and community engagement will help to ensure that Council’s adaptation objectives are met. To achieve this, consideration must be given to the following:
• Who should be involved (e.g. government agencies, community groups, residents, tourists, businesses, emergency services, minority groups and utilities)?
• How much involvement is required? (i.e. will you inform, consult, involve, collaborate or empower).
• Who will champion the campaign and do elected members have ownership over it?
• How will Council communicate with stakeholders and the community (e.g. newsletters, e-newsletters, local media, advertisements, rate notices, advice to new councillors, advice to prospective property buyers, quarterly workshops, focus groups)?
• How will Council communicate with hard to reach groups and individuals?
• What are the key messages?
• What is the timeframe for activities?
• What governance is required and who is responsible?
• How will the Community Engagement Plan’s objectives be evaluated?
• How will feedback be incorporated to inform ongoing adaptation strategies?
• Who will motivate the community, who are the technical experts and who will provide information for all activities and outputs?
• What are the risks and issues?
• How will Council continue to build the community’s capacity to be involved and responsive?
• How will Council and the community celebrate success?
Get Commitment from the CouncilCommunication, stakeholder and community activities cannot take place in a vacuum. To maximise positive outputs it is imperative that the wider Council form part of the engagement process. The following prompts will assist in obtaining commitment from Council:
• Do you have commitment from the mayor, CEO and councillors?
• Who is the champion for the program at the executive level of Council?
• Spread the word about this commitment and ensure these champions are represented at all community events.
• Have commitment to the program ratified within the Council’s corporate plan, strategic plan, municipal strategic statement and other legislative documents.
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Deliver What’s AgreedWith a defined scope, a strategic plan and good internal working relationships, it’s time to implement. Build trust with all stakeholders, internal and external, by being honest, keeping messages simple and focussed, and be accountable for what you say you will do. Listed below are some suggested approaches to achieve these aims:
• Deliver simple key messages in a consistent, accessible format.
• Deliver the Community Engagement Plan’s objectives within the timeframes established in the plan.
• Develop a community charter outlining how Council intends to engage with the community.
• Provide varied opportunities for all stakeholders and community members to be involved.
• Celebrate the achievement of milestones.
• Listen to feedback and use this to inform ongoing implementation and engagement.
• Do not promise what may not be possible and keep commitments that you have made.
• Report on outcomes.
• Be honest, open and considerate.
Evaluate and Continuously ImproveTo ensure that Council is delivering on its targets it must be adaptable and responsive. Evaluation not only helps to audit performance, it provides an opportunity to learn. By continuously reviewing the performance of engagement activities it is possible to strengthen relationships, build awareness, promote accountability and deliver a more efficient output. Consideration should be given to the following questions in developing the evaluation plan:
• How has the community responded to the campaign?
• Has the campaign received negative or positive media feedback?
• Has Council implemented adaptation responses according to the project’s scope? If not what were the barriers?
• Have new opportunities been identified and fed back into the Climate Change Adaptation Plan? Has this been easy to achieve? If not, why, and how can that be addressed?
• What issues and risks have emerged and how have they been responded to?
• Have new priorities emerged?
• Are community members still engaging with the program? If not why and how can this be addressed?
• How will the campaign fit in with the next year’s budget and strategic plan?
• How can the campaign deliver better outcomes next time?
With any engagement campaign of this type, the focus is on the community, which will ultimately guide Council in its decision making processes. Listen to them, consider their views, celebrate successes and adapt accordingly.
Contacting CouncilPostal Address
Whitehorse City CouncilLocked Bag 2Nunawading DC VIC 3131
Phone: 9262 6333Fax: 9262 6490TTY: 9262 6325 (Service for deaf or hearing impaired people)TIS: 131 450 (Telephone interpreter service. Call and ask to be connected to Whitehorse City Council).
Website
www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au
Service Centres
Whitehorse Civic Centre(main Service Centre)379-397 Whitehorse RdNunawading 3131
Box Hill Service CentreBox Hill Town Hall1022 Whitehorse RdBox Hill 3128
Forest Hill Service CentreShop 130Forest Hill Chase Shopping CentreCanterbury RoadForest Hill 3131
Sustainable and proud of it
Printed on 100% recycled paper
Publication No. 261011057
Acknowledgement of CountryIn the spirit of reconciliation, Whitehorse City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land now known as Whitehorse and pays respects to its elders past and present.