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Governmentof South Australia

Towards a resilient state THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ACTION PLAN

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRYThe South Australian government acknowledges Aboriginal people as the state’s first peoples and nations. We recognise and respect their cultural connections as the traditional owners and occupants of the land and waters of South Australia, and that they have and continue to maintain a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the state. We recognise the resilience of Aboriginal people and we respect their cultural values. We will take action to ensure Aboriginal people have the opportunity to participate fully in society. We will help to improve their wellbeing and we will support their communities’ aspirations for a positive future. We are committed to supporting traditional owners, Aboriginal people and Aboriginal organisations’ involvement in the management of land, sea and water. This includes recognising the relationships between Aboriginal culture and natural resources, and involving traditional owners in decision-making processes relating to natural resources management.

The South Australian Government’s Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 3

FOREWORD This plan, Towards a Resilient State, represents a major step forward in policy relating to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

It outlines the actions to be taken by South Australian government agencies to address and embed climate change adaptation in all aspects of their day-to-day operations.

The document also builds on our State’s international reputation as a leader and early adopter in dealing with climate change.

We recognise that adapting to climate change is a shared responsibility, and that it involves a coordinated effort by all levels of government, business and the community.

In particular, we acknowledge the valuable contribution Aboriginal communities make – both as the traditional owners of the land and as representatives of people who have been adapting to a changing climate for tens of thousands of years.

On the basis of Prospering in a Changing Climate – South Australia’s Adaptation Framework of 2012 – the state government has helped regions practically plan for climate change.

The regional adaptation plans highlight the impact climate change will have on communities, economies and natural environments, and they suggest opportunities for adaptation action.

This new plan details how government agencies might take advantage of such opportunities, and it summarises the range of work already undertaken.

Drawing on years of hard work by groups such as regional councils, local government associations, Regional Development Australia, the Outback Communities Authority and natural resources management boards, it provides both invaluable information and a clear sense of direction.

We thank everyone who helped devise the plan and bring it to fruition, and we commend it to all those in the government seeking to anticipate the effects of climate change.

Hon Ian Hunter MLCMinister for Climate Change

Hon Jay Weatherill MPPremier of South Australia

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CONTENTS3 Foreword

9 Our vision

10 South Australia’s changing climate

12 Action on climate change

15 Regional adaptation planning

16 Our plan for a resilient state

37 Summary and next steps


SUMMARY ACTION TABLE

Number Action Lead Page

Building knowledge and capacity 18

1Raise awareness about the impacts and opportunities of climate change and potential response

DEWNR

2Engage with other organisations to build their own and their stakeholders’ capacity to respond to climate change impacts and opportunities

DEWNR

3 Engage Aboriginal nations in adaptation planning ALL

4Continue to reflect contemporary adaptation challenges and opportunities in the South Australian Government Communications Plan

DPC

5 Embed climate change science, impacts and adaptation in key curriculum DECD, TAFESA

Planning and policy 20

6Integrate climate change considerations into the instruments to be developed under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016

DPTI

Climate resilient buildings, assets and spaces 21

7Integrate climate-smart building and urban design performance outcomes in planning instruments

DPTI

8Develop & implement guidelines for climate-resilient buildings, assets and spaces

ODASA

9 Continue to implement Building Upgrade Finance DEWNR

10 Investigate the potential for sustainable public housing Renewal SA

11Advocate for changes to increase building and construction resilience in the Building Code of Australia

DEWNR, DPTI, DSD

Biodiversity management and restoration 22

12 Deliver the Nature of SA project DEWNR

13Continue to implement Conserving Nature 2012-2020: A strategy for establishing a system of protected areas in South Australia

DEWNR

14 Expand the availability of locally sourced carbon offsetsDEWNR

15 Ensure all regional NRM plans are climate change-ready DEWNR

16Consider the impacts of climate change in reviewing pest plant and animal controls

PIRSA, DEWNR

17 Continue to improve the recovery of near shore seagrass populations EPA

6 Towards a resilient state


Emergency management 24

18Embed the consideration of climate change into the state emergency management framework and strategy

DPC

19 Develop flood response plans and improve flood warnings SES, DEWNR

20Develop a consistent framework for undertaking modelling on catchment flooding based on Australian Rainfall and Runoff advice

SMA, DEWNR

21 Undertake the Networked Resilience for Extreme Heat Project SES

22Contribute to the development of the new national fire danger ratings system

CFS, DEWNR

23Continue to improve all hazard mapping and incorporate into development codes and hazard planning overlays

CFS, MFS, DEWNR, DPTI

24 Maintain bushfire preparedness strategies CFS, MFS, DEWNR

25 Prepare a state disaster resilience strategy SAFECOM

26Every DECD preschool and school to develop a publicly available emergency management plan

DECD

27Develop a disaster waste management capability plan under the State Emergency Management Plan

GISA, SAFECOM

Modelling and mapping 26

28Ensure robust information and models to support risk assessment and decision-making

DEWNR, ALL

29 Pursue relevant research opportunities on climate adaptation ALL

Integrated water cycle management 27

30 Review and update Water for Good as the state’s water security plan DEWNR

31 Develop an urban water plan for Greater Adelaide DEWNR

32Continue to support multi-objective stormwater management planning at catchment scale

SMA, DEWNR

33Continue to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design: Creating more liveable water sensitive cities in South Australia

DEWNR

34Continue to support local water sources such as stormwater and recycled wastewater being captured for use

DEWNR, EPA



Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 28

35Develop an evaluation framework for assessing and reporting on the actions in this State Plan for effectiveness in adapting to climate change risks

DEWNR

36Develop a framework to support regions to report on implementation progress of their regional adaptation plans

DEWNR

37 Support regions in updating regional adaptation plans DEWNR

38 Undertake climate change adaptation regional forums DEWNR

Urban greening 29

39Ensure a consistent methodology for heat mapping that can be used to inform action such as planting in urban areas

DEWNR

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Promote the integrated planning, design and delivery of green infrastructure (or urban greening) through appropriate provisions in state planning policies, regional plans, the Planning and Design Code and Design Standards (for infrastructure and the public realm)

DPTI

Embedding climate risk 30

41Undertake an assessment of the impacts of climate change on state agency business services and identify and implement adaptation actions

ALL

42 Implement South Australia’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy DPC, DPTI

43 Mainstream climate change adaptation across all of government business ALL

44Embed requirement for agencies to incorporate climate change considerations into their determination of the declared valuation of assets when completing the DTF (SAICORP) insurance and risk questionnaire

ALL

45Consider climate change impacts as part of DTF (SAICORP’s) risk management role for government

DTF, DPC

46Embed climate change adaptation as a key consideration in chief executive and director evaluations

ALL

47 Review and update building standards for all government buildings DPTI

48Advocate for stronger climate change considerations in public buildings through the update of the Parliament's Public Works Committee referral mechanism

DPTI, DEWNR



Water and energy security 32

49 Implement the Murray-Darling Basin Plan DEWNR, SA Water

50 Integrate climate change considerations into water allocation planning DEWNR

51 Mature the water market to facilitate flexibility in water trading DEWNR

52 Implement South Australia's Energy Plan DPC

Primary industries 33

53 Develop climate-resilient farming systems PIRSA, DEWNR

54Improve climate risk management in key South Australia primary industries

PIRSA

Health 33

55Develop a model for anticipating future demand for public health policy and service needs

SA Health

56 Develop a health programs sustainability policy SA Health

Transitioning economies and communities 34

57 Plan for a fair and equitable transition to a climate resilient economy DEWNR

58 Promote transition towards a circular economy in the state GISA

59 Engage with industry leaders groups DSD, DEWNR

60 Investigate sustainable funding mechanisms for adaptation DEWNR, ALL

61 Assist South Australian businesses to reduce resource use GISA, EPA

62 Assist the tourism industry to be climate change ready SATC

Coasts 36

63Undertake a periodic review of the state’s coastal management measures, including Adelaide’s beach management

CPB, DEWNR

64 Prepare a 20-year strategic coastal management plan CPB, DEWNR

65 Prepare guidance on coastal development and landward migration CPB, DEWNR, DPTI


South Australians, communities, businesses and all levels of government must continue to take action and collaborate to adapt to the impacts of climate change so that South Australia can continue to be prosperous and resilient into the future.

This plan outlines the actions that the state government will undertake to set the foundation for the state’s resilience into the future by ensuring that risks are effectively managed and new opportunities pursued.

The South Australian government is committing to delivering the actions outlined in this plan to strengthen the economy, safeguard the stability and continuity of services, empower individuals and communities to act to increase their resilience, and maintain the health and wellbeing of the community in a changing climate. The government will:

• work with regional partners to deliver adaptation effort.

• mainstream climate change adaptation through the planning and delivery of essential services, and the design and management of public assets (including natural assets), infrastructure, service delivery and programs

• develop and disseminate relevant local and regional science and information to support adaptation action

• engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the potential impacts of climate change

• innovate and work to drive employment growth and attracting and building new industries

• build the resilience of businesses, industries, and communities

• continue to work towards the targets in South Australia’s Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007.

The government will continue to bring mitigation and adaptation strategies together as a complementary effort (including through such initiatives as Carbon Neutral Adelaide). This approach recognises that adaptation actions can contribute to the state’s climate change mitigation efforts and vice versa.

This plan acknowledges that there are many actions and initiatives not listed that are already being driven by individuals, communities, businesses, industry, non-government organisations, and government.

Mitigation: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines mitigation as “A human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases" (2014, p 125). The Carbon Neutral Adelaide initiative is one way that South Australia has committed to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Adaptation: The IPCC defines adaptation as, “the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects” (2014, p 118). In other words, climate change adaptation addresses the current and future impacts of climate change, recognising that even if greenhouse gas emissions were reduced to zero today, impacts already in-train would be felt for the next 50 plus years. Adaptation is about taking practical actions to manage current and future risk from climate impacts to protect communities and strengthen the economy.

* IPCC, 2014: Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution

of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team,

R.K. Pachauri and L.A. Meyer (eds.)]. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland

OUR VISION


Climate change is already affecting communities and economies around the world. Despite the global commitment to reduce emissions, changes in climate are unavoidable and long lasting. Adaptation is about taking actions to manage current and future risk from climate impacts to protect and strengthen communities, the environment and the economy, and harness the opportunities that arise from changes in climate.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S CHANGING CLIMATE

Warmer water temperatures and increased acidity of oceans

Sea level rise and increase in the height of extreme sea level events and coastal erosion

Increased temperatures and risk of extreme heat

Utilise planning and policy to manage the development of buildings in infrastructure in hazard prone areas

Urban greening creating amenable and comfortable environments for residents and visitors

Embedding climate risk in all that we do

Modelling and mapping to inform risk assessments

Plan for the sustainable management of the coasts

Transitioning economies and communities to adapt, access opportunities and reduce emissions

Plan and invest in water and energy security for South Australians

Integrated water cycle management to prepare for extreme rainfall and drought


Biodiversity management and restoration for cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing

A harsher fire weather climate

Fewer frosts and inreased time spent in drought

Increases in the intensity of extreme rainfall and storm events

Emergency management prepares for and responds to extreme events such as heatwaves, intense rainfall and bushfires

Building knowledge and capacity through education and awareness raising regarding risks and opportunities

Design and construct more climate resilient building, assets and spaces to achieve multiple benefits in the public and private realms

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting to ensure the long-term success of climate adaptation initiatives, plans and actions

Prepare for the health impacts of climate change

Enable primary industries to adapt to the impacts of climate change

Decreased annual rainfall, with most of the reduction expected in the cooler months

Charles S.P., Fu G. (2014) Statistically Downscaled Projections for South Australia – Task 3 CSIRO Final Report.

Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series No. 15/1 Adelaide, South Australia.

CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, 2015


ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

1991• Coastal Protection Board adopted Policy on Coast Protection

and New Coastal Development incorporating provisions for sea level rise following considerations of sea level rise in Adelaide Coast Protection Strategy Review 1984

2005 • South Australia is a founding member of The Climate Change Group’s States and Regions Alliance

2006 • South Australian government announced its intention to introduce a solar feed-in tariff which came into operation in 2008

2007 • The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007

South Australia is recognised as a national and global leader on climate change action. Its leadership is demonstrated through a strong local and regional focus. Highlights include:


2008• Premier’s Climate Change Council is established

• First climate change sector agreement established with industry

2009• Water for Good plan released to diversify our water supplies

• Premier’s Climate Change Council advice to the Premier to provide information about work being undertaken on an adaptation framework for South Australia

2010

• 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide launched, providing for a low carbon future

• The Goyder Institute was established to undertake research, including that of the impacts of climate change on water supplies

• Adopted a 6-star energy efficiency rating for new housing in the Building Code of Australia

2011• First regional water demand and supply statement

released incorporating climate change impacts

• First regional climate change sector agreement established focussing on adaptation

2012 • Prospering in a Changing Climate: A Climate Change Adaptation Framework for South Australia released

2013• First regional climate change adaptation plan released

• South Australia’s climate change adaptation program wins two national awards

2014 • Premier’s Climate Change Council released South Australia’s Climate Change Vision - Pathways to 2050

2015

• The Government of South Australia signed two international agreements RegionsAdapt and Compact of States and Regions

• The Goyder Institute released climate change projections for South Australia

• South Australia’s Climate Change Strategy 2015-2050 released

• Carbon Neutral Adelaide ambition announced

2016• 11 Climate change adaptation regional action plans

are completed covering all of South Australia

• The inaugural Premier’s Climate Change Council’s SA Climate Leaders Awards are held

2017

• The Government of South Australia is a founding partner of Climate KIC Australia

• Building Upgrade Finance mechanism commences

• Towards a Resilient State: The South Australian Government’s Adaptation Plan is launched


Local government

Regional Development

Australia

Natural resources management

Stakeholder, business and community organisations

State government

Federal government

1. Identify what is valued or important in the region

2. Understand current and future climate for the region

3. Undertake an ‘integrated vulnerability assessment’ to investigate how climate change may impact important aspects and features of the region

4. Identify adaptation options to respond to key vulnerabilities or opportunities

5. Deliver regional adaptation plans

6. Continued collaboration and implementation of actions by all partners

Part

ner

s

Adaptation Planning in South Australia

Sector agreements formalising the

partnership

Stakeholder and community engagement in

every stage

Towards a Resilient State: The South Australian Government’s Adaptation Action Plan is launched

Each state government region has undertaken a comprehensive process to understand vulnerabilities to climate change impacts, the associated opportunities and regionally appropriate adaptation actions.

In doing this, regions have involved a range of stakeholders, Aboriginal nations and the community in identifying what is valued in that region and how that value may be impacted by climate change (both positively and negatively).

This ‘bottom-up’ approach has enabled regional bodies such as natural resources management (NRM) boards, Regional Development Australia, the local government associations and councils to work with local organisations, business and communities to develop the regional adaptation plans, with support from federal and South Australian governments.

Barossa, Light and Lower North

Adelaide Hills

Northern Adelaide

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island

Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island

Yorke and Mid North

Murray and Mallee

Eastern Adelaide

Western Adelaide

Southern Adelaide

Eyre and Western

Far North

Limestone Coast

REGIONAL ADAPTATION PLANNING

South Australian Government Regions


The South Australian government has identified 15 priority adaptation areas for the continued prosperity and resilience of both urban and regional South Australia. These action areas provide an overarching commitment from the state government to prioritise adaptation in its business.

HOW WAS THE STATE PLAN PREPARED?

An adaptation working group with representation from 22 South Australian government bodies has overseen the preparation of this State Plan. Agencies provided significant input in assessing current government actions which support 680 regional actions documented in regional adaptation plans, and identifying where new actions will be required. The process also took into account those actions that deliver multiple benefits and are relevant to multiple sectors. A number of workshops were held to test and refine the adaptation actions identified in this State Plan with representatives from the regions to determine their appropriateness and to identify any gaps.

ADAPTATION PRIORITIES FOR THE STATE

This section describes the South Australian government actions to increase the state’s resilience. A brief description is provided with the actions and the lead state government agencies. Some are new actions; others are existing or continuing. In preparing this document it was evident that there are already a wide range of actions, projects, programs and initiatives being undertaken by the South Australian government. A full implementation program for the actions set out in this document will be developed as the next phase of the adaptation process.

OUR PLAN FOR A RESILIENT STATE

Priority adaptation action areas

Building knowledge and capacity

Planning and policy

Climate-resilient buildings, assets and spaces

Biodiversity management and restoration

Emergency management

Modelling and mapping

Integrated water cycle management

Urban greening

Embedding climate risk

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

Water and energy security

Primary industries

Health

Transitioning economies and communities

Coasts


BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITYBuilding knowledge and capacity through improved education and awareness-raising features as an adaptation action across all sectors. It is important to build capacity so that organisations, business, industry, communities and individuals are able to take responsibility for and undertake their own adaptation measures.

Increasing knowledge, and education will be particularly important for some sectors. Increasing knowledge will influence vital decision-making processes, especially those with long lasting impacts, such as for developments and within the building industry. Other examples include:

• Health – it will be critical for the health sector to ensure that vulnerable members of the community, as well as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community members, are aware of the actions they can take to prevent climate-related illness and injury, and access government and community support services.

• Planning – it is important for all South Australian government agencies to work across all levels of government and regions to have access to readily available, consistent hazard mapping and climate projections to enable incorporation into planning.

• Viticulture – wine growing was very different in the past compared to today and will change again in the future with a different climate. It will be important for the wine industry to adapt and increase their resilience through new grape varieties and harvest or production methods.

There has already been significant investment in communication tools (for example, through initiatives like Commonwealth NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund and CoastAdapt) and future efforts can build on these.

Looking to the future, ensuring the education system embeds climate change science, impacts and actions into the curriculum at primary and secondary school levels will be important. Incorporating climate science, impacts and actions throughout education and training in the tertiary education sector will build on this foundation. An investment in an educated and skilled population (for example, in the fields of design and planning) enables individuals, communities, businesses and industries to identify and implement adaptation actions for increased resilience.

1 Raise awareness about the impacts and opportunities of climate change and potential responseLead agency: DEWNR

Develop consistent messaging relating to climate change projections, associated risks and impacts, which draws on the information developed at action 28. Messaging and communication materials will focus on opportunities for adaptation and will aim to raise awareness, inform and build the capacity of the community to increase its own ability to act. Case studies or examples of others in action will be used to share information and lessons learned.

2 Engage with other organisations to build their own and their stakeholders’ capacity to respond to climate change impacts and opportunitiesLead agency: DEWNR

Collaborate across the non-government, industry and government sectors (including organisations such as the Australian Red Cross and others working with vulnerable members of the community) to build their own capacity and in turn their stakeholders’ capacity to respond to climate change impacts and opportunities.

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3 Engage Aboriginal nations in adaptation planningLead agency: all

This action recognises that as traditional owners, Aboriginal nations have lived through a continuously changing climate and therefore have significant knowledge and experience relating to adaptation. The state will ensure that Aboriginal nations are engaged in regional/state adaptation forums in action 38 and that these plans contribute positively to improving Aboriginal economic participation, while respecting Aboriginal rights and interests during the transition of economies and communities.

4 Continue to reflect contemporary adaptation challenges and opportunities in the South Australian Government Communications PlanLead agency: DPC

Ensure that climate change adaptation messaging in the South Australian Government Communications Plan reflects that all government agencies have a responsibility to raise awareness and understanding about climate risks and potential opportunities across multiple sectors and audiences.

5 Embed climate change science, impacts and adaptation in key curriculumLead agency: DECD, TAFESA

Investigate opportunities to embed climate change further within the Australian Curriculum. Increase opportunities for students to solve current and future problems as part of the learning area of science and the cross-curriculum priority of ‘sustainability’, with a view to driving an economic transition to emerging industries.

Climate change will also be embedded in appropriate vocational training courses (for example, landscape design and construction) to ensure sufficient skills and knowledge are developed to support future jobs and aid in economic transition. Further work will occur with the tertiary sector to embed climate in key curriculum and course material and create opportunities for industry engagement. This will ensure students have sufficient skills and knowledge of climate-related issues and support future jobs and aid in economic transition.

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PLANNING AND POLICYA key adaptation challenge is the need to manage the development of buildings, assets and infrastructure in hazard-prone areas. These areas include those at risk of inundation from sea level rise and storm surge, bushfire and localised flooding due to more intense rainfall events.

Settlements, homes and buildings already established in at-risk locations are unable to be fully protected. Personal and community-based resilience measures are a priority, such as assessing risk exposure and all-hazard property preparedness plans (such as bushfire survival plans), property risk mitigation and appropriate insurance. Collaborating with non-government organisations such as the Australian Red Cross will be vital in empowering individuals and communities to address their own resilience.

It is recognised that by managing and preventing inappropriate development in hazard-prone areas, benefits are achieved across multiple sectors, with opportunities for:

• reducing emergency management call-outs

• maintaining business continuity during extreme events

• reducing interruptions to public transport and other road users

• maintaining the safety, health and wellbeing of people with vulnerabilities and the wider community

• maximising the adaptive capacity of coastal, marine and terrestrial ecosystems

• associated buffering capacity and reducing damage to public assets.

6 Integrate climate change considerations into the instruments to be developed under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016Lead agency: DPTI

Ensure that climate change considerations (based on projected climate change impacts) are integrated into planning instruments to be developed under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, such as the state planning policies, Planning and Design Code, regional plans and infrastructure schemes.

As information becomes available as per action 28, relevant sections of the Planning and Design Code such as overlays can be updated. This includes spatial layers relating to natural hazards and environmental assets such as native vegetation and watercourses.


CLIMATE-RESILIENT BUILDINGS, ASSETS AND SPACES Buildings, assets and the public realm (including parks and other public places, and streetscapes) need to be designed and constructed so that they are climate-smart and resilient to climate change impacts. The benefits of climate-resilient buildings, assets and spaces include:

• more comfortable and amenable buildings

• public spaces and places that support urban biodiversity

• reduced energy costs for buildings

• cooler urban environments

• reduced frequency and cost of maintenance and replacement of assets

• increased health and wellbeing.

7 Integrate climate-smart building and urban design performance outcomes in planning instruments Lead agency: DPTI

Integrate climate-smart building and urban design performance outcomes into planning instruments under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, including the state planning policies, regional plans, Planning and Design Code, and Design Standards (for infrastructure and the public realm). Consideration of the concept of ‘betterment’ will be needed when renovating, retrofitting or replacing built infrastructure.

8 Develop and implement guidelines for climate resilient buildings, assets and spaces Lead agency: ODASA

Work with a range of stakeholders to develop and implement guidelines for resilient buildings, assets and spaces (Measures such as water sensitive urban design (WSUD), green infrastructure, and appropriate waste management utilising principles outlined in the Better Practice Guide for Waste Management in Residential and Mixed Use Developments (2014)) will improve resilience of buildings, assets and spaces to hazards that will be exacerbated by climate change.

9 Continue to implement Building Upgrade FinanceLead agency: DEWNR

The Building Upgrade Finance mechanism helps building owners access loans to improve the energy, water and environmental efficiency of existing commercial buildings. Building upgrades improve working environment and thermal comfort for tenants as well as help South Australian businesses mitigate rising utility costs. The scheme commenced in South Australia on 1 August 2017.

10 Investigate the potential for sustainable public housingLead agency: Renewal SA

Investigate new construction methods, materials and designs for public housing, including increased green space with improved integrated water cycle management. Renewal SA will work with industry to look at the design and construction of innovative housing solutions, including energy and water-efficient building materials for its buildings and developments.

11 Advocate for changes to increase building and construction resilience in the Building Code of Australia Lead agency: DEWNR, DPTI, DSD

Advocate for changes to the Building Code of Australia that would ensure the built environment is resilient to climate change.

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BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATIONHealthy natural environments provide for South Australia’s cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing. South Australia has a strong history of prioritising the conservation of our natural environment with the parks system covering more than 21 per cent of South Australia. Many of our parks are of international importance due to their scenic landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and the visitor experiences and cultural heritage opportunities they provide. South Australia also has 19 marine parks to help protect our marine life and invest in our state’s future.

Potential impacts on South Australia’s species and ecosystems from climatic changes may include changes in distribution and abundance, population dynamics, life history patterns and reproductive cycles. Vulnerable species might be at increased risk of extinction; invasive and overabundant native species might gain more opportunities for establishing in wider areas. Ecological processes could change.

Protecting and conserving what exists and improving connectivity between biodiversity corridors is important. To maximise the benefits from the below actions, close integration with Planning and Policy will be critical.

12 Deliver the Nature of SA projectLead agency: DEWNR

Embed climate change adaptation into a revised strategic framework (building on the previous No Species Loss - A nature conservation strategy for South Australia) that will inform future legislation, regulations and policy in relation to the management of South Australia’s biodiversity.

13 Continue to implement Conserving Nature: A strategy for establishing a system of protected areas in South Australia 2012-2020Lead agency: DEWNR

This strategy guides additions to the protected area system to improve the long-term sustainability of South Australia’s environment, including marine environments. It identifies priorities for conserving the full range of land-based ecosystems and building the capacity of natural systems to adapt to climate change and other stressors. It addresses sites with scientific, cultural and spiritual value, identifies gaps in the types of environments that are protected, and articulates the priority areas for new protected areas as being within the state’s five NatureLinks corridors.

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14 Expand the availability of locally sourced carbon offsetsLead agency: DEWNR

Coordinate work across the South Australian government to accelerate expansion in the availability of locally sourced carbon offsets, commencing with investment in native vegetation carbon sequestration. This and other initiatives (such as PIRSA’s New Horizons program and the Australian government’s Carbon Farming Initiative) providing both mitigation and adaptation benefits through reduced emissions from encouraging wider growth of the carbon sequestration sector in the state, while delivering increased environmental and biodiversity resilience, soil health and land productivity co-benefits, along with long-term economic and employment opportunities.

15 Ensure all regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) plans are climate change-readyLead agency: DEWNR

Continue to engage with communities to help prioritise and manage regional changes. Continue to consider and integrate climate change projections, impacts, mitigation and adaptation activities into NRM planning, which provides overarching guidance for a broad number of areas relating to the environment and community actions and activities. Continue to provide monitoring, evaluation and reporting to regional NRM boards.

16 Consider the impacts of climate change in reviewing pest plant and animal controlsLead agency: PIRSA, DEWNR

Continue to implement pest plant and animal controls and consider the impacts of climate change in reviewing and updating pest plant and animal control strategies. Controlled monitoring, evaluation, regulations and restrictions manage the risks to South Australia posed by animal and plant pests and diseases, food-borne illnesses and misuse of rural chemicals. Services provided by Biosecurity SA include animal health (disease surveillance and control), plant health (keeping fruit fly and other plant pests out of the state), weed and pest animal control (natural resource management biosecurity), aquatic pest management, food safety, rural chemical operations and emergency management.

17 Continue to improve the recovery of near shore seagrass populationsLead agency: EPA

Healthy seagrass populations have the potential to reduce the severity of storm impacts along the coast and reduce the cost of sand management. Seagrass has high biodiversity and carbon sequestration value, and is closely linked to stormwater management. Continued implementation of the Adelaide Coastal Water Quality Improvement Plan will support seagrass management.


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Emergency management will have an ongoing and heightened importance given the projected increase in the frequency and severity of extreme events such as heatwaves, storm surge exacerbated by sea level rise, intense rainfall and bushfires.

The State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) and its member agencies have been addressing climate change risk for some time. The emergency management sector recognises the ongoing risk and the need for the emergency management planning process to link and build upon current work.

Agencies across all levels of government, non-government organisations, business and the community play significant roles in the state’s emergency management arrangements under the comprehensive ‘prevention, preparedness, response and recovery’ framework and all-hazard approaches. These approaches are recognised in the SEMC Strategic Framework and Plan 2017-2022. Emergency management is a shared responsibility; it is important for all levels of government to work with communities to identify and mitigate risk, plan and prepare for emergencies and develop resilience.

Critical to emergency management as an adaptation priority is the role of engagement, education and awareness to build individual capacity and resilience. Similarly, mitigation and prevention initiatives that are focused on known and emerging risks will contribute to reducing the demand for emergency response and recovery.

Within the theme of emergency management, nine regions identified bushfire management as a key issue, with a focus on sub-issues of managing further development in bushfire-prone areas (particularly peri-urban areas) and managing fuel load. Under the state’s emergency management arrangements, bushfire is already identified as a hazard and has significant planning and preparedness activities attached to it.

Climate change projections indicate a likelihood of more intense heatwaves, overall higher temperatures, overall decreases in rainfall (punctuated by intense rainfall events) and higher evaporation rates. This will mean, overall, less soil moisture and less run-off in rivers, streams and reservoirs, compounded by increased demand for water as a result of warmer temperatures and population growth. All of these factors will continue to increase the probability of bushfire activity, heatwaves and other extreme weather events.

18 Embed the consideration of climate change into the state emergency management framework and strategy Lead agency: DPC

Ensure that the latest climate change projections and key learnings from recent events are considered when developing and reviewing the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) Strategic Framework and Strategic Plan 2017-2022, and that this consideration translates into policy and planning, including the State Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) and other emergency management and resilience strategies, plans and initiatives.

The SEMC has developed a strategic framework and plan that will guide strategic actions across the emergency management sector for the next five years. They will be reviewed annually to ensure actions and tasks best reflect current and emerging issues, the state’s risk profile and continuous improvement, and to demonstrate preparedness for the future.

As the key state document, the SEMP will be regularly updated to reflect climate change considerations. Sub-plans, such as hazard plans, will also be regularly updated to reflect current climate change projections and potential impacts.

Considerations of climate change will also occur in all strategies, plans and initiatives supported or funded by the SEMC and its member agencies, including but not limited to the following actions in this document.

19 Develop flood response plans and improve flood warnings Lead agency: SES, DEWNR

Continue to develop flood response plans based on flood mapping and improve capability to provide warnings to at-risk communities, including through the continued development of the flood information system FloodMon.

20 Develop a consistent framework for undertaking modelling on catchment flooding based on Australian Rainfall and Runoff advice Lead agency: SMA, DEWNR

A consistent framework to undertake modelling on catchments (to also include estuaries where relevant) based on a common set of climate change projections will facilitate a multi-beneficial and equitable approach to increase community resilience.


21 Undertake the Networked Resilience for Extreme Heat project Lead agency: SES

This project seeks to adopt a new approach to establishing enhanced intelligence and community engagement capabilities through partnerships and networks with identified service providers that already engage with individuals and households identified as being vulnerable to extreme heat. The project will establish partnerships between the SES and service providers to deliver training packages to their staff/volunteers. These will aim to address households/workplaces with inadequate protective measures (i.e. have been allowed to overheat during a heatwave), the signs of heat-related illnesses, what action to take and how to prepare their clients to better manage in a heat event.

22 Contribute to the development of the new national fire danger ratings system Lead agency: CFS, DEWNR

An updated national fire danger rating system is currently in preparation and will help in improving how the fire danger ratings are calculated and shared with other agencies and communities.

23 Continue to improve all hazard mapping and incorporate into planning and building codes and hazard planning overlays Lead agency: CFS, MFS, DEWNR, DPTI

Continue to identify, map and assess high-risk areas for bushfire (including fuel load and topography), storm, flood and heat. Direct further effort at ensuring development planning and building design and approval codes take risk into consideration. Further incorporate relevant information in development planning and building design and compliance provisions into the Planning and Design Code and the Building Code.

24 Maintain bushfire preparedness strategiesLead agency: CFS, MFS, DEWNR

Deliver significant bushfire preparedness planning (including the coordination and undertaking of prescribed burns to reduce fuel loads and other risk treatments in bushfire-prone areas) with a focus on maintaining asset protection zones and bushfire buffer zones.

Continue to pursue opportunities for prescribed burning on private land. The CFS will continue to provide regular advice to communities and local government on how to prepare communities and reduce and manage fuel loads. CFS will also deliver landscape-wide bushfire management plans.

25 Prepare a state disaster resilience strategyLead agency: SAFECOM

Provide the first step in a roadmap to resilience for South Australia. Make recommendations on areas where the government can work with business, the non-government sector and individuals to influence and positively contribute to building the disaster resilience of South Australian communities. Address the need for recovery processes to embed a principle of ‘betterment’ to ensure resilience of built environments to future disasters.

26 Every DECD preschool and school to develop a publicly available emergency management plan Lead agency: DECD

Work with emergency services to develop emergency management plans and make them available on schools' websites, as well as other communication mediums for example, letters home, newsletters, information on school apps, school/preschool social media). This will help to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors, and to ensure parents and/or carers know what to do in an emergency.

27 Develop a disaster waste management capability plan under the State Emergency Management Plan Lead agency: GISA, SAFECOM

A disaster waste management capability plan will be developed and integrated under the SEMP to enhance the state’s preparedness for timely, effective and sustainable decision-making for local disaster waste response and recovery activities to protect vital ecosystems and health of communities, while optimising recycling and local employment outcomes. The associated practical guidelines for disaster waste removal and management (for example, after a severe storm or flood event), as well as an implementation plan will also be developed.

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MODELLING AND MAPPING Comprehensive information is critical to enable the assessment of risks related to sea level rise, storm surge inundation, localised flooding as a result of intense rainfall events, and bushfire. This information can be used to enable prioritisation of key areas, sites and infrastructure for future action in terms of investment in protection works. This information can also be used by state government agencies to inform their own risk assessment processes.

This modelling and mapping also provides an important communication tool for raising awareness of the community about climate-related risks and supporting them to drive their own adaptation responses and build resilience, whether at a household, business or regional level.

28 Ensure robust information and models to support risk assessment and decision-makingLead agency: DEWNR, all

To ensure the provision of the information and models needed to support risk assessment and adaptation decision-making, DEWNR will develop a science and knowledge plan which will include a process to update, publish and disseminate projections in response to new data or scientific information. The plan will:

• identify a process and compile common climate change datasets for use by agencies and regions in understanding and assessing climate risk

• explore options for the provision of spatial information (including the consideration of using multi-hazard mapping tools (such as LIDAR) and other methods for generating mapping products)

• recognise and integrate Aboriginal cultural values and knowledge in climate risk assessments

• assist with identifying opportunities for obtaining funding and develop partnerships and collaborations to deliver outputs

• release data and information in line with the Office of Digital Government’s Open Data Framework, recognising that open data unlocks opportunities for the community and economy, and that open data has the potential to empower citizens with information, advance research and enable new business innovations.

29 Pursue relevant research opportunities on climate adaptation Lead agency: all

Document research opportunities relating to climate change adaptation relevant to South Australian government agencies’ business and utilise the services of the Goyder Institute, SARDI and other research institutions as appropriate. Examples include linking with actions 53 and 54 for the primary industries sector.


INTEGRATED WATER CYCLE MANAGEMENTIntegrated water cycle management measures (IWCM) recognise South Australia’s aspirations in Water for Good to be a water sensitive state in line with the aims of the National Water Initiative.

Under current climate change projections, extreme drought and rainfall events are likely to become more frequent. This has direct implications for IWCM.

IWCM needs to be adaptive to the extremes of the climate by managing drought and flood to minimise the effects on communities, whilst ensuring that natural systems that depend on water receive the flows they need to remain healthy.

There is a need to capture stormwater when rain falls in abundance and store it for later use. Importantly, urban design should aid in providing water security for future generations. The use of measures such as water sensitive urban design (WSUD) as identified in the statewide policy, Water sensitive urban design – creating more liveable cities and towns in South Australia, will be pivotal. Water sensitive solutions may assist in reducing the likelihood and severity of flooding, improve water quality and enable local water sources such as stormwater and wastewater to be reused for purposes such as greening, amenity and urban cooling, as well as commercial uses such as for horticulture and viticulture.

30 Review and update Water for Good as the state’s water security plan Lead agency: DEWNR

Review and update Water for Good to ensure it provides for future water security and facilitates the transition to a water sensitive state.

31 Develop an urban water plan for Greater Adelaide Lead agency: DEWNR

Develop an integrated urban water plan for Greater Adelaide that includes how stormwater, recycled water and provisions for WSUD can be best utilised to improve community and ecosystem resilience and deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits.

32 Continue to support multi-objective stormwater management planning at catchment scale Lead agency: DEWNR, SMA

Continue to work with local government, SMA, NRM regions and other natural resource managers to support multi-objective catchment-based stormwater management planning, consistent with a IWCM planning approach that also incorporates WSUD and other green infrastructure (e.g. wetlands, raingardens and other passive stormwater management techniques).

33 Continue to implement Water Sensitive Urban Design: Creating more liveable water sensitive cities in South Australia Lead agency: DEWNR

Continue to work with key stakeholders such as Water Sensitive SA, NRM regions and research institutions to implement the state Water Sensitive Urban Design policy. WSUD and other green infrastructure provide opportunities for managing water resources in ways that will deliver better public value outcomes, help to cool cities and towns and enhance community resilience – particularly through better integration of water, land use and built form.

34 Continue to support local water sources such as stormwater and recycled wastewater being captured for useLead agency: DEWNR, EPA

Continue to partner with SA Water and other stakeholders to provide policy and regulatory oversight, and promote opportunities such managed aquifer recharge to facilitate local water sources being sustainably used for suitable purposes.

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MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REPORTINGMonitoring, evaluation and reporting is critical to ensure the long-term success of climate adaptation initiatives, plans and actions. It plays an important role in tracking the performance of activities undertaken during the development of an adaptation plan (e.g. stakeholder engagement activities), in determining whether planned outputs and outcomes from adaptation actions have been achieved, and in determining whether new adaptation actions should be undertaken. In this way monitoring, evaluation and reporting can also help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of adaptation effort.

35 Develop an evaluation framework for assessing and reporting on the actions in this State Plan for effectiveness in adapting to climate change risksLead agency: DEWNR

Develop a framework for reporting on the progress of actions identified in this State Plan to the Climate Change and Carbon Neutral Adelaide Cabinet Task Force.

36 Develop a framework to support regions to report on implementation progress of their regional adaptation plans Lead agency: DEWNR

Develop a framework for the regions to report on the implementation of their adaptation plans. South Australian government agencies will identify a central point of contact to provide a conduit between the agencies and regions regarding climate change-related matters.

37 Support regions in updating regional adaptation plans Lead agency: DEWNR

Support a review and update of all regional adaptation plans in line with community thresholds and triggers relating to adaptation pathways or transition to new actions in light of changing climate and the latest regional data.

38 Undertake climate change adaptation regional forums Lead agency: DEWNR

Establish a program of climate change adaptation regional forums (with representation from state and local government, NRM, regional development and other key stakeholders) to meet at least twice a year to discuss climate change adaptation, share learnings and network. The state government will continue to provide a central contact point for regions on climate change adaptation.

Forums will also provide the opportunity for regions to work together and identify research and development needs and gaps in knowledge, as well as potential areas for investigation on climate adaptation.

The state government will engage with Aboriginal nations in these forums to help these groups input to adaptation planning. Aboriginal nations hold a depth of knowledge relating to climate adaptation from experience over thousands of generations. Adaptation plans will need to consider Aboriginal objectives and outcomes and integrate strategies that support the achievement of them in relation to climate adaptation. These planning processes will also have regard to Aboriginal peoples’ views relating to cultural heritage, native title and risks to Aboriginal cultural values associated with climate change.

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URBAN GREENING Urban greening cools urban areas and helps to combat the urban heat island effect, creating amenable and comfortable living environments for residents and visitors and improving human health and wellbeing.

Urban greening includes green open spaces, street trees and other vegetated spaces such as green walls, green facades and green roofs. To progress urban greening, the government needs to partner with industry and local government as key stakeholders to build capacity and understanding to prioritise areas where planting should occur. Further progress is needed to address barriers to urban greening (such as how to accommodate planting in public realm areas which are already crowded with other services) and continuing work to achieve, Target 5 – ‘A green liveable city’ in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide 2017 Update. Target 5 seeks to increase urban greening by 20 per cent in metropolitan Adelaide by 2045.

There is also the opportunity to increase urban greening on private land through planting undertaken by private landholders. This is particularly important in the public and community housing sector, as urban greening around homes contributes to the health and wellbeing of tenants and provides energy savings.

39 Ensure a consistent methodology for heat mapping that can be used to inform action such as planting in urban areas Lead agency: DEWNR

Heat and vegetation mapping can be used to identify areas of urban greening (current and potential) to guide future plantings so as to reduce the urban heat island effect, improving community resilience for increased temperature and extreme heat events. Building on existing work, a consistent methodology can be used to inform action such as planting in urban areas.

40 Promote the integrated planning, design and delivery of green infrastructure (or urban greening) through appropriate provisions in state planning policies, regional plans, the Planning and Design Code and Design Standards (for infrastructure and the public realm)Lead agency: DPTI

Embed the need for green infrastructure in planning instruments under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, including the Planning and Design Code, and Design Standards (for infrastructure and the public realm) to ensure strategic and integrated planning, design and delivery of green infrastructure in urban developments. The South Australian government will need to support and build capacity with key stakeholders such as local government to increase their capability and understanding, encouraging best practice implementation.


EMBEDDING CLIMATE RISK ‘Mainstreaming’ or embedding climate risk into relevant business is critical for South Australia to be resilient to the impacts of a changing climate. It also provides a number of opportunities for innovation and economic transition.

The government also needs to embed climate risk and ensure its consideration across all of its agencies and organisations, and decision-making processes (for example, incorporation of climate change considerations into risk management, project management and procurement) to enable climate change adaptation action. This is particularly important given that the government is the owner, operator and delivery agent of key built assets and community services which play a key role in the economy and underpin community life.

By embedding climate risk, the government will not only be increasing the resilience of its assets and services, but through these actions contribute to the delivery of adaptation priorities identified by the regions.

To support the delivery of these actions the South Australian government participates in regional adaptation working groups. The South Australian government has also established an adaptation working group with a particular focus on progressing climate change adaptation action across state agencies. This approach reflects the understanding of the need for collaboration and a commitment to working together to respond to a changing climate. Additionally, South Australia is represented on a national adaptation working group and internationally through initiatives such as RegionsAdapt.

41 Undertake an assessment of the impacts of climate change on state agency business services and identify and implement adaptation actions Lead agency: all

Investigate and assess the key vulnerabilities of agency business to climate change and the opportunities it presents, and identify adaptation responses that will inform business functions and continuity.

In undertaking the assessment and identification of adaptation responses, South Australian government agencies will be cognisant of the relevant aspects of the integrated vulnerability assessment and regional adaptation plans prepared by the regions, as well as information developed by action 28.

Adaptation responses will be integrated within existing agency and organisational strategic, corporate and business plans.

42 Implement South Australia’s Zero Emission Vehicle StrategyLead agency: DPC, DPTI

Transport plays an important role in reducing carbon emissions and increasing the resilience of communities through multi-benefits such as environment, social and health. Zero emission vehicles are defined as vehicles with the future potential to achieve zero carbon dioxide and zero air toxic emissions from their regular use, and the current ability to be driven in zero emission mode in urban centres. It now seems more likely that future transport needs, particularly in urban environments, will be best met by zero emission vehicles.

43 Mainstream climate change adaptation across all of government businessLead agency: all

Incorporate consideration of climate change projections and climate risk into agency planning, development, budget and procurement processes and delivery of key services, utilising information developed by action 28.

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44 Embed requirement for agencies to incorporate climate change considerations into their determination of the declared valuation of assets when completing the DTF (SAICORP) insurance and risk questionnaireLead agency: all

All government agencies and statutory authorities are required to complete an annual SAICORP insurance questionnaire. The questionnaire establishes the profile, exposures and risks of each agency. SAICORP uses information provided by agencies to ensure premiums are appropriate and to identify needs for reinsurance against catastrophic losses supporting the financial resilience of the state.

45 Consider climate change impacts as part of DTF (SAICORP’s) risk management role for governmentLead agency: DTF, DPC

As the leading risk manager for the state government, SAICORP investigates, raises awareness and provides advice on the best action to address climate risk. SAICORP will also continue to advocate and reinforce the importance of up-to-date hazard mapping. Risk and hazard information is used to inform the insurance of state government assets, taking into account climate change impacts, as well as emergency planning and response, and other planning decisions.

46 Embed climate change adaptation as a key consideration in chief executive and director evaluationsLead agency: all

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has confirmed that directors have a fiduciary duty to consider and disclose the risks to their businesses posed by climate change. Chief executives and directors need to lead in the inclusion of climate change considerations in all relevant aspects of their business, including progression against the relevant actions in this plan. Assessment of directors in progressing climate change considerations in all business areas as appropriate ensures progress is monitored.

47 Review and update of building standards for all government buildingsLead agency: DPTI

Continue to work with DEWNR and the Low Carbon Economy Unit within DPC to ensure contemporary design standards incorporate climate change adaptation (and mitigation) considerations in state government building and infrastructure investment.

48 Advocate for stronger climate change considerations in public buildings through the update of the Parliament’s Public Works Committee referral mechanismLead agency: DPTI, DEWNR

Major public projects require assessment through the Parliament’s Public Works Committee, which includes assessment against a suite of ecological and sustainable development (ESD) principles. An opportunity exists to enhance the ESD outcomes achieved via this existing mechanism. Opportunities include an update of the ESD principles to be more adaptable to evolving technologies and their associated costs. Key outcomes could include earlier consideration of key climate change risks at planning stages, and accounting for greenhouse gas emissions arising from different project options (whole-of-life) at an earlier stage of project development.


WATER AND ENERGY SECURITYLiving in the driest state in the driest continent, South Australians are acutely aware of the need to efficiently use and conserve water. Climate change will bring this need even more sharply into focus.

South Australians have a strong history in the adaptive use and management of water. For example, irrigators on the River Murray have adopted efficiency measures and water trading schemes. Many water recycling and stormwater reuse initiatives have been implemented and the Adelaide desalination plant can provide a supplementary water supply in prolonged drought. The South Australian government needs to continue to plan for, and invest in, alternative approaches to water security that minimise future water price increases and support environmental outcomes.

Energy security is also a critical issue. The government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to take charge of the state’s energy future and deliver reliable, affordable and clean power for South Australians. The energy plan focusing on South Australian power for South Australians will ensure more of the state’s power is sourced, generated and controlled locally.

49 Implement the Murray-Darling Basin PlanLead agency: DEWNR, SA Water

Continue to work with Murray-Darling Basin governments to implement the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on time and in full. The basin is a key water resource and supply for South Australia.

50 Integrate climate change considerations into water allocation planning Lead agency: DEWNR

Embed climate change projections in all future reviews of water allocation plans statewide. All water allocation plans provide the basis to scale the amount of water made available annually in response to short-term variations in climate.

51 Mature the water market to facilitate flexibility in water trading Lead agency: DEWNR

Provide historical information about the price and volume of water allocation, water entitlement trades, and the reliability of allocations of five, 10 and 15-year periods. This information can help depict longer-term trends in water availability to help agribusiness develop adaptation plans.

52 Implement South Australia's Energy PlanLead agency: DPC

The State energy plan will ensure South Australia will become more self-reliant for its power. It create local jobs by transforming the energy network to provide reliable clean energy through initiatives such as a Battery Storage and Renewable Technology Fund (building Australia’s largest battery to store energy from the wind and sun – part of a new renewable energy fund that supports clean and affordable power), a solar and thermal plant at Port Augusta and new laws to provide local powers over the national market.


PRIMARY INDUSTRIESThe state’s primary producers are directly affected by climate change due to their immediate connection to weather and climate. Primary industry is key to the South Australian economy, regional communities and national food production. In 2015-16 the grains industry generated $4.4 billion in revenue, the livestock industry generated $4.8 billion and the seafood industry generated $933 million.

Over the 2016 vintage, South Australian wine grape growers produced 817 980 tonnes of wine grapes with a farm gate value of $581 million. In context, South Australia produces almost half of the nation’s wine grapes, and above 57 per cent of the national wine exports. The projected reductions in rainfall and water availability, coupled with a warming climate, will affect how primary producers undertake their business. It is important to keep looking for innovative ways to improve productivity to enable primary producers to prepare for, and more effectively offset, the impacts of a changing climate.

53 Develop climate resilient farming systemsLead agency: PIRSA, DEWNR

Partner with stakeholders such as rural industries research and development corporations, NRM regions and regional Landcare facilitators to take into account the current and future climate when exploring new or alternative crop and pasture varieties, or, harvest strategies or production strategies in the case of fisheries and aquaculture. Such research contributes to more resilient farming systems and takes account of plant and soil health, livestock productivity, resource protection and farm business management.

54 Improve climate risk management in key South Australia primary industriesLead agency: PIRSA

Work with key stakeholders such as rural industries research and development corporations, NRM regions and regional Landcare facilitators to develop industry-specific climate risk management plans for all existing and any new primary industries. This would include a strong emphasis on raising awareness and educating farming/fishing communities of climate risks and the use of production farming methods to increase resilience, and exploring new opportunities to maintain a prosperous primary production industry.

HEALTH Climate change can threaten health and wellbeing. Health effects from increased extreme events, bushfires, decreased air quality and heatwaves have implications in terms of increased risk of cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature deaths. Preventative and adaptive actions, such as early warning systems and improving water infrastructure, can help to reduce these risks.

SA Health continues to work with councils across the state to review their public health planning for climate change preparedness. The inclusion of climate change considerations enables identification of, planning and implementation for any public health implications and potential increases in infectious diseases, therefore increasing community resilience. It is particularly important to work with vulnerable and CALD populations, recognising they are at increased risk from climate change.

55 Develop a model for anticipating future demand for public health policy and service needs Lead agency: SA Health

Develop a model for anticipating future public health service and policy needs (using the latest climate change projections) with the goal of minimising public harm and risks associated with climate change, and build individual and community readiness for and resilience to climate change.

56 Develop a health programs sustainability policyLead agency: SA Health

Formulate a sustainability policy that informs future projects, partnerships, policies and programs, ensuring dynamic responses to climate change from a policy and operational perspective.

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TRANSITIONING ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITIES South Australia is an economy in transition. The Low Carbon Economy Unit in the DPC is leading an integrated approach for adapting to climate change, reducing emissions whilst maximising business and economic opportunities related to economic development and transitioning to a low carbon economy.

Our traditional manufacturing base is changing to a services base, with particular opportunities in international education, energy and gas, tourism, agribusiness, health and medical industries.

In addition, in some areas of the state such as the Far North, there will be communities facing key decisions such as the need for seasonal closure due to extreme heat and other climate-related conditions.

The impacts of climate change on the economy and remote and Aboriginal communities has the potential to be severe. However, a number of actions can be taken to help mitigate these impacts, including supporting transitions and pursuing opportunities to develop new industries based on new technologies. These actions will seek to improve Aboriginal economic participation in the transitioning economy. This will help the state prosper in a changing environment.

57 Plan for a fair and equitable transition to a climate-resilient economy Lead agency: DEWNR

In consultation with relevent state government agencies and other stakeholders, plan for a fair and equitable transition to a climate - resilient, net zero emissions economy for South Australia's workers, industries, businesses and communities. This work will be undertaken in line with South Australia's Climate Change Strategy 2015-2050, and use the expertise of the Premier's Climate Change Council to encourage innovative thinking and practice, and embrace new opportunities for success.

58 Promote transition towards a circular economy in the stateLead agency: GISA

Progress the next steps as identified in the Creating value, the potential benefits of a circular economy in South Australia report to develop understanding of this new economic model, build partnerships and promote transition towards a circular economy in the state. Compared to the traditional linear economy (i.e. one which ‘makes, uses, and disposes of’ materials), the circular economy concept refers to a self-sustaining system driven by renewable energy and keeping material resources in use, or ‘circulating’ for as long as possible to maximise the value while in use. It then recovers and regenerates products and materials with local job creation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits. The circular economy concept is included as a guiding principle in the Green Industries SA Act 2004 and is a key strategic element of GISA endeavours.

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59 Engage with industry leaders groupsLead agency: DSD, DEWNR

Incorporate information on climate change into industry leaders’ group meetings to raise awareness and discuss how climate change may affect local businesses, create new innovative opportunities, and ensure consistent inclusion in business continuity planning.

60 Investigate sustainable funding mechanisms for adaptationLead agency: DEWNR, all

In recognising the potentially high costs of adaptation, the South Australian government will continue to work with Climate-KIC Australia, financial institutions and private industry to investigate new and alternative sustainable funding mechanisms for the climate change adaptation effort. Climate-KIC Australia is a Knowledge Innovation Community (KIC) to catalyse a national response to climate change and the global-scale opportunities it presents. Its purpose is to help bring to market innovative climate change solutions by connecting key players across the whole innovation pathway.

Climate-KIC Australia will build links between the research community, government and commercial opportunity, being the catalyst to link ideas, commercial nous and investment capital via a proven model from the European Union. The South Australian government is a key partner of Climate-KIC Australia.

61 Assist South Australian businesses to reduce resource useLead agency: GISA, EPA

Continue to provide assistance to South Australian businesses and industries for improved resource efficiency, waste management and environmental performance. For example, the GISA Business Sustainability Program provides financial and in-kind support in recognising and implementing energy and water efficiency, and improved waste management practices as a way to increase productivity and profitability and reduce carbon emissions.

62 Assist the tourism industry to be climate change readyLead agency: SATC

Support businesses to access the South Australian Tourism Industry Council (SATIC) Climate Change Certification Program to support opportunities and help implement new and innovative ways of attracting visitors to South Australia. Support access to Austrade resilience kits for regional tourism operators and businesses.


COASTS South Australia’s coastline is 5067 km long and is highly valued by the community. South Australians are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme events, as more than 90 per cent of the population is located in coastal settlements (many of which are at low elevation above current sea levels). South Australia’s valuable coastal environments have considerable estuarine, marine and biodiversity interactions and need to be managed in a holistic context. Seagrass and mangroves are important for biodiversity but also have a greater carbon sequestration capacity than most land-based ecosystems providing opportunities for mitigation.

South Australia’s sea levels rose at an average rate of 1.5mm/year over the 20th century and have been rising at an accelerated average rate of over 4 mm per annum since 19921. BOM and the latest US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) climate change projections suggest sea level rise will continue to increase at a greater rate than previously projected. It is important to note that under all plausible emissions scenarios, sea level rise is expected to continue at an increased rate for over 100 years.

Sea level rise and coastal erosion will also impact on coastal infrastructure and environments which require actions for improving resilience.

Key coastal estuarine locations have high biodiversity value (such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance-listed Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region and the internationally recognised Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park - Winaityinaityi Pangkara). Climate change impacts will have significant ecological impacts across these vulnerable systems.

1 Australian Baseline Sea Level Monitoring Array: Monthly Data Report – June 2017

63 Undertake a periodic review of the state’s coastal management measures, including Adelaide’s beach management Lead agency: CPB, DEWNR

The management of South Australia’s beaches is conducted to provide protection of development and infrastructure and beach amenity from long-term sand loss and storm flooding and erosion. These hazards are exacerbated by rising sea levels and protection measures include soft (for example beach replenishment) and hard actions (for example protective infrastructure such as sea walls) to compensate for this as part of the Adelaide’s Living Beaches, 2005-2025 beach management strategy. The Coast Protection Board (CPB), supported by DEWNR, will commence a mid-life review of the Adelaide’s Living Beaches strategy’s implementation by the end of 2017.

64 Prepare a 20-year strategic coastal management planLead agency: CPB, DEWNR

Based on the outcomes of contemporary climate modelling and sea level rise projections, the CPB will develop a long-term strategic coastal management plan to ensure the sustainable management of the South Australian coast. The plan will be developed in partnership with stakeholders such as the Local Government Association, DPTI, EPA, NRM boards, regions and research organisations, together with community engagement.

65 Prepare guidance on coastal development and landward migrationLead agency: CPB, DEWNR, DPTI

Aligning with the CPB's 20-year strategic coastal management plan, develop improved guidance on coastal development and landward migration to inform future policy and relevant instruments under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, particularly planning policies and overlays included in the Planning and Design Code. The CPB, supported by DEWNR, will undertake investigations and engage with councils to better understand and provide guidance on coastal development and the stages of landward migration for types of development and tide-dependent ecosystems impacted by coastal erosion and sea level rise.


SUMMARY AND NEXT STEPS

The South Australian government is committing to delivering the actions in this State Plan to ensure a resilient future for South Australia. All sectors of the community and all levels of government have a role to play. This State Plan outlines the actions that will set the foundation for the state’s resilience into the future so that risks are effectively managed and new opportunities are pursued.

This State Plan outlines the key adaptation priorities and the government actions that will support them. Work will continue to implement adaptation priorities at both a regional and state level to build the state’s resilience to a changing climate. There are many actions currently undertaken by individuals, communities, industries and all sectors of government that are not articulated in this State Plan.

Looking further ahead, all South Australian government agencies will need to consider funding sources that will resource adaptation effort beyond the actions in this document. This could include identifying new partnerships and alternative cross-sector funding sources to deliver adaptation outcomes. Collaborating with different sectors, organisations and industries can enable a greater spread of state resources.

IMPLEMENTING THE ACTIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT

DEWNR will take the lead in developing an implementation program in the next phase of the adaptation process, which will identify key actions, timeframes, roles and responsibilities. The implementation program will be developed with other South Australian government agencies and provide clarity for the way forward.

DEWNR will also lead in addressing its own actions and in overall coordination of annual reporting against whole-of-government progress. It is intended that DEWNR will also continue to provide leadership through governance and executive support to the South Australian Adaptation Working Group to ensure that the current cross-agency work on adaptation effort continues, including in respect of the actions in this document. DEWNR will also maintain membership on the National Adaptation Working Group and provide international leadership through RegionsAdapt.

CONTINUING TO WORK WITH REGIONS

The South Australian government will continue to work with regions in implementing the regional adaptation plans. The Minister for Climate Change has established sector agreements to underpin climate change adaptation planning and action in several regions and it is intended that agreements be established in all South Australian government regions.

It is recognised that a key success of adaptation in South Australia so far has been the ‘bottom up’ approach and the government will continue to value, recognise and support regions’ locally driven adaptation efforts.


GLOSSARYCFS Country Fire Service

CPB Coastal Protection Board

DCSI Department for Communities and Social Inclusion

DECD Department for Education and Child Development

DEWNR Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

DTF Department of Treasury and Finance

DPTI Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure

DPC Department of the Premier and Cabinet

DSD Department of State Development

EPA Environment Protection Authority

GISA Green Industries South Australia

MFS South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service

ODASA Office for Design and Architecture South Australia

PIRSA Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA

SAFECOM South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission

SAICORP SA Government Insurance

SA Health Department for Health and Ageing

SAPOL South Australian Police

SARDI South Australian Research and Development Institute

SATC South Australian Tourism Commission

SA Water South Australian Water Corporation

SES South Australian State Emergency Service

SMA Stormwater Management Authority

TAFE SA South Australia’s largest vocational education and training (VET) provider

KEY DEFINITIONSADAPTATION: The IPCC defines adaptation as “the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects” (2014, p 118). In other words, climate change adaptation addresses the current and future impacts of climate change, recognising that even if greenhouse gas emissions were reduced to zero today, impacts already in train would be felt for the next 50-plus years. Adaptation is about taking practical actions to manage current and future risk from climate impacts to protect communities and strengthen the economy.

CARBON NEUTRAL: Net greenhouse gas emissions are zero. This can be achieved by preventing or offsetting emissions (e.g. by supporting a tree planting scheme that will absorb carbon dioxide), or a combination of the two.

CLIMATE: Climate summarises the average, range and variability of weather elements, e.g. precipitation, wind speed, air temperature, humidity, and sunshine hours (solar radiation), observed over many years (typically > 30 years) at a location or across an area.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate change refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT 2007: South Australian legislation to provide for measures to address climate change by setting targets to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the state; to promote the use of renewable sources of energy; to promote business and community understanding about issues surrounding climate change; and to facilitate the development of policies and programs to address climate change.

CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS: A forecast of expected climatic changes into the future based on scientific modelling and greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. A greenhouse gas is an atmospheric gas that absorbs and emits infrared or heat radiation, giving rise to the greenhouse effect. Typical greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and refrigerants.

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GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: Green infrastructure is the strategically planned network of green spaces and environmental or water management features that deliver a wide range of environmental, economic and social benefits, including provision of clean water and clean air, more attractive and greener cooler cities, mitigation of urban heat island effects and improved wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Green infrastructure features can operate and provide benefits at small scales such as living walls, roof gardens and pathways and larger scales such as parks and reserves, transport corridors, watercourses and wetlands.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC): The scientific intergovernmental body under the auspices of the United Nations, established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) at the request of member governments. The IPCC produces reports that support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

LOW CARBON ECONOMY: An economy based on low carbon power sources that has a minimal output of greenhouse gas emissions.

MITIGATION: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines mitigation as “A human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases” (2014, p 125). The Carbon Neutral Adelaide initiative is one way that South Australia has committed to mitigating the effects of climate change.

RESILIENCE: The ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic structure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self-organisation, and the capacity to adapt to stress or environmental change.

WATER SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN (WSUD): An approach to urban planning and design that integrates the management of the total water cycle into the land use and development process. It includes consideration of available water sources, including rainwater and stormwater, improving water quality and managing runoff to improve biodiversity and the liveability of urban environments.

Governmentof South Australia

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au Copyright Owner: Crown in right of the State of South Australia 2015. FIS 94675 | Printed 2018

Disclaimer While every reasonable effort has been made to verify the information in this fact sheet use of the information contained is at your sole risk. The Department recommends that you independently verify the information before taking any action.

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