THE EVOLVING RISK FOR LOCAL COUNCILS

Climate change presents unprecedented challenges to local government – coastal and non-coastal. With the increasing scientific certainty on climate change, many local governments are pushed into a grey area of responsibility and liability. At Climate Risk we work with proactive local government clients who do not want to wait for liability issues to be tested in the courts.

In the first five years of the 1990s a full 25% of Australia’s population growth occurred within 3km of the coast and much of this continues to occur in areas vulnerable to climate change. Inland areas are no less vulnerable, due to changes in precipitation, heat and weather extremes.

HOW CLIMATE RISK WORKS WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

The impacts of climate change are evolving quickly and vary from place to place. We work with local government clients to provide location specific impact information to allow the assessment of risks, future liabilities and avenues for adaptation. Scoping reports to help begin the process provide a low cost mechanism for council.

We can also assist in the establishment of suitable zoning changes and local building regulations to adapt the building stock to anticipated short term impacts, medium impacts over the period to 2030 and longer term impacts to 2070 and beyond.

Our advice is based on the up-to-date, published and peer reviewed science and we address all the major impacts including extreme weather, sea level rise, storm surge, ambient and peak heat intensity, bush-fire, rain fall, flooding and disease vectors. Insurance risks are also analysed.

At Climate Risk we use a systems approach to assessing the impacts to local districts which gives a holistic view of the processes driving change, the likely economic, environmental and social impacts to the locality and the avenues for adaptation. We can work closely with planning and sustainability departments to devise and assist with the implementation of strategic adaptation plans. Our team has experience with land management, planning as well as commercial and residential building surveying.

For strategic and environmental planning issues, Donovan Burton B.Env Plan(Hons) MPIA, can assess your current position.

To discuss your needs please contact our Director Government Services: Gareth Johnston +61 (0)2 8003 4514