Victoria's Climate Change Adaptation Plan

1 Victoria's Climate Change Adaptation Plan2017 - 20202 Aboriginal acknowledgmentThe Victorian Government proudly acknowledges victoria s Aboriginal community and their rich culture, and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

2 The State of victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, 2016 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution International licence. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of victoria as author. The licence does not apply to any images, photographs or branding, including the Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian Government logo and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence, visit by Finsbury Green, MelbourneISBN 978-1-76047-415-7 (Print)ISBN 978-1-76047-416-4 (pdf/online)

3 DisclaimerThis publication may be of assistance to you but the State of victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone the DELWP Customer Service Centre on 136 186, or email or via the National Relay Service on 133 677, This document is also available on the internet at Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister s forewordOver the past twelve months, the Andrews Labor Government has been talking to and working with communities around victoria about what they need to do to plan for a changing Climate , and how to safeguard our prosperity into the future.

4 victoria s plan for a transition to clean energy will create a thriving, secure future for our communities. We have a great track record for leading the nation in economic growth and creating new investment and employment opportunities. At the same time we need to ensure our businesses and communities are supported in adapting to the impacts of Climate Change . Reducing our emissions will lessen the impact of Climate Change , but it will not prevent it. A certain amount of Change is inevitable and we must prepare ourselves for what Climate Change will bring.

5 victoria s Climate Change Adaptation plan 2017-2020 is a key component of plan is a blueprint to prepare our state to meet the challenges of Climate Change and take action to secure our future. The plan will: build a detailed understanding of victoria s exposure to Climate Change risks and impacts catalyse partnerships for integrated and effective responses to Climate Change tackle immediate priorities to reduce Climate Change will commission, and share, up-to-date Climate Change data to ensure the Government and the community can understand and manage the risks and impacts of Climate government and community organisations have already done great work to help victoria adapt to a changing Climate .

6 It is time for the State Government to lead. We will continue to support and collaborate with local government and other organisations to make our communities resilient to the impacts of Climate Change . By focusing on emergency management, the natural environment, agriculture, the built environment, water and health, we will support communities to be healthy, connected and would like to thank the many representatives of councils, organisations and other Victorians whose consultations helped inform the development of victoria s Climate Change Adaptation plan .

7 Working together, we will ensure all Victorians and future generations can enjoy our wonderful state well into the Hon. Lily D Ambrosio MPMinister for Energy, Environment and Climate ChangeMinister for Suburban Development 4 Executive summary Global momentum is building for national, sub-national and local governments to take ambitious action that helps communities adapt to the impacts of Climate Change . In Paris in 2015, 194 countries committed to enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to Climate Andrews Labor Government is working to restore victoria as a national and international leader on Climate Change action.

8 The Government is committed to action to keep global warming below 2oC above pre-industrial levels. However, we also need to prepare for a range of possible futures resulting from Climate Change . Developing a robust approach to Adaptation is the first s Climate Change Adaptation plan 2017-2020 (the Adaptation plan ) lays out a blueprint for action that will help our state meet the challenges and act on the opportunities of Climate Change . It will help us sustain a thriving natural environment and make sure victoria is a healthy, prosperous, safe and vibrant place to live, work and play for all Victorians, and for the thousands of visitors we welcome each Adaptation plan lays out the priorities for the next four years for the Victorian Government to better understand and manage current impacts, and to prepare for the long-term risks of Climate Change .

9 It lays the groundwork for a new approach to Adaptation from 2020, under the proposed new Climate Change It will clarify the role of the Government, and help all Victorians understand how they can take action. Adapting to Climate Change is a complex and evolving challenge for the Government and the community, and we all have a role to play. Businesses and individuals are often best placed to manage risks to their own private assets and infrastructure. The Government provides up-to-date information and data to help them do this effectively. However, the Government also recognises that sometimes it is not possible for communities, businesses and individuals to manage their risks alone.

10 The Government s role is to lead and coordinate state-wide action, and help people and organisations work together to understand and address common challenges. The Government can also provide extra support to help people adapt, especially for vulnerable Adaptation plan will help us all to play our part and work together to achieve our vision. It explains how the Government will support Adaptation and coordinate action on different scales (local, regional and sectoral) and how it will embed Climate Change considerations across the life of this Adaptation plan , the Government will: More effectively manage risks to the Government s own assets and services from Climate Change by assessing the Government s current capabilities and practices and addressing whole-of-government risks and impacts in a more coordinated way.