DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Who is this document for?
Victoria’s Climate Change Act requires the Government to ‘take strong action to build resilience to, and reduce the risks posed by, climate change and protect those most vulnerable.’11 Development of this community-led Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy and coordination of its implementation has been funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The Strategy was written collaboratively by members of Regional Climate Adaptation Groups (RCAG) representing state government, agencies, local government, universities, farmers, business and community in close consultation with key stakeholders throughout the Grampians Region. It is intended that everyone involved can see their own climate adaptation aspirations reflected. Efforts across the Region can be better coordinated, leading to improved outcomes for communities and the environment. Community groups, local governments, agencies and organisations can use this document to: • Align their own climate adaptation planning and projects to regional goals and outcomes, providing opportunities for partnerships and collaboration to maximise collective impact. • Apply for grants funded by DELWP. • Support funding applications for other government, corporate and philanthropic grants. Activities aligned with these goals and outcomes will be able to demonstrate a high level of strategic thinking at a regional level, stakeholder engagement and community support. • Prompt conversations and planning within and between organisations to reduce the risks that will arise from climate change.
Funded by:
1 Climate Change Act 2017 (Vic), preamble.
Cover image: Grain harvest near Mitre Rock by Glenn Tempest Image: Pelicans by Andrew Thomas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 2 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Contents
Introduction 4
Grampians Region profile 6
Background and context 8
The adaptation challenge 10
Adaptation themes 14
Grampians Region vision 32
Goals, outcomes and indicators 34
Implementation 37
References 38
Appendices 41
Image: Murtoa Stick Shed by Mel Douglas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 3 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Introduction
While many of the likely consequences • Community cohesion and behaviour of climate change are reasons for genuine change are necessary for successful concern about the future, working together adaptation in the Region and must be to produce this document shows how factored into every goal and action. adapting to those risks can motivate hope In collectively writing this Strategy, and determination for those who commit stakeholders reflected on plausible future to it. scenarios and how these might play out We start from four key assumptions: in key themes for climate change in the Region: agriculture; biodiversity; economy; • Adapting to a changing climate requires heat; health and wellbeing; fire; storms and a strategic and coordinated approach, flooding; and water. The Grampians Region mobilising the people, organisations and Climate Adaptation Strategy is accompanied communities of the Grampians Region by an academically researched Situation around shared goals and outcomes. Analysis, which brings together current • Climate change is complex, affecting science and an overview of adaptation work the landscapes, built environments, already underway to ensure this Strategy businesses, communities and people builds upon existing knowledge and efforts. of the Region in diverse ways. • There are multiple plausible climate futures for the Region, depending in part on global factors (especially the extent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide) and in part on local factors (especially the quality of the strategic approach to adaptation).
Image: Lake Burrumbeet by Andrew Thomas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 4 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The closing section of this document synthesises those investigations into Grampians Region a long-term vision and seven mid-term Grampians Region adaptation goals goals for climate adaptation in the Region. adaptation vision for 2030–2035 Each goal contains a series of outcomes and for 2050 indicators that will guide implementation • Our regional responses to climate and monitoring of the Strategy. Grampians Region change are coordinated, resourced In this five-year horizon it is critical to build and evidence-based. upon the existing climate adaptation work communities, • Our Region’s biodiversity and natural already underway and focus effort on the organisations and ecosystems are protected and resilient. actions that will best set the Grampians Region up to meet the present, coming natural systems are • The Grampians economy is sustainable and cumulative challenges of climate thriving in a changing and climate-ready. change. DELWP has committed initial • Regional farming is well-adapted implementation funding for this purpose. climate because to the changing climate. we are adapting • Our built environment is more resistant well together. to weather extremes. • Individuals and communities proactively reduce their climate-related risk. • Our vulnerable people are supported to adapt to climate change.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 5 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Grampians Region profile
The Grampians Region stretches from the South Australian border to Bacchus Marsh YARRIAMBIACK in the east (Figure 1). It covers 4,861,944 Hopetoun hectares, with a population of over 220,000.
Ballarat is its largest centre with just over HINDMARSH 100,000 residents. Boasting a diverse Nhill Warracknabeal geography of mountains, desert, forests, Kaniva Dimboola grasslands and wetlands, the Region is St Arnaud Horsham WEST named after the Grampians National Park WIMMERA Natimuk NORTHERN GRAMPIANS HORSHAM – an ancient, mountainous landscape Edenhope Stawell Avoca attracting large numbers of tourists.
HEPBURN The Region comprises the 11 local Ararat Beaufort Daylesford
ARARAT BALLARAT government areas of Ararat, Ballarat, PYRENEES Ballan Lake Bolac Bacchus Marsh MOORABOOL Golden Plains, Hepburn, Moorabool GOLDEN PLAINS and Pyrenees (Central Highlands) and Rokewood Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Dj Dja Wurrung Bannockburn West Wimmera and Yarriambiack Eastern Maar (Wimmera Southern Mallee). This spans Gunditj Mara traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Wadawurrung Eastern Maar, Gunditj Mara, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri Wurundjeri and Wotjobaluk (Jaadwa, Wotjobaluk Jadawadjali, Jupagulk, Wergaia and Wotjobaluk) peoples. Figure 1: Grampians Region map with Registered Aboriginal Parties and local government areas
Image: Gulgurn Manja Shelter, Grampians National Park by cafuego via Flickr Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 6 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The last ice age took place between 234 Overall, the Region is becoming more Jadawadjali rock art 25,000 and 12,000 years ago,5 where populated, but that picture is not consistent ‘average temperatures fell by 10ºC, rainfall across all municipalities. Ballarat is growing in the Grampians decreased, and cold, dry winds blew across its services industries, along with a National Park the land.’6 Since then global temperatures significant manufacturing base. Moorabool have increased7 to be higher than humans and Golden Plains shires are playing an (Gariwerd) is over may have ever experienced in Australia. important role in the growth of metropolitan 2 Melbourne. Some Wimmera Southern Mallee 20,000 years old, The climate throughout the Region communities have been shrinking however, varies tremendously. The drier, warmer indicating the with populations generally declining and climate of the Murray Basin natural ageing at the same time as urban centres ancestors of today’s resource management (NRM) bioregion, expand and diversify. Both population Wotjobaluk peoples north west of the Great Dividing Range growth and decline present challenges (Wimmera Southern Mallee), contrasts lived through the when adapting to climate change. with the cooler, wetter climate of the last ice age. This is Southern Slopes NRM bioregion (Central Due to these and many other factors this true of other Highlands) to the south east, with many Strategy is deliberately written at a regional different landscapes visibly representing scale. It can also be used as a tool to trigger Grampians Region the Region’s natural diversity. The availability discussion and assist coordination of effort first nations people of water for human uses and for regional to mitigate the risks of climate change at 3,4 ecosystems will depend on the incidence various other scales across the Grampians as well. of drought, local population sizes and the Region, from household and business to way whole catchments are managed. community and municipal.
2 Brambuk National Park and Cultural Centre, ‘Aboriginal Rock Art Sites – Northern Gariwerd’, Brambuk, accessed 25 June 2020: www.visitgrampians.com.au/see-do/culture/indigenous-culture/aboriginal-rock-art-sites. 3 M Bourke, A Atkinson & T Neale, ‘Putting Country back together: a Conversation about Collaboration and Aboriginal Fire Management,’ Postcolonial Studies, DOI: 10.1080/13688790.2020.1751909. 4 C Barras, ‘Is an Aboriginal tale of an ancient volcano the oldest story ever told?’ Science, 11 February 2020, accessed 25 June 2020: www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/02/aboriginal-tale-ancient-volcano-oldest-story-ever-told?fbclid=IwAR2mdmohNZy8BejqZYvPn0jTPnEmxr0qn2c6Sd_jiGKVpMX11_PLmPoOYPs. 5 Australian Academy of Science, ‘How Has Climate Changed?’, AAS, accessed 25 June 2020: www.science.org.au/learning/general-audience/science-climate-change/2-how-has-climate-changed. 6 Bureau of Meteorology, ‘Indigenous Weather Knowledge’, BOM, accessed 25 June 2020: www.bom.gov.au/iwk/culture.shtml. 7 Barrows, Timothy & Alloway, Brent & Reeves, Jessica. (2013). The Australasian-Intimate Project. Special Volume. Quaternary Science Reviews. 74. 10.1016/j.quascirev.2013.05.021.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 7 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Background and context
The Victorian Climate Change Act defines five years and will inform the state-wide, adaptation to climate change as: sector-based Adaptation Action Plans Any process of adjusting to actual or specified in the Climate Change Act: built expected climate and its effects that— environment; education and training; a) in human systems, seeks to moderate health and human services; natural or avoid harm or exploit beneficial environment; primary production; transport; opportunities; and and water. Figure 2 captures the policy b) in natural systems, may be facilitated by context dynamics governing this Strategy. human intervention; …8 Supporting our Regions to Adapt is a $9.32 million four-year Victorian Government Implementation will program, funded through the Sustainability be driven by yearly Fund. The program provides practical delivery plans, which support for regional communities to strengthen their resilience to climate change will include funding by building adaptive capacity and supporting for priority actions. the delivery of targeted adaptation action in Victoria’s regions. DELWP is supporting the development and implementation of regional adaptation Proposed actions will be assessed by strategies in each of its six regions the Regional Climate Adaptation Groups – Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians, that have worked together to develop Hume, Loddon Mallee and Port Phillip. this Strategy, supported by DELWP. This document, the Grampians Region An annual scorecard will be produced Climate Adaptation Strategy, will guide to monitor and evaluate how well the priority climate change adaptation action Region is adapting to climate change in the Grampians Region over the next by tracking some key metrics, listed as indicators on pages 34–36 of this document. 8 Climate Change Act 2017 (Vic), S 3.
Image: Pyrenees vineyard by Gus via Flickr Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 8 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT While the focus of this Strategy is At DELWP our To succeed we must adapting to the changing climate, business is • Reduce greenhouse reducing greenhouse gas emissions Climate Change gas emissions Our outcome goal: • Increase community locally and regionally is vitally important. Zero emissions, capacity to adapt The Victorian Government has legislated climate-ready to the impacts economy of climate change net zero emissions by 20509 and has and community • Increase the Victorian economy’s ability a target of 50 per cent renewable electricity to transition to by 2030.10 The Australian Government net zero emissions Australia Supporting has ratified the Paris Agreement to will reduce our regions to ‘keep global temperature rise well below emissions to adapt 2ºC with aspirations to 1.5ºC’.11 Regionally, 26–28% the Grampians New Energy Taskforce on 2005 levels by (GNET) is leading climate change mitigation 2030 Victorian efforts via the Grampians Roadmap to Climate Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (R2Z).12 Change Act 2010 Victorian Reducing reliance on fossil fuels (coal, gas, Climate Victorian petrol and diesel) is a positive adaptation Net zero by Change Climate Change 2050 Act 2017 action that empowers households and Strategy businesses while also increasing thermal Victoria’s efficiency, reducing energy bills and COP21 renewable improving air quality. On site energy Keep global energy temperature rise targets (VRET) generation and carbon storage can provide well below 2°C 40% Community-led new sources of income for landholders. with aspirations by 2025 regional adaptation The R2Z identifies the agriculture sector as to 1.5°C strategies 50% the emissions reduction hero for Grampians by 2030 Barwon South West VRET Region. With their ability to revegetate Grampians Loddon Mallee marginal land, store carbon in soil and turn Hume Grampians Gippsland waste into bioenergy, farmers can help the Roadmap Port Phillip region to become net zero by 2044. to Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Sector based Adaptation Action Plans 9 Climate Change Act 2017 (Vic) 10 Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Act 2017 (Vic). • Health and human services • Transport 11 United Nations, Paris Agreement (English language version), • Natural environment • Water • Built environment UN, New York, 2015. • Primary production • Education and training 12 Grampians New Energy Taskforce, Grampians Regional Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions, GNET, Ballarat, 2020.
Figure 2: Diagram of climate change policy context
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 9 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT The adaptation challenge
Humanity thrived in the relatively The economy of Wimmera Southern Mallee stable climate experienced over the past is expected to be the third most impacted 8,000 years.13 Now, the pace of climatic by heatwaves in the state16 and local change threatens natural systems, built governments have been directed to consider environments, social structures and climate change in their 2021 municipal human health and wellbeing in ways health and wellbeing plans.1718 that have not been experienced before. Horsham and Hindmarsh are forecast to be in the top ten localities of Victoria We can no longer to be most affected by climate change build, farm, plan or do by 2100, in terms of property values, due to flooding and soil subsidence during business without the drought.14 Halls Gap was rated the top future climate in mind postcode for bushfire peril in Australia in November 2019.15 Some communities and we cannot rely on in Pyrenees Shire are already dependent modelling based on upon groundwater as local reservoirs are historic trends.18 no longer viable with diminished rainfall.
13 Australian Academy of Science, ‘How Has Climate Changed?’, AAS, accessed 25 June 2020: www.science.org.au/learning/general- audience/science-climate-change/2-how-has-climate-changed. 14 Climate Council, Compound Costs: How Climate Change Is Damaging Australia’s Economy. Climate Council of Australia, Canberra, accessed 25 June 2020: www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/costs-of-climate-change-report-v3.pdf. 15 A Gissing and F Langbein, ‘What areas of Australia are most at risk from natural perils?’ Risk Frontiers Newsletter, Vol 18 No 4 (October 2019), accessed 25 February 2021: riskfrontiers.com/rf2018/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/newsletter_V18_Issue4_Oct_2019.pdf. 16 Natural Capital Economics (2018). Heatwaves in Victoria: a vulnerability assessment. Report prepared for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria, accessed 25 February 2021: www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0029/399440/Heatwaves_VulnerabilityAssessment_2018.pdf. 17 Health.Vic, Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023. Government of Victoria,Melbourne,accessed 25 February 2021: www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/victorian-public-health-wellbeing-plan-2019-2023. 18 Munich RE, Australia and Climate Change: A summary of the current situation and future prospects, Munich RE, Sydney, accessed 25 February 2021: www.munichre.com/topics-online/en/climate-change-and-natural-disasters/climate-change/australia-faced-with- climate-change.html.
Image: Saw Bay at Lake Burrumbeet by Andrew Thomas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 10 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT In 2019 the Victorian Government partnered with the Commonwealth Central Highlands Wimmera Southern Mallee Scientific and Industrial Research climate projections 2019 climate projections 2019 Organisation (CSIRO) to help communities prepare for climate change by developing Maximum and minimum daily Maximum and minimum daily local-scale climate projections data for temperatures will continue temperatures will continue Victoria at a five-by-five-kilometre scale. to increase over this century to increase over this century (very high confidence) (very high confidence) Projections for Central Highlands and Wimmera Southern Mallee are depicted in figures 3 and 4. They conclude the climate By the 2030s, increases in daily By the 2030s, increases in daily maximum temperature of maximum temperature of of Horsham may be more like the current 0.9 to 1.7°C 0.9 to 1.8°C climate of Deniliquin by 2050 and Ballarat’s (since the 1990s) are expected (since the 1990s) are expected climate may be more like that of Hamilton.
Rainfall will continue to be very Rainfall will continue to be very variable over time, but over the variable over time, but over the long term it is expected to continue long term it is expected to continue to decline in winter and spring to decline in winter and spring (medium to high confidence) and (medium to high confidence) and autumn (low to medium confidence), autumn (low to medium confidence), but with some chance of little change but with some chance of little change
Extreme rainfall events are Extreme rainfall events are expected to become more intense expected to become more intense on average through the century on average through the century (high confidence) but remain very (high confidence) but remain very variable in space and time variable in space and time
By the 2050s, the climate of By the 2050s, the climate of Ballarat could be more like the Horsham could be more like the current climate of Hamilton current climate of Deniliquin
Figure 3: CSIRO climate projections Figure 4: CSIRO climate projections for Central Highlands for Wimmera Southern Mallee
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 11 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT In developing this Strategy, stakeholders explored plausible future scenarios both for the extent of climate change, based on CSIRO projections, and for the decisiveness Well of the Region’s adaptive responses adapted (see Appendix 1). Scenarios are a method for making sense of a complex, dynamic environment to improve decision making. They allow us to reconsider our current actions and identify and test new ideas to A B Global carbon Regional leaders are help shape the future, even though there is emissions are net zero collaborating and more than one possible version of the future by 2050 and regional responding effectively, for which we need to plan. Figure 5 depicts leaders are working despite lack of global together effectively to contraint on carbon the scenarios explored: manage a changing emissions and temperature landscape and society rises of more than 2.5ºC expected by 2100 Medium High emissions emissions
C D The Region as a whole Continued high carbon has not invested in the emissions combined interventions needed, with a poor adaptive placing strain on response have left the ecosystems, communities, Grampians Region economies and vulnerable exposed to unbearable people, despite reaching pressure and a bleak future net zero emissions globally
Not adapted
Figure 5: Plausible future scenarios for the Grampians Region in 2050
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 12 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Image: Corellas over Natimuk Creek by Glenn Tempest Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 13 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Adaptation themes
This section of the Strategy highlights current climate adaptation planning and Community-led work under way, as well as opportunities and barriers for each of eight themes: agriculture; action is a powerful biodiversity; economy; fire; health and way to adapt, wellbeing; heat; storms and flooding; and water. While each is explored separately promoting social here, they are in fact interconnected. cohesion, behaviour The complexity of climate change requires systems thinking to understand how each change and theme affects the others and what this may protecting individual mean in an uncertain future.19 Appendix 2 and community addresses this complexity directly, seeking to ensure a climate response in one sector does wellbeing in the face not have unintended negative consequences of climate change.20 for another. It also makes Much of the work listed on the following pages relates to that of governments and a vital contribution agencies but it is important to recognise the to the economy.21 importance of community-led action. 2021
19 L Acaroglu, ‘Tools for Systems Thinkers: The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking,’ Disruptive Design (blog), accessed 25 February 2021: medium.com/disruptive-design/tools-for-systems-thinkers-the-6-fundamental-concepts-of-systems-thinking- 379cdac3dc6a. 20 S Burke, The Climate Change Empowerment Handbook: Psychological strategies to tackle climate change. Australian Psychological Society, Melbourne, 2017. 21 Victoria Department of Planning and Community Development, The Economic Value of Volunteering in Victoria, Victorian Government, Melbourne, 2012.
Image: Community garden by Craig Moodie Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 14 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Unlocking this potential is key to scaling Community organisations in the Region The Australian ClimateWorks report, timely adaptation. However, traditional are working on local solutions through Decarbonisation Futures, states that a 1.5 models of dependence on volunteerism programs, pilots and educational initiatives degree limit is ‘within reach’, but only ‘if are not sustainable and the complexity that address local food production, energy governments, businesses and individuals of climate change and the cumulative security, retrofitting homes to improve go ‘all-in’ by 2035’.24 In many cases, local impact it may have on individuals and thermal efficiency, water conservation, fire groups in the Grampians Region have been groups and their ability to contribute must management techniques and provision working on climate change mitigation and be considered. of free or low-cost services for our most adaptation actions for decades. vulnerable.23 Local Country Fire Authority (CFA) One pertinent example of community-led brigades and Victoria’s State Emergency Much expertise exists within the Region action is the Hepburn shire masterplan for Service (SES) volunteers are pivotal around practices for permaculture, their Zero Net Emission Transition (Z-NET). to the Grampians Region’s local response community energy and regenerative As the location of the first community-owned to extreme climatic events. As these events farming, as well as the broader themes of wind farm and the first and still the only rise in frequency and bushfire seasons biodiversity and land conservation. zero-net energy town of Daylesford, the plan extend in length and regularity, how these is to make the entire shire zero-net energy by This grassroots expertise and associated important groups remain resilient is of 2025 and zero-net emissions by 2030. community actions frequently cross particular importance.22 multiple areas of the eight adaptation themes addressed in this Strategy and can simultaneously deliver on climate change mitigation needs.
22 A Davies, ‘As bushfire season approaches, we need to take action to recruit more volunteer firefighters,’ The Conversation, 17 September 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: theconversation.com/as-bushfire- season-approaches-we-need-to-take-action-to-recruit-more-volunteer-firefighters-146290. 23 Parliament of Victoria, Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in Victorian Communities (Final Report), Parliament of Victoria, Melbourne, 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/ inquiries/inquiry/967. 24 C Butler, A Denis-Ryan, R Kelly, I Stewart, and T Yankos, Decarbonisation Futures: Solutions, actions and benchmarks for a net zero emissions Australia, ClimateWorks Australia, Melbourne, 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: www.climateworksaustralia.org/resource/decarbonisation-futures-solutions-actions-and-benchmarks-for-a-net-zero-emissions-australia/.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 15 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Agriculture
The agricultural sector is already making a major contribution to the Region’s Adaptation is efforts to adapt to a changing climate. CSIRO projections show how much regional protecting agricultural agriculture has at stake in the success of land, managing risks, adaptation efforts. The Grampians New Energy Taskforce Grampians Regional profitability, resilience Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions (R2Z)25 and opportunities in a shows how agriculture will make the greatest sectoral contribution to the Region’s changing climate. emissions reduction effort. Agriculture in the Grampians is increasingly science-driven and sophisticated in its responses to changing environmental and economic circumstances. With government and community support and with clear strategic coordination, this contribution will continue to grow. For more information on this topic see Appendix 3.
25 Grampians New Energy Taskforce, Grampians Regional Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions, GNET, Ballarat, 2020.
Image: Sheep at a Wimmera feed lot by Agriculture Victoria Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 16 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Optimising soil functionality by • Market disincentives to adaptation26 Assessing impacts of Monash University maintaining or increasing soil carbon extreme temperatures • Regulatory and policy frameworks that levels. on wheat crops in north discourage innovation and lack of stimulus western Victoria • Conserving soil moisture by that can be relied on for long-term change Climate signals and Grains Research maintaining ground cover in pasture and commercial investment. variety development and Development and cropping systems. Corporation • Road and rail freight distances and cost. • Embracing new technology. Smart Farms Initiative Multi agency approach • Lack of practical and proven models for • Sharing agricultural adaptation knowledge agriculture under climate change. Grains Innovation Park State government with eg. lessons from the WA wheat belt. world-class research research partners • Lack of development of a bio-economy to facility • Reversing population trends by providing provide a market for agricultural biomass. Strong, Innovative, Agriculture Victoria employment opportunities for rural youth. Sustainable agriculture • Lack of experienced consultants, strategy and Agriculture • Insurance incentives for sustainable contractors, and suppliers/installers of Energy Investment Plan agriculture. advanced systems. Biochar trials Glenelg Hopkins • Farm diversification including biochar, • Lack of financial stimulus for carbon Catchment Management Authority bio-fuels, agritourism and niche industries. sequestration.
Annual trails Birchip Cropping • Intensification and water efficient food • Lack of bipartisan policy at state and Group production systems eg. horticulture. federal level. Public-private Eg. Longerenong • Opportunities for pipeline/reuse water • Water utilities have limited capacity and partnerships DATA farm eg. west Grampians pipeline. permission to invest in climate adaptation Regenerative agriculture Catchment except where externally funded. programs, regional management • Financial incentives to encourage catchment strategies authorities ‘mosaic’ and other farm practice change and NRM plans for climate change as outlined in R2Z.
Soil Moisture Network Wimmera Catchment • Commodity price rises due to Management Authority climate change will help provide capital
Grampians Regional Grampians New for agricultural adaptation. Roadmap to Net Zero Energy Taskforce Emissions (R2Z)
26 Farmers for Climate Action, Our Vision: Farming Forever, FCA, Melbourne, 2018
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 17 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Biodiversity
The preservation of biodiversity values and enhancement of environmental resilience Adaptation is building is of vital importance for the function of ecosystems, persistence of wildlife, public species and ecosystem health and agriculture, as well as for urban resilience and amenity and visitor attraction. Changes to temperature, rainfall, storm and fire patterns functionality to ensure are already putting species and ecosystems long-term viability. at risk27 across the Region. There are strong and viable strategies to respond, but they will require urgent, focused coordination and a greater willingness to invest than has been the case to date.
27 Impacts of Climate Change, South West Climate Change portal, viewed 30 March 2021 www.swclimatechange.com.au/cb_pages/environmental_impacts.php
Image: Large old tree by Andrew Thomas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 18 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Protecting existing natural assets • Declining wildlife and genetic diversity Biodiversity 2037 and DELWP and remnants28. due to fragmentation and maladaptation. Biodiversity Response Planning • Climate-sensitive restoration/revegetation. • Scarcity and pollution of water. Biolinks Community networks • Connected habitats and protection • Increases in fire activity mean that and alliances of refugia29. eucalypt biomes become increasingly Future Landscapes28 Deakin University prevalent, at the expense of alternate • Coordinated threat management ecosystems. Municipal biodiversity Local governments at the landscape scale (pest, plant, strategies across the Region animal, disease). • Land use change, human population growth and development. Regional catchment Catchment • Online natural resource management strategies, NRM plans for management climate change, regional authorities and (NRM) portals and public information • Lack of coherence in economic and waterway strategies and DELWP Aboriginal sources eg. south west climate change funding incentives is compounded by adaptation pathways water programs NRM portal. fragmented strategy and leadership across stakeholder groups. Revegetation and Landcare networks • Adaptation pathways approaches other projects to NRM planning for natural assets. • Biodiversity values impacted by other Victorian Land Cover DELWP and CSIRO climate adaptation responses and Time Series • Optimal environmental water flows. competing agendas eg. Bushfire Cultural flows studies DELWP, CMAs and • Incentivise land use practices that Management Overlays, land clearing for (catchment level) Traditional Owners value biodiversity. housing development, water diversions. Climate Future Plots Universities, catchment • Identify the transformational actions management authorities and local and tipping points that might be conservation groups required to improve biodiversity
Wetland conservation CMAs and Nature outcomes for the Region. Glenelg Trust • Research to overcome key knowledge Threatened species Government, gaps at species, community and management non-government organisations and landscape scales. universities • Better management of plague/pest animal species.
28 Faggian et al., Central Highlands Plan, 2016. 29 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems, United Nations, New York, 2019, accessed 25 February 2021: www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/08/Edited-SPM_Approved_Microsite_FINAL.pdf.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 19 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Economy
A changing climate drives changes to the regional economy, which can be Adaptation is forced upon unprepared businesses and used opportunistically by others. Many embracing the now see the cost-effectiveness of taking circular economy by action to mitigate and adapt to climate change, despite lack of policy certainty and redesigning processes, government incentives. How the Grampians recycling waste Region can manage these changes as it moves towards a circular economy will be a materials and water, major factor in determining the quality of the and generating local Region’s adaptive efforts overall. For more renewable energy. information on this topic see Appendix 4.
Image: Sturt Street Ballarat by DELWP Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 20 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Regional processing of • Limited access to affordable Community-owned Hepburn Wind, agricultural product. energy sources and long-term energy Natimuk Community price agreements. Energy • Onsite energy generation with solar Onsite energy Gekko Systems, panels, methane recovery (eg. landfill) • Limited electricity grid generation McCain, Meredith and/or bioenergy. infrastructure capacity. eg. solar, biomass Dairy, Trigg Farm, Berrybank Farm, • Upgrades to improve thermal • The vulnerability of electricity supply Beaufort Hospital, Skipton Hospital, efficiency and reduce energy use/cost to outages and impacts on worker Frew Foods and others of buildings. productivity during heatwaves.
Power purchase Mars with Kiamal • Use of recycled water. • Large distances make transporting agreements (PPAs) Solar Farm, Melbourne materials and goods costly or unviable. Renewable Energy • Power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Project with Crowlands local renewable energy developments. • Proportional regulatory requirements and Yaloak South around food safety. wind farms • Resource-efficient food Public-private Eg. Longerenong production systems. • Thermally inefficient partnerships DATA Farm, Grains commercial premises. Innovation Park • Grow artisanal food sector and community supported agriculture. • Lack of regulatory requirements Crop substitution with Wine industry to incorporate climate adaptation more climate-tolerant • Microgrids and virtual power plants. grape varieties measures in new buildings, including • Municipal Recovery Facility (MRF) to sort Cultivation of Dja Dja Wurrung with thermal efficiency and solar power. indigenous foods Dalki Garringa Nursery and process recyclable materials regionally. • The scale of economic upheaval in Guidance notes Reserve Bank • Develop markets for waste products response to external shocks and trade for governance of Australia, and recycling policies may limit the capacity to invest of climate risk Australian Securities and Investments • Spending by governments in response in further economic reform. Commission and Australian Prudential to the pandemic should consider • Partisanship and ‘culture wars’ may Regulation Authority climate implications. have reduced Australia’s ability Insurance accessibility Insurance companies • Circular economy food hub as outlined to cooperate in innovative responses and cost implications in the R2Z. to changing circumstances. for not addressing climate risk to business
Grampians Regional Grampians New Energy Roadmap to Net Zero Taskforce Emissions (R2Z)
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 21 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Fire
Fire activity in the Grampians Region is growing more frequent and severe. Spring Adaptation is seasons in south eastern Australia are generally growing hotter and drier, while preparing for earlier rainfalls generally are declining or arriving and longer seasons later.30 The imperative for adaptation is to support prevention and preparedness efforts of more intense and on private land and make investments in widespread fire. fire-prone communities. This will include innovations in building, land and water management approaches and increasing resilience of communities. These may draw on traditional knowledge, local practices and research.
30 Bureau of Meteorology, State of the Climate 2020, Australian Government, Canberra, 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: www.bom.gov.au/state-of-the-climate/australias-changing-climate.shtml.
Image: Planned burn near Linton by DELWP Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 22 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Increase fire resistance of the • Dwindling populations in rural Municipal emergency Local governments built environment. and remote communities reduce management plans across the Region available personnel. • Improve the resilience of fire prone Grampians Regional Regional Emergency Emergency Management Management Planning communities so they can recover more • Earlier onset of fire seasons leading to fire Plan Committee (REMPC) quickly if impacted by fire. fighter exhaustion. State Emergency Emergency • Early detection, response and • Availability of water for fire-fighting Management Plan Management Victoria (EMV) monitoring of fires. due to sustained drought.
Fire emergency response Country Fire • Embedding climate change • Public apathy on undertaking prevention Authority (CFA), researchers within disaster risk works around homes and properties. Fire Rescue Victoria management agencies.32 (FRV) and Forest Fire • Public resistance to alternate fuel Management Victoria (FFMV) • Sustaining the volunteer base of rural management options such as mechanical and remote communities is essential harvesting to reduce fuel. Victorian Traditional Victorian Traditional for social and economic recovery from Owner Cultural Fire Owner Cultural Fire • Health impacts associated with smoke 33 31 Covid and other shocks. Strategy Knowledge Holder from bushfires and planned burning. Group • Sharing of cultural burning Goathand Cooperative Hepburn Shire Council knowledge and practice maintained with Federation University by Traditional Owners.
Strategic Bushfire DELWP, CFA and FRV • Streamline replacement and Management Planning compensation arrangements for
Community Based DELWP, CFA and FRV households that get burnt out Bushfire Management (especially where no permit to rebuild is likely, due to fire risk). Community Fireguard CFA
Victorian Emergency EMV Management Reform White Paper
31 Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Knowledge Holder Group, The Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Strategy, DELWP, Melbourne, 2018. 32 M Howes, D Grant-Smith, K Reis, K Bosomworth, P Tangney, M Heazle, D McEvoy & P Burton, Rethinking disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, 2013. 33 R Wyatt, S Young, Y Medani & M Rielly, Volunteering, Participatory Action and Social Cohesion: Reimagining volunteering for contemporary Australia, ThinkImpact, Melbourne, 2020.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 23 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Health and wellbeing
Climate change affects health in many ways: directly by the increased intensity and Adaptation is frequency of extreme weather events such as prolonged heatwaves, floods and bushfires; minimising the direct and indirectly through worsening air quality, and indirect impacts changes in the spread of infectious diseases, risks to food safety and drinking water of climate change quality, and effects on mental health. The on people’s health impacts of climate change are now being experienced by everyone, acknowledging and wellbeing. that these risks are especially pronounced among people who are vulnerable to heat and other climate related illnesses and their impacts. The Grampians Region will need to adapt its housing and infrastructure in order to protect communities and support mental health across the Region.
Image: Runners at Lake Wendouree by DELWP Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 24 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Influence municipal ‘10-year • Climate change affects people before Victorian Public Department of Health community vision’ and other local action is taken and the scale and urgency Health and Wellbeing Plan34 and guidance for government plans and strategies. of adaptation needed may be easily missed. tackling climate change • Improving awareness of the stress • Climate change increases the disincentives Municipal health and Local governments caused by current and future for people to undertake outdoor activity. wellbeing plans across the Region climate impacts. • Declining and ageing populations in rural Climate action and health Primary care promotion programs partnerships • Telehealth can support conversations and remote communities pose public about climate-related health impacts health challenges and reduce volunteerism Place-based community Neighbourhood education programs houses and how to adapt. for provision of community services.
Rural outreach programs Health providers • Capitalise on opportunities when • Many households remain dependent partnerships communities are together to promote on cars and roads for their main
Rural People; Resilient RMIT Centre for health and wellbeing. transport needs. Futures pilot project Urban Research • Local place-based groups adapting • Limited community understanding Support programs for Federal, state and to health and wellbeing impacts of of the link between climate and health. communities impacted local governments climate change. by extreme weather • Increased instances of blue-green algae eg. flood, fire, drought • Climate adaptation education impacting water quality for recreation, Food Strategy 2019–2022 City of Ballarat and training for municipal, health agriculture and drinking. sector and community planners. • Costs associated with mental health- Community food swaps Neighbourhood houses and community gardens and community groups • Increased use of active transport options. related impacts of climate change, such as impacts due to drought. • Low cost town infrastructure and asset upgrades eg. bus stop shelters and • Old housing stock lacks thermal efficiency public drinking water fountains. resulting in high household energy costs. • Single-wire earth return (SWER) transmission lines are switched off to manage fire risk on hot days and electricity ‘brown-outs’ are also more frequent.
34 Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023 (DHHS 2019).
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 25 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Heat
Increased heat is the most direct consequence of climate change and Adaptation is preparing heatwaves are the cause of more deaths than any other natural hazard.35 The Grampians for more extreme Region will experience increasingly frequent, heat in the built lengthy and intense heatwaves. They will drive disruptions to agricultural production, environment and its supply of fresh food, industry productivity, impacts on people. outdoor work, sport/recreation, energy security in times of peak demand and transport delays across the Region, as well as to ecosystems and biodiversity.
35 Health.Vic, Extreme Heat and Heatwaves (web page), Victorian Government, accessed 25 February 2021: www2.health.vic.gov.au/public- health/environmental-health/climate-weather-and-public-health/heatwaves-and-extreme-heat/heatwave-research.
Image: Lake Wartook in Grampians National Park by Janene Trickey Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 26 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Embed heatwave planning into • Many of the heat management Public Health and Department of Health municipal health and wellbeing and challenges are with existing buildings Wellbeing Plan 36 2019–2023 emergency management plans. and infrastructure, especially heritage buildings. Municipal health and Local governments • Mitigation strategies to reduce wellbeing and emergency across the Region household energy consumption • Where heat causes declines in management plans are also good adaptation strategies. productivity, it affects the Region’s Grampians Regional Regional Emergency • Using green financing options to economy, which in turn affects Emergency Management Planning Management Plan Committee (REMPC) encourage uptake of energy efficiency local capacity to invest in climate and climate adaptation measures. adaptations. State Emergency Emergency Management Plan Management Victoria • Increased urban tree canopies, river • Criteria for inclusion on the Vulnerable (EMV) green links, water sensitive urban Persons Register is restrictive. Cool It Central Victorian design and refuges from the heat and • High demand for electricity on hot Greenhouse Alliance cold weather for vulnerable people. days can impact the reliability of the Urban tree canopy Local governments • Community resilience strategies transmission network. projects across the Region that emphasise looking out for our • Tree planting programs may not Municipal renewable Local governments neighbours can increase the social energy targets and power across the Region select drought-tolerant species or allow capital of those communities.37 purchase agreements for ongoing maintenance costs. • Working with developers to improve Heat Health Plan (2020), Department of Health • Economic settings and planning heat health advice/ and local governments the quality of new housing stock above rules often work against community communications and minimum standards. local heat planning solutions, which makes heat harder • Retrofitting existing buildings for Strategic use of shade Eg. Horsham Livestock and more expensive for communities for outdoor work areas Exchange thermal efficiency. to manage.
Victoria Energy Department of • Extensive roadside land can be planted out Upgrades Environment, Land, for tree canopy cover and heat reduction. Water and Planning • Research can identify affordable and accessible ways to retrofit established buildings for greater thermal performance and energy efficiency.
36 Yarriambiack Shire Council, Yarriambiack Heatwave Plan 2015-2018 (revised version), Yarriambiack Shire Council, Warracknabeal, 2016. 37 National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Flooding in Australia: Enhancing disaster resilience and adaptability, NCCARF, Southport (Qld), 2013.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 27 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Storms and flooding
The Grampians Region will experience increasingly frequent and severe storm Adaptation is activity over the coming decades, including increased incidence and preparing for increased severity of riverine, urban stormwater and and more intense flash flooding. This will have disruptive consequences for households, industry and storms and flooding. public infrastructure, transport and power transmission. Clever adaptation can head off the foreseeable productivity downturns and health impacts around storm and flood events.
Image: Storm by DELWP Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 28 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Using sophisticated research • Much of the existing building stock is FloodZoom DELWP to inform planning and preparation vulnerable to storms and flooding. for storms and floods. Flood damage State Emergency • Mitigating flood risks requires cooperation emergency response Service (SES) • New approaches to floodplain from diverse public and private land users.
Local flood guides SES, catchment management mean less severe flood Even where the legislation is in place to management events, and more productive retention accelerate action, effective adaptation authorities and local of water in the land between events. requires broad buy-in from stakeholders. governments
Municipal flood SES and local • Data-driven approaches can enable • Declining and ageing populations emergency plans governments across more optimal deployment of in rural and regional communities tend the Region emergency services and better workload to diminish the resources available for Grampians Regional Regional Emergency management for their personnel. emergency preparedness and response Emergency Management Management Planning in those locations. Plan Committee (REMPC) • Building preparedness for emergencies also builds community resilience and • Recovery funding only rebuilds ‘like for State Emergency Emergency 39 Management Plan Management Victoria social capital. like’, rather than more climate adapted (EMV) infrastructure. • Streamline replacement and Integrated water Water corporations compensation arrangements for flooded management forums and catchment management homes (especially where no permit to authorities rebuild is likely, due to flood risk).
Municipal emergency Local governments • Switch the planning focus onto predicted 38 management plans across the Region flood levels, rather than historical Floodplain management Catchment maximum levels. strategies management authorities
Victorian Rural DELWP Drainage Strategy
38 Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies, Victorian Government, Melbourne, 2016. 39 Moorabool Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Sustainable Environment Strategy 2016–26, Moorabool Shire Council, Ballan, 2016.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 29 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Water
Water use in Western Victoria already offers strong illustrations of adaptation in response Adaptation is to a changing climate. Lower than average regional rainfall since the 1990s has affected changing the way the health of aquatic systems and supplies, we think about and but strategic water infrastructure (such as pipeline projects) has enabled towns and use water to increase communities to keep their meters ticking resilience to long-term with less reliance on household-level water restrictions than previously. climate change. Mineral springs are a particularly significant water resource in the Grampians Region, since 80 per cent of Australia’s catalogued mineral springs are found in the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges area.40 Understanding that we need to maximise the value of water for the environment and communities is a core value for the Strategy. For more information on this topic see Appendix 5.
40 Hepburn Shire Council, Fertile Ground: Hepburn Shire Economic Development Strategy 2016-2021, Hepburn Shire Council, Daylesford, 2016, p. 67.
Image: Glenelg River at Harrow by Chris Fithall via Flickr Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 30 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
ADAPTATION PLANS LEAD Leading opportunities Main barriers AND ACTIONS AGENCY ALREADY UNDERWAY • Increased use of recycled water • Less winter and spring rainfall Pipeline projects Water corporations or alternative water supplies to reduce resulting in reduced surface water and ecological pressure on waterways. groundwater. This will require the ability Integrated Water Water corporations to balance the needs of all users with Management forums and catchment • Upgrading water infrastructure management scarcer water supplies. authorities for water efficiency gains to balance future needs of all water users and • Population growth (particularly Pilot Water Sector DELWP the environment. in the Central Highlands) and land Adaptation Action Plan use change will place greater demand • Protecting water quality to maintain Victorian Rural DELWP on water resources. Drainage Strategy waterway health and water supply for communities. • Increased frequency of wildfires is likely Regional catchment and Catchment to reduce catchment water yields and waterway strategies management • Integrated water management maximises authorities supply quality, while exacerbating the biodiversity, social and cultural benefits. NRM plans for Catchment fragility of many waterways as ecosystems. climate change management • Reconnecting Traditional Owners • Drought tests individual resilience, authorities with water for cultural, economic, but it does not typically build customary and spiritual purposes. Stormwater reuse for Local governments 42 recreational watering across the Region community resilience. • Manage rural drainage to increase • River flows come under increasing threat Western Sustainable DELWP agricultural production, protect Water Strategy with successive dry years. built infrastructure and minimise Cultural flows studies DELWP, CMAs and environmental impacts.41 • Blue-green algae is more prevalent (catchment level) Traditional Owners in warmer weather and can affect the natural ecosystem and potentially affect human health.43
41 Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy, Victorian Government, Melbourne, 2018. 42 HJ Boon, J Millar, D Lake, A Cottrell & D King, ‘Recovery from disaster: Resilience, adaptability and perceptions of climate change. Its effect on perceptions of climate change risk and on adaptive behaviours to prevent, prepare, and respond to future climate contingencies,’ National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, 2012. 43 Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Blue-green Algae (webpage), Victorian Government, Melbourne, accessed 25 February 2021: www.water.vic.gov.au/waterways-and- catchments/rivers-estuaries-and-waterways/blue-green-algae.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 31 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Grampians Region vision
This Strategy is guided by short, medium community’s discussions about climate and-long term timeframes for adaptation. change. Outcomes and indicators describe While the Strategy itself covers a five-year what we aim to achieve within the five-year timeframe, it consciously looks ahead to timeframe of the Strategy and how we will milestones more than a decade from now. be able to tell if we were successful. Actions The vision is our aspiration for the future taken in specific years will take the form of state of a climate-adapted Grampians Region yearly delivery plans and an annual scorecard in 2050. Goals centre on the 2030s horizon, will monitor progress. Figure 6 sets out these which dominates much of the international timeframes schematically.
Vision An aspirational future state (timeframe 30 years or 2050)
Grampians Region Goals Where we want to go (timeframe 10–15 years or 2030–2035) Climate Adaptation Strategy What we aim Track what we Outcomes to achieve Indicators are achieving (timeframe (annual 5 years or 2025) scorecard)
Yearly What we are going to do Actions Delivery (timeframe 1 year) Plans
Figure 6: Short, medium, and long-term timeframes for adaptation
Image: Bo Peep Creek by Andrew Thomas Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 32 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Global mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions is largely beyond the control Grampians Region of Grampians Region, the state of Victoria 2050 climate or even the federal government. Yet climate adaptation vision change already affects the Region—and will continue to. We cannot know for sure what climate Grampians Region future is ahead, but our decision-makers, communities, leaders, communities, businesses, farmers, organisations and researchers and people can all act to adapt. Change is hard but we can do this in a way natural systems are that unites us towards shared goals; to thriving in a changing minimise the impact of climate change on us climate because and our unique environment and maximise any funding available to invest with the we are adapting future climate in mind. well together. If we can all begin this work now, and continue it into the future, our vision is possible.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 33 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Goals, outcomes and indicators
GOALS (2030–2035) OUTCOMES (2021–2025) POTENTIAL INDICATORS (FOR CONSULTATION)
Our regional 1 Regional actors coordinate their climate a Number of stakeholders participating in development responses to adaptation efforts to find synergies and and implementation of the Grampians Region Climate climate change maximise positive outcomes. Adaptation Strategy and their level of commitment are coordinated, (DELWP). resourced and 2 DELWP’s available climate adaptation project funding b Amount of funds ($) and in-kind support (hours) evidence-based is leveraged eg. via partnerships, grants, corporate and leveraged for climate adaptation projects in the philanthropic contributions. Grampians Region (DELWP).
3 Region-specific climate change research is prioritised, c Research monitor tracks regional research projects monitored and communicated. and their implementation (possibly a university).
Our region’s 4 Protection and restoration of natural ecosystems are d Extent of ecosystem protection and restoration biodiversity and enhanced by connectivity and include varieties likely (hectares per Ecological Vegetation Class) that natural ecosystems to be suited to future climates. includes genetically diverse indigenous species are protected and (community groups and land management agencies). resilient 5 Environmental watering objectives are met using e Percentage of water released for the environment – or alternate supplies, water conservation, efficiency similar. Wimmera, Glenelg Hopkins and Corangamite measures, sharing frameworks and supply catchments. (Victorian Environmental Water Holder). infrastructure. f Case studies of water delivered for the environment, demonstrating how objectives identified in seasonal watering proposals have been achieved (catchment management authorities).
6 Traditional Owners are empowered and resourced g Case studies of projects incorporating Traditional to care for Country Owner-led land and waterway management practices (Registered Aboriginal Parties)
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 34 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
GOALS (2030–2035) OUTCOMES (2021–2025) POTENTIAL INDICATORS (FOR CONSULTATION)
The Grampians 7 More efficient and sustainable use of materials, h Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) economy is energy, water and waste (circular economy) across 11 Grampians local governments (DELWP) sustainable and i Solar panel installations across 11 Grampians climate-ready local governments (Australian PV Institute and Solar Victoria)
j Percentage of waste to landfill (Sustainability Victoria from local governments)
k Solar Homes rebates (panels, batteries, hot water) across 11 Grampians local governments
l Average annual water use per meter (Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and Central Highlands Water)
8 Businesses understand and proactively reduce their m Participation in business events and programs climate-related risk addressing climate risk (commerce, business and traders associations)
Regional farming is 9 Increased adoption of sustainable land management n Sustainable land management practices reporting well-adapted to the practices to improve soil health (catchment management authorities) changing climate o Satellite imagery monitoring land use change and soil moisture (LandSat and CSIRO)
p Program participation (Landcare, Birchip Cropping Group, Vic No Till, Central Victorian Regenerative Farmers, Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) and Agroecology Action Research Network ).
10 Evidence-based and innovative approaches q Case studies of on-ground implementation of research to farming are demonstrated in the Grampians Region and innovative farm practice (Agriculture Victoria and catchment management authorities)
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 35 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
GOALS (2030–2035) OUTCOMES (2021–2025) POTENTIAL INDICATORS (FOR CONSULTATION)
Our built 11 We understand the emergency risk profile of the r Indicator to be developed in collaboration with environment Region and mitigate risks with the greatest probability (Grampians Regional Emergency Management is more resistant of impacting human health Planning Committee) to weather 12 Environmentally Sustainable Design policies s Number of councils with Environmentally extremes are integrated into Planning Schemes in the Sustainable Design policies in their Planning Grampians Region Scheme (local governments)
13 The existing built environment is retrofitted to better t Greenhouse alliance data resist extreme weather eg. urban tree canopy cover, u Case studies of climate-related retrofitting projects refuges and key infrastructure upgrades undertaken in Grampians Region (local governments)
Individuals 14 Individuals and communities understand and v Participation in events and programs addressing and communities proactively reduce their climate-related risk climate and emergency risk (community groups, proactively CFA, SES and Fire Rescue Victoria) reduce their w Coverage of climate adaptation issues and stories climate-related in local media (DELWP) risk x Visits to adaptgrampians.com.au website (DELWP)
Our vulnerable 15 Climate vulnerability in the Region is investigated y Number of participants in programs developed as people are and programs are developed to target those likely a result of the climate vulnerability investigation supported to adapt to be most impacted (Grampians Regional Emergency Management to climate change Planning Committee)
16 Local governments, health and community z Number of actions and outcomes addressing climate services embed climate change thinking vulnerability included in planning documents (local in planning and provide practical advice and government, health and community services) support to vulnerable people
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 36 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Implementation
At the time of writing the Victorian While the draft version of this Strategy Government, via DELWP, has allocated is open for public consultation on the $250,000 of funding for the 2021-22 Yearly engage.vic.gov.au/grampians- Delivery Plan of this Strategy. This is on top region-climate-adaptation-strategy web of the $250,000 already committed for the page an EOI process is also in progress 2020 Yearly Delivery Plan, to be completed to fund climate adaption projects that by 30 June 2021. Ideas about funding for align with the goals and outcomes listed implementation in future years are under on the previous pages. discussion and may be included in coming If you have a climate adaptation project state budgets. idea that aligns with our goals and Regional organisations are encouraged outcomes please send an email to to seek additional resources from [email protected] governments, businesses and philanthropic and we will get back to you. funds. Building local partnerships around Visit adaptgrampians.com.au and adaptation projects is a major way subscribe for updates to make sure you to mobilise stakeholder investment have the latest information. in adaptive futures for the Region. We are in the process of developing an annual scorecard that will track how we, as a Region, are progressing against the indicators, listed on the previous pages, to adapt to the changing climate.
Image: Meredith by Dave Scriven via Flickr Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 37 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT References
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story-ever-told?fbclid=IwAR2mdmoh 12. Grampians New Energy Taskforce, NZy8BejqZYvPn0jTPnEmxr0qn2c6Sd_ Grampians Regional Roadmap to Net Zero jiGKVpMX11_PLmPoOYPs. Emissions, GNET, Ballarat, 2020, 38 pp.
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Image: Water efficiency by DELWP Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 38 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
14. Climate Council, Compound Costs: How 18. Munich RE, Australia and Climate Change: 23. Parliament of Victoria, Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change Is Damaging Australia’s A summary of the current situation and Climate Change in Victorian Communities Economy. Climate Council of Australia, future prospects, Munich RE, Sydney, (Final Report), Parliament of Victoria, Canberra, accessed 25 June 2020: www. accessed 25 February 2021: www.munichre. Melbourne, 2020, accessed 25 February climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/ com/topics-online/en/climate-change-and- 2021: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/ uploads/2019/05/costs-of-climate-change- natural-disasters/climate-change/australia- inquiries/inquiry/967. report-v3.pdf. faced-with-climate-change.html. 24. C Butler, A Denis-Ryan, R Kelly, I Stewart, 15. A Gissing and F Langbein, ‘What areas 19. L Acaroglu, ‘Tools for Systems Thinkers: & T Yankos, Decarbonisation Futures: of Australia are most at risk from natural The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Solutions, actions and benchmarks for a perils?’ Risk Frontiers Newsletter, Vol 18 Thinking,’ Disruptive Design (blog), net zero emissions Australia, ClimateWorks No 4 (October 2019), accessed 25 February accessed 25 February 2021: medium. Australia, Melbourne, 2020, accessed 25 2021: riskfrontiers.com/rf2018/wp-content/ com/disruptive-design/tools-for-systems- February 2021: www.climateworksaustralia. uploads/2019/10/newsletter_V18_Issue4_ thinkers-the-6-fundamental-concepts-of- org/resource/decarbonisation-futures- Oct_2019.pdf. systems-thinking-379cdac3dc6a. solutions-actions-and-benchmarks-for-a- net-zero-emissions-australia/. 16. Natural Capital Economics (2018). 20. S Burke, The Climate Change Heatwaves in Victoria: a vulnerability Empowerment Handbook: Psychological 25. Grampians New Energy Taskforce, assessment. Report prepared for the strategies to tackle climate change. Grampians Regional Roadmap to Net Zero Department of Environment, Land, Australian Psychological Society, Emissions, GNET, Ballarat, 2020, 38 pp. Water and Planning, Victoria, accessed 25 Melbourne, 2017. 26. Farmers for Climate Action, Our Vision: February 2021: www.climatechange.vic. 21. Victoria Department of Planning and Farming Forever, FCA, Melbourne, 2018, 16 gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/399440/ Community Development, The Economic pp. Heatwaves_VulnerabilityAssessment_2018. Value of Volunteering in Victoria, Victorian pdf. Government, Melbourne, 2012, 52pp. 17. Victoria Department of Health and Human 22. A Davies, ‘As bushfire season approaches, Services (DHHS), Victorian Public Health we need to take action to recruit more and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, Victorian volunteer firefighters,’ The Conversation, Government, Melbourne, 2019, 60pp. 17 September 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: theconversation.com/as-bushfire- season-approaches-we-need-to-take- action-to-recruit-more-volunteer- firefighters-146290.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 39 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
27. Impacts of Climate Change, South West 32. M Howes, D Grant-Smith, K Reis, K 38. Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Climate Change portal, viewed 30 March Bosomworth, P Tangney, M Heazle, D Water and Planning (DELWP), Guidelines 2021 www.swclimatechange.com.au/cb_ McEvoy & P Burton, Rethinking disaster for Assessing the Impact of Climate pages/environmental_impacts.php risk management and climate change Change on Water Supplies, Victorian adaptation, National Climate Change Government, Melbourne, 83 pp. 28. R Faggian, V Sposito, S Cunningham & Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, H Romeijn, Central Highlands: Regional 39. Moorabool Shire Council, Moorabool Shire 2013, 53 pp. Agricultural and Biodiversity Climate Sustainable Environment Strategy 2016-26, Adaptation and Opportunities Plan, Centre 33. R Wyatt, S Young, Y Medani & M Rielly, Moorabool Shire Council, Ballan, 2016, 61 for Rural and Regional Futures (Deakin Volunteering, Participatory Action and pp. University), Geelong, 2016, 40 pp. Social Cohesion: Reimagining volunteering 40. Hepburn Shire Council, Fertile Ground: for contemporary Australia, ThinkImpact, 29. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Hepburn Shire Economic Development Melbourne, 2020, 107pp. Change (IPCC), Climate Change and Strategy 2016-2021, Hepburn Shire Council, Land: An IPCC Special Report on climate 34. Victoria Department of Health and Human Daylesford, 2016. change, desertification, land degradation, Services (DHHS), Victorian Public Health 41. Victoria Department of Environment, sustainable land management, food and Wellbeing Plan 2019–2023, Victorian Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) 2018, security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in Government, Melbourne, 2019, 60pp. Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy, Victorian terrestrial ecosystems, United Nations, 35. Health.Vic, Extreme Heat and Heatwaves Government, Melbourne, 2016, 90 pp. New York, 2019, accessed 25 February 2021: (web page), Victorian Government, www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2019/08/ 42. HJ Boon, J Millar, D Lake, A Cottrell & D accessed 25 February 2021: www2.health. Edited-SPM_Approved_Microsite_FINAL. King, Recovery from disaster: Resilience, vic.gov.au/public-health/environmental- pdf. adaptability and perceptions of climate health/climate-weather-and-public-health/ change. Its effect on perceptions of climate 30. Bureau of Meteorology, State of the heatwaves-and-extreme-heat/heatwave- change risk and on adaptive behaviours Climate 2020, Australian Government, research. to prevent, prepare, and respond to future Canberra, 2020, accessed 25 February 2021: 36. Yarriambiack Shire Council, Yarriambiack climate contingencies, National Climate www.bom.gov.au/state-of-the-climate/ Heatwave Plan 2015-2018 (revised version), Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold australias-changing-climate.shtml. Yarriambiack Shire Council, Warracknabeal, Coast, 2012, 467 pp. 31. Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Fire 2016, 18 pp. 43. Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Knowledge Holder Group, The Victorian 37. National Climate Change Adaptation Water and Planning (DELWP), Blue-green Traditional Owner Cultural Fire Strategy, Research Facility, Flooding in Australia: Algae (webpage), Victorian Government, DELWP, Melbourne, 2018, 32 pp. Enhancing disaster resilience and Melbourne, accessed 25 February adaptability, NCCARF, Southport (Qld), 2021: www.water.vic.gov.au/waterways- 2013, 2 pp. and-catchments/rivers-estuaries-and- waterways/blue-green-algae.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 40 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendices
Appendix 1: Plausible future scenarios and change narrative Appendix 2: Adaptation theme opportunities Appendix 3: Agriculture working group Appendix 4: Impacts on the Grampians economy Appendix 5: Water working group Appendix 6: Documents reviewed Appendix 7: Stakeholders consulted
Image: Nhill War Memorial by Matt via Flickr Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 41 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 1: Plausible future scenarios and change narrative
Scenario A: medium emissions, well adapted A medium emissions future will bring to migrate from rural and remote significant pressures of climate change. Even communities to larger urban centres. Scenario A is doubly in this relatively mild scenario, there will be • Crucially, this scenario imagines a shared major challenges to researchers, planners, willingness for creativity and adaptation optimistic, imagining and policy makers over the coming decades. that would improve the Region’s quality a medium emissions Participants imagined how this might affect of life—not merely remove the pressures the Region: on it. future that meets with • Annual rainfall will continue to decline, • Households and communities would a regional appetite for while its timing will be less predictable. be more proactive with their health adaptation. In other That poses major challenges to agriculture and lifestyles. and to civic infrastructure. words, it assumes • Crop diversity and risk-based • Changes to rainfall also threaten to disrupt farming practices would underscore that global forces will many ecosystems that are highly season- a more research-driven and tech-savvy achieve an effective dependent, such as wildlife migrations or agricultural sector. pollination cycles. The changing weather reduction in carbon • Continual revegetation and ‘biolinks’ will put pressure on regional species, (connected habitats) would help to limit emissions towards ‘net threatening some with extinction. species loss, aided by citizen scientists zero by 2050,’ and that • Catastrophes of fire and flood will increase across the Region. in their frequency. That means emergency regional actors will • Better landscape management, often services staff and volunteers must spend informed by traditional practices on the combine effectively to more of each year on ready alert for critical land, would significantly reduce reliance incidents, and their critical work will grow manage a changing on emergency services volunteers. steadily more resource-intensive. landscape and society. • Better-connected communities would • Warmer and more volatile weather will support a greater shared sense of hope challenge the health and productivity of about the future, as well as less partisan communities across the Region, and will division about policy. increase the incentives for populations
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 42 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Scenario B: high emissions, well adapted A future of high emissions, leading to • Improved water infrastructure will rapid climate change, will have profound alleviate population pressures on the consequences for life in the Grampians larger urban centres. Scenario B is pessimistic Region. Temperature changes may be • A more proactive planning approach will about external forces manageable for humans across much guide population shifts, helping industry but optimistic about of the Region, but declining rainfall and to use water, energy, and other critical its declining predictability will bring the Region’s willingness resources more efficiently over time. acute challenges: • Well-targeted investments in education to respond and adapt, • Many species will come under and research, in public infrastructure so the participants threat and habitats will hold markedly and in community planning will support less biodiversity. were simultaneously resilient and flexible communities, • Natural catastrophes will be more frequent confident to focus on their strengths scared and proud of it. and more intense. in a changing global economy. It imagines a future in • Hotter days will present acute danger for • Year-round preparation and emergency which humankind has many people, as well as the Region’s fauna management systems will help and flora. They will disrupt infrastructure communities to plan for and survive more failed to curb carbon and workforce productivity more frequent natural catastrophes such as emissions adequately, frequently and more severely and will pose fires, storms and floods, as well as less increasing challenges for power supply. common emergencies such as pandemics with temperature rises and plagues. • On the other hand, the prospect of of more than 2.5º Celsius adapting cleverly and inclusively to such • Governments will work to maximise by the end of the a future affirms that the people of the ‘social capital,’ supporting an integrated century, but where the Grampians can exert control over how they approach to health and wellbeing with live under changing conditions. strong public health communications. resilience and ingenuity of communities across the Grampians Region come to the fore in strategically brilliant adaptations.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 43 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Scenario C: medium emissions, not adapted Imagining a lack of will to adapt brings • Poor adaptation means inadequate the population pressures of a medium insurance, damaged waterways and emissions future to the fore. In scenario C, water-bearing infrastructure, along with Scenario C rural and small town economies will undergo poor hygiene and increased disease. captures a fear of the sustained pressure on many fronts, driving a • Species declines and extinctions will complacency that population shift towards large urban centres: continue, including the declining may take hold • A drying landscape and price volatilities populations of pollinators. will drive out all but the most resilient or • Variable weather will disrupt seasonal if climate change opportunistic farmers. patterns and disorient some migratory proves less severe • The growing urban population will be species, with flow-on consequences for the than many currently increasingly susceptible to extreme diversity and resilience of ecosystems. weather and to compromised public fear. A future with • A lack of shared resolve will be the main hygiene, while the internal migration reason for ineffective adaptation across medium emissions towards large urban centres will leave the Region. A patchwork of individuals, rural communities less protected and less but little or no organisations, and local communities may resilient in the face of catastrophes. intervene in line with their knowledge effective adaptation • Underscoring these pressures, more and passion, but they will not achieve in response to them variable weather patterns will disrupt the scale or the recognition that publicly lives and reduce comfort and liveability. coordinated action could realise. may be as dangerous Even a medium emissions future • If the Region as a whole cannot resolve for this Region as a will lead to an increased demand on to invest in the interventions needed future with higher emergency services. to accommodate climate change, even emissions but a more • Fire and weather will become more volatile a medium emissions future will put and fire seasons will grow longer and intolerable strains on regional ecology, on adaptive response. more dangerous—meaning fatigue will local economies, and on vulnerable and grow deeper as the effects of emergencies marginal people. become more pronounced.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 44 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Scenario D: high emissions, not adapted Quality of life will come under severe strain • The consequent reductions in when government-led actions around the urban amenity will compound other world fail to meet agreed limits on carbon health pressures. Scenario D was emissions and on global warming. For the • Life in rural communities will face called the Mad Max Grampians Region, rural and small town mounting challenges. These threats scenario by several economies will be under sustained pressure will severely challenge generational on many fronts, driving a population shift participants, largely renewal in agriculture. towards large urban centres: • A drying landscape will accelerate because it reminds us • Temperature extremes will put great depopulation outside of large urban of bleak futures that pressure on public and commercial centres, encouraging ‘fly in fly out farming’ infrastructure, including power and people have imagined and intensifying desertification. transport. previously. Continued • Global price volatility, reduced runoff • The number of fires will increase and and threats to pollinator populations will high carbon emissions become more severe and fire seasons will diminish crop yields and stock levels. grow longer. combined with a poor • Ecosystems will likewise be under threat. • A more volatile climate will also bring adaptive response will increased storm activity. This in turn • Climatic extremes will combine with leave the Grampians will bring challenges to public hygiene, higher fire activity to drive increased increased loss of life, and growing pressure extinctions of flora and fauna species. Region exposed to on insurance. • Eucalyptus and invasive non-native unbearable pressure • Continuous emergencies will lead to species will increasingly dominate the across a range of fronts. increased fatigue in relief agencies, people landscape, further exacerbating fire under increased stress and detrimental activity and the loss of diverse habitats. consequences for public health. • Migration towards large urban centres • Displaced people and animals will need will decrease the human presence in
relocating. landscape, reducing the level of efforts to care for it.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 45 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Change narrative This Strategy identifies aspects of climate How might a well-adapted This Strategy’s change narrative revolves change that will be particularly significant Grampians look in the years to come? around a core understanding of the for the Grampians Region, and anticipates It will be characterised by: values that will motivate people across targeted ways its communities can the Grampians Region to carry out the • A Region-wide commitment respond to sustain life and the quality important work of adaptation, and to have to adapt strategically. of life in this Region. As this document pride in doing so. Those values are a moral has explained, those adaptive responses • Pride and strength in local communities. purpose that guides the formation of this stand out for their values of inclusiveness, • Inclusive approaches, mobilising and Strategy. They are reflected in the Strategy’s of respect for traditional knowledge, supporting entire communities. ‘adaptation vision’. They also inform the of enthusiasm for learning new approaches specific adaptation goals for this Strategy. • A culture of continuous improvement, and technologies, and of care for the refusing to be complacent. environment and its ecology. • Flexible approaches to adaptation that Across the Grampians Region, span public and private agencies. stakeholders contributing to this Strategy have articulated a need to get • Investing in biodiversity and actively on with the work of adapting. Many curtailing land-clearing. regional stakeholders have voiced a need • Strategic and innovative use of resources, for clear goals and targets immediately. especially water. They sense an urgent need for work, and are ready to commit their own efforts. • Improved planning and infrastructure. Strong leadership from state and federal • Investment in education and research. government is needed. Many stakeholders • Actively confronting the challenges are keen to lock in a climate adaptation of generational renewal – of younger strategy quickly, taking action while Victoria people coming into local responsibilities has a government committed to it. as a previous generation grows older – especially in rural and remote communities. • Supportive policy and regulation (including economic incentives). • An effective consensus about the adaptation imperative – the need for change in response to climate change.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 46 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 2: Adaptation theme opportunities
The opportunities listed here have been taken from the adaptation theme pages within this Strategy, as developed by working groups. Each has been cross-checked against the other adaptation themes for complementarity and possible unintended consequences. The relevant strategic outcomes have also been referenced for each opportunity to clarify alignment between the themes, goals and outcomes of this Strategy.
HEALTH AND STORMS LEADING AGRI- BIO- WELL- AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURE DIVERSITY ECONOMY FIRE BEING HEAT FLOODING WATER OUTCOMES
Optimising soil functionality by maintaining or increasing soil carbon levels. 9, 14
Conserving soil moisture by maintaining ground cover in pasture and cropping systems. 7, 9
Embracing new technology, including better access to digital infrastructure and data driven 10 improvements to production systems.
Sharing agricultural adaptation knowledge. 1
Reversing population trends by providing employment opportunities for rural youth 1 eg agricultural product processing.
Sustainable agriculture improving insurance outcomes. 8
Farm diversification (including incorporating additional existing, proven commodities as well as 10 less traditional enterprises such as biochar, bio-fuels, agritourism and niche industries).
Water efficient food production systems – opportunities for pipeline/reuse water. 7
Intensification of agriculture eg. horticulture, aquaculture, intensive animal industries. 7, 10
Climate-sensitive restoration/revegetation. 3, 4, 9, 13, 15
3, 4, 5, 6, Connected habitats and protection of refugia. 7, 15
3, 4, 5, 6, 9, Coordinated threat management at the landscape scale (pest, plant, animal, disease). 10, 14, 15, 16
3, 4, 5, 6, 9, Portal like south west climate change NRM portal for Grampians Region. 14, 15
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Adaptation pathways approaches to NRM planning for natural assets. 9, 10, 11, 14
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HEALTH AND STORMS LEADING AGRI- BIO- WELL- AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURE DIVERSITY ECONOMY FIRE BEING HEAT FLOODING WATER OUTCOMES
Optimal environmental water flows. 4, 5, 6, 7
1, 4, 6, 9, 10, Incentivise land use practices that value biodiversity. 12, 14
Regional processing of agricultural product. 7, 8, 10, 16
1, 2, 3, 7, 8, Onsite energy generation with solar panels, methane recovery (eg. Landfill) and/or bioenergy. 10, 12, 13, 16
1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, Upgrades to improve thermal efficiency and reduce energy use/cost of buildings. 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Use of recycled water. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, Power purchase agreements (PPAs) with local renewable energy developments. 15, 16
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, Resource-efficient food production systems. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, Grow artisanal food sector and community supported agriculture. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15
1, 2, 3, 7, 8, Microgrids and virtual power plants. 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Municipal Recovery Facility (MRF) to sort and process recyclable materials regionally. 7
Develop markets for waste products and recycled materials including plastics, glass and food/ 7 organic waste.
Economic stimulus spending by governments in response to the pandemic should consider 2 climate implications.
Increase fire resistance of the built environment. 13
Improve the resilience of fire prone communities so they can recover more quickly if impacted 15 by fire.
Early detection, response and monitoring of fires. 3
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 48 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
HEALTH AND STORMS LEADING AGRI- BIO- WELL- AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURE DIVERSITY ECONOMY FIRE BEING HEAT FLOODING WATER OUTCOMES
Embedding climate change researchers within disaster risk management agencies. 3
Sustaining the volunteer base of rural and remote communities is essential for social and 14 economic recovery from Covid and other shocks .
Sharing of cultural burning knowledge and practice maintained by Traditional Owners. 6
Influence municipal ‘10-year community vision’ and other local government plans and strategies 14, 16 to have a climate change adaptation lens.
Improving awareness of the stress caused by the current and future climate impacts. 14, 16
Telehealth can support conversations about climate-related health impacts and how to adapt. 14, 16
1, 3, 5, 6, 7, Capitalise on opportunities when communities are together to promote health and wellbeing. 8, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16
1, 4, 5, 6, 7, Local place-based groups adapting to health and wellbeing impacts related to or caused by 8, 9, 11, 14, climate change, but not calling it climate adaptation. 15, 16
1, 2, 4, 6, 7, Climate adaptation education and training for municipal and community planners. 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, Increased use of active transport options. 8, 11, 13
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, Low cost town infrastructure and asset upgrades eg. bus stop shelters; public drinking 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, water fountains 14, 16
Embed heatwave planning into municipal health and wellbeing and emergency 1, 15, 16 management plans.
Mitigation strategies to reduce household energy consumption are also good adaptation 7 strategies, emphasising the thermal qualities of buildings.
Using green financing options, such as Environmental Upgrade Finance, repaid via council rates, and state and federal government rebates to encourage uptake of energy efficiency and climate 7, 8 adaptation measures.
Increased urban tree canopies, river green links, water sensitive urban design and refuges from 13, 16 the heat and cold weather for vulnerable people.
Community resilience strategies that emphasise looking out for our neighbours can increase 14 the social capital of those communities.
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HEALTH AND STORMS LEADING AGRI- BIO- WELL- AND OPPORTUNITIES CULTURE DIVERSITY ECONOMY FIRE BEING HEAT FLOODING WATER OUTCOMES
Working with developers to improve the quality of new housing stock above minimum 12 standards.
Retrofitting existing buildings for thermal efficiency. 7
Using sophisticated research to inform planning and preparation for storms and floods. 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 15
New approaches to floodplain management mean less severe flood events, and more 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, productive retention of water in the land between events. 12, 14
Data-driven approaches can enable more optimal deployment of emergency services and 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, better workload management for their personnel. 14, 15
Building preparedness for emergencies also builds community connectedness, resilience and 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, social capital. 12, 14
Increased use of recycled water or alternative water supplies to reduce ecological pressure on 1, 5, 7, 8, waterways. 10, 14
Upgrading water infrastructure for water efficiency gains to balance future needs of all water 1, 5, 7, 8, 13 users and the environment.
Protecting water quality to maintain waterway health and water supply for communities. 1, 5, 11, 15
Integrated water management achieves multiple benefits, maximising biodiversity, social and 1, 4, 5, 7 cultural benefits.
Reconnecting Traditional Owners with water for cultural, economic, customary and spiritual 1, 2, 4, 6, purposes. 10, 16
Manage rural drainage to increase agricultural production, protect built infrastructure and 1, 5, 7, 9, minimise environmental impacts. 10, 14
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 50 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 3: Agriculture working group
Agriculture in the Grampians Region • Soil carbon credits providing direct Embracing New Technology is about: income to landholders. Provides land • Improvement in access to high speed health benefits as well. digital connections mean farmers will be • being a major source of cereal grains, able to manage markets and marketing, oilseeds, pulses, wool, livestock, timber • Dollars provide the incentive for and access information more reliably. change. Carbon having a value will • contributing to state and national drive adaptation activity. Croppers • Farmers may be well-placed to earn self-sufficiency in food and fibre supply adopting minimum till systems are income from production of energy • export of product outside the heading for this. People will guard their as liquid and gas fuels, power, or sale region, with income circulating carbon in the soil. Increased value and of feedstocks (straw, wood chip) for in the regional economy resilience of farm assets. production of energy and biochemicals. • creation of permanent jobs within • Building soil carbon builds resilience • Gathering and collection of data to agriculture, generating spin-off for the bad years – increased soil carbon improve farm businesses. Eg. more employment in communities, service levels contribute to enhanced soil health. detailed animal production data to drive providers and agribusiness. profitability, yield mapping in cropping. • Monetising carbon has risks for western Victorian croppers. Build soil carbon • Agricultural data aggregation, sharing Leading opportunities as an adaptation response rather than and sale. a stand-alone economic activity. • Linked soils moisture probe network. Carbon Sequestration • Minimising carbon emissions in the first Conserving Soil Moisture • Use of drone technology for sensing plant place should be our primary goal. • Rising summer temperatures would health/disease. be a stimulus to increasing the amount • A price on carbon or a tax on farm of ground cover, improve pasture Sharing Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions would management to maintain a level of cover, Adaptation Knowledge be a stimulus to engage in carbon use of perennials, and to change cropping • Work with catchment management farming and significant planting of management. authorities, Agriculture Victoria and trees, including within an integrated agronomists to build knowledge around farm forestry model, with this resulting adaptation practices for agriculture and in improved microclimates and shelter share this with farmers. around farm dams
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 51 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT • Opportunities to learn from existing Farm Diversification • Lack of stimulus that can be agricultural systems that are already • Feed supplements for livestock – relied on for long-term change and hotter than the Grampians—for example, Biochar use ties into energy industry. commercial investment. climate adaptations in the wheatbelt Provides benefit back to producers • Steep reduction in agriculture of Western Australia. (payment for plant feed source and department extension staff numbers biochar). Cold pressed canola meal – and research centres. Reversing Population Trends benefits from reduced animal emissions. • The pressures of life in the cities (including Bull kelp supplement provides similar • Lack of practical and proven models for high cost of housing and negative impact benefits. Money in carbon. agriculture under climate change. on family life) will mean a significant flow • New industry – potential return • Lack of development of a bioeconomy of people back to the rural areas, bringing to localised markets, shorter supply to provide a market for agricultural energy and skills. chains – reduced freight costs. biomass (residues). • Farms being aggregated, renewable • Bulk commodity approach – difficult to • Lack of enough experienced consultants, energy development – build industries continue this approach in competition contractors, and suppliers/installers of closer to where its generated rather than with products not produced to same. advanced systems. expensive distribution networks. standards or requirements. • Financial system that values carbon • Use of new and improved technology – • Industry diversification – development - rewards sequestration, costs ‘users’. more reliable internet connections with of niche industries and products, reduces Emissions Reduction Fund is too adequate download speeds. declining population densities. onerous. Needs a simpler system, less administrative burden. ASX underwrite Sustainable Agriculture carbon credits through the Emissions • Wimmera Development Association work Reduction Fund. Could be delegated to on mosaic farming – farmers refining their Main barriers accountants for example. Voluntary system areas of production, decisions on lower of credits as well – eg. farm forestry group productivity areas. • Market disincentives to adaptation are challenging strategic actors does the prelim audit. • Modifications to farm management (eg. Farmers for Climate Action 2018). • Tax on carbon emitters. Investors need deposit scheme – use as form of self- confidence in long term arrangements funded insurance. • Regulatory and policy frameworks that discourage innovation. to achieve long term changes. • Research into food production in local • Political representation for the communities. • The commitment to ‘continuous improvement’ is uneven across the agricultural sector demonstrates • Opportunities to utilise ‘out of season’ sector when it needs to be universal. a reluctance to include climate adaptation rainfall for crop production, pastures. in policy. Lack of bipartisan policy • Lack of informed government • Insurance impacts – multi peril crop at state and federal level. forward projections. insurance too many payouts – risk too high. Either mandatory or underwritten
by government. Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 52 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 4: Impacts on the Grampians economy
What is the current situation? Local industry continues to demonstrate The following is a list of innovative activities What effects is a changing climate having it can quickly pivot to changing and in the area of climate change adaptation that on the Grampians Region economy? unpredictable circumstances. have already been delivered: Access to affordable energy sources is an In addition to the private sector actions being • Data sovereignty project with emerging issue in the Grampians Region. undertaken, there are a range of community- Federation and La Trobe Universities A number of businesses are leading on the led and government-supported projects for agricultural systems. development and installation of renewable that are helping communities adapt to a • Hepburn Wind co-locating a 7.4 megawatt energy technologies at their headquarters. changing climate. solar farm and 10 megawatt hours battery Microgrids and minigrids are meeting local Research projects underway across the storage at their existing windfarm. industry energy demands. Trials of renewable Region are helping the business community energy sources across the Region have • The Hepburn Wind-operated community understand the broader impacts of climate been ongoing for a number of years and fund/bank co-funded an upgrade to the change, and have and will help provide are attracting a higher profile here. More Hepburn Recreation Reserve ‘place of last adaptive solutions. projects are in development. resort’, which has seen solar and battery A number of these innovations, projects, and storage installed that will provide power Businesses are seeking cost reductions, and research activities have been and are being to the site: power is often the first outage it is becoming apparent that adapting to undertaken in partnership. during a fire. climate change impacts can reduce financial imposts. This is particularly the case with What actions, innovative or otherwise, are • The Smythesdale landfill harvests industries dependent on the land, where currently underway within the Grampians greenhouse gas, which creates energy and low rainfall in recent years is now requiring Region (or beyond) to help the Regional goes back into the grid. economy adapt to a changing climate? changes to business practices. It is becoming • Gekko Systems is trialling a modularised, recognised that adapting to climate change containerised biodigester system at impacts is a cost-effective solution. Trigg Farm near Ballan.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 53 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT • A biodigester has been installed at • The wine industry is already replacing There are also a significant number of Berrybank Farm’s intensive piggery for unsuitable plants with later-ripening projects already in development: some decades, converting the farm’s varieties that ripen at approximately the • A planning permit has been issued in significant waste by-products into energy. same time as the original plants so as to Golden Plains Shire for the installation of maintain quality. • Skipton and Beaufort Hospitals have a biodigester to convert chicken waste to installed straw-fired and woodchip-fired • The redevelopment of Wail Nursery has fertiliser. boilers. improved the utilisation of bush foods and • McCain is building a ‘behind-the-meter’ native foods for a variety of areas across • Central Goldfields Shire Council’s solar farm on their own site to fuel broadacre cropping. Carisbrook Landfill is producing compost production. from food and garden organic waste. • The Dja Dja Wurrung (Bendigo) have • Gekko Systems is working with McCain on been undertaking research with La Trobe • JBD Industrial Park, near Bacchus Marsh, is installing a biodigester. and Federation Universities looking at home to a number of businesses operating Kangaroo grass for flour in baking. • Biodigesters are being investigated in the reclaimed energy and waste sector, at a small and modular, single building and the Park itself also houses a working • During the drought, agriculture showed a (eg. residential; hospitality business) scale. cattle farm. significant growth in the uptake of zero till or minimum till. • Local and State government organisations • Meredith Dairy has a waste-to-energy continue taking up funding of rooftop biodigester facility. • Longerenong Agricultural College partners solar installations and general energy with agricultural businesses across • Gekko Systems has a waste-to-energy efficiency improvements at publicly owned the region to deliver adaptive research biodigester facility. buildings. programs and bright minds for tomorrow’s • The Grains Innovation Centre in agriculture. • Buninyong Bank is developing a shared Horsham recently celebrated its 50-year meter in the business district and also • Artisan Agriculture Project is a Hepburn anniversary. Offering a world-class research backs the Newstead microgrid project. Shire Council project telling the story of facility delivering regional, national ‘Paddock to Plate’, activating business/ • A community-led microgrid for business and international benefits in regional tourism opportunities. and residential properties in Trentham is in development and science and innovation, development. the GIC is a partnership of government, academia and industry.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 54 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT • Natimuk Community Energy is a cross- The business industry tells us that the • Encouragement of bulk purchasing of sectoral partnership project that will following ideas could be applied to the electricity by companies or cooperatives. install front-of-meter photovoltaic power Grampians region: • Encouraging mosaic farming as a viable generation equal in capacity to the • Commercialisation of the grain industry to economic and environmental alternative electricity consumption of the town. encourage improved systems connections, to traditional farming practices. • Agricultural trials in the Wimmera, for example connecting brewers and • Educate, support and provide incentives assessing impacts of extreme bakers, should be further explored. A 50 for the farming sector to prioritise temperatures on wheat crops in hectare site in the northern plains near privileging preservation of local biodiversity northwestern Victoria, identifying regional St. Arnaud and a further two sites near with farming practices. economic impacts and adaptation Smeaton are being considered. opportunities. • Develop relationships with CSIRO. Some • Industrial and commercial businesses are real opportunities with research and • Wail Nursery provides significant the key producers feeding energy back better use of native plants and legumes in research opportunities, with meaningful into the grid. grazing systems; huge opportunity in this engagement and recognition of • Mine shafts and public buildings part of the world. Indigenous knowledge at its heart. (especially schools) could provide solar- • Hepburn Shire is a leading local • GNET is developing a partnership with pumped hydro. government authority in the region in smaller businesses to generate a critical • Encouraging the development of terms of promoting zero carbon emissions. mass for the purchase, long-term, of power agroforestry as providing a sustainable generated from renewable sources. • Natural resources like state forests, and renewable industry source. national parks and natural reserves could • Biodiversity community has State Wide offer respite from increased temperatures Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams if there is not the risk of fire. (SWIFFT) to run quarterly forums to share research, information, projects, etc. There should be an equivalent forum to share early research for agriculture sector and possibly other sectors around climate adaptation.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 55 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT What does an optimally adapted Partnership and leadership Also evident from conversations with the Grampians Region economy look like, Region’s business community is the need for An emphasis on the value of partnerships and what are the barriers to get there? government to act. Particular expectation is in delivering an adapted economy must be placed at the feet of the State government, It is evident from the conversations with the made. To date, a significant number of the with the following areas identified as Grampians Region business community that innovations in climate change adaptation needing urgent attention: a ‘circular economy’ as a business model is have been achieved through a partnership sustainable, achievable, and desirable. But model. One example of such a project is the • The limited grid infrastructure capacity. what does this look like for our Region, and development of a biodigester in partnership There is not enough capacity in the system how do we get there? between Gekko Systems and McCain in to accommodate renewable energy- Ballarat. Other partnerships have been cross- generated power. Bipartisan political A circular economy sectoral: Beaufort and Skipton Hospitals support is required to drive improvements There is an intersection between business with support of local Councils have installed to the energy network. straw-fired and wood-fired boilers. Hepburn and community that is coming to the fore • The vulnerability of the power Z-NET is a community partnership working in the Grampians Region. The ‘triple bottom infrastructure to increased temperatures. line’ is now a reality for businesses looking to make the Hepburn Shire the first zero-net • Inadequate transport infrastructure. to ensure their sustainability. Practical emission local government area in Australia; Currently, road and rail transport is opportunities on this path to the circular from the partnership arose another high- impractical or financially unviable for economy model include: profile project in the Grampians Region, the Hepburn Windfarm, which is entirely a number of projects associated with • Maximisation of renewable energy community-owned. creating waste from energy. sources. Gekkos It is evident that business and the • Sustainable living and working outcomes. • Renewable energy sources co-located community is leading on adaptation, with New buildings and public places could be with industry McCain the role of government minimised to one of mandated to be carbon-neutral. • Natural gas through biomass treatment. facilitative support rather than leadership. • An ‘electricity price guarantee’. The lack of Berrybank Farm certainty for businesses makes purchasing • On-site recycled wastewater. GWM Water power difficult. Decentralising the grid and • Improved and a greater diversity of water- forming power partnerships to encourage efficient food production systems. greater take up of purchase-power agreements is essential. • Re-use of already-used materials to manufacture new products. Replas • Use of commercial and residential food and garden waste (‘FOGO’) for compost and biogas production. Warrnambool example
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 56 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 5: Water working group
Water use in Western Victoria already ADAPTATION PLANS AND ACTIONS ALREADY UNDERWAY LEAD AGENCY offers strong illustrations of adaptation in response to a changing climate. Since Integrated Water Management forums Water corporations and catchment the 1990s, in general terms, rainfall across management authorities most of the State has been significantly Pilot Water Sector Adaptation Action Plan DELWP lower than the longer-term historic averages. Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy DELWP Strategic water infrastructure (such as Catchment-based climate adaptation strategies Catchment Management Authorities the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline), sourcing across Victoria alternative water supplies (eg. recycled Pipeline projects Water corporations water) and measures to reduce individual consumption have enabled regional Development of Integrated Water Management Strategies – Catchment Management Authorities formation of Integrated Water Working Groups communities to keep their meters ticking Environmental water releases – new sources of water. with less reliance on household-level water biodiversity/recreation benefits restrictions. Understanding that we can Western Irrigation Network – Use of treated wastewater to provide Western Water make less water go further is a core value climate resistant irrigation water. for the Climate Adaptation Strategy. Treated waste-water supplementing groundwater supplies Regional Water Authorities for non-potable applications – Ballarat, Horsham, Edenhope Rehabilitating previously drained wetland sites. Various land managers
Stormwater reuse systems replacing alternate supplies. Eg. water Various local governments for recreation ovals - Horsham Warracknabeal, Ballarat. Lake Wendouree receives an additional 1.9 GL on average per year from stormwater harvesting replacing supply from Gong Gong Reservoir. Use of mining process water for rehabilitation purposes. Iluka Resources
Pilot Water Sector Adaptation Action Plan DELWP
Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy DELWP
Regional catchment and waterway strategies Catchment management authorities
NRM plans for climate change Catchment management authorities
Stormwater reuse for recreational watering Local governments
Western Sustainable Water Strategy DELWP
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 57 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Leading opportunities Protecting and Enhancing Water Quality Achieving Multiple Benefits from Water • Improve water quality to reduce the Resource Management frequency and intensity of Blue-green • Greater emphasis on the link between Utilising Alternative Water Sources Algal outbreaks. Reduced water quality biodiversity and water resource • Increased use of recycled water or threatens our water supplies management (in water, at site, in and alternative supplies (eg. stormwater) around watercourses, lakes, etc). Wildlife • Protecting catchment and water resources to replace potable or surface water refuges on waterways to help wildlife to maintain recreational water access. (eg replacing sources of water for survive drought. Wimmera CMA has Minimise the loss of amenity resulting irrigation) . Scope within integrated examined the feasibility of the strategic from restrictions on waterway use water management groups to identify watering of deep holes of dry watercourses resulting from water quality degradation. additional projects. and improving water quality in weir pools. • Protect water quality from impacts of built • Utilising alternative water sources • Use of consumptive water transfers to environment and nutrient inflows. to provide green spaces in dry increase water quality in creeks and rivers. communities. This is important for • Consideration of water and adaptation (Already happening in the Wimmera- mental wellbeing of rural residences in planning schemes. Reduce water multiple values from the same bit of and helps with passive cooling. requirements/consumption associated water). The Northern Region Sustainable with new developments. Water Strategy details the principle of • Increased utilisation of treated using consumptive water to provide groundwater (eg. desalinisation) • Roof water harvesting as alternate water social and environmental benefits as it is to supplement water supplies. supply. transferred (see page 140) • Early involvement of water authorities in Infrastructure Improvements • Use of treatment plant buffer zones to precinct planning to maximise integrated for Water Savings enhance specific habitat requirements. water management opportunities. • Infrastructure upgrades for water • Expansion of the water grid into the efficiency gains (eg. channel/storage Grampians region assists community and decommissioning, water pipelines). environmental adaptation. • Water grid infrastructure provides increased flexibility and savings resulting from more efficient storage management.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 58 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Reconnect Communities to Water for Main barriers • Availability of resources to undertake Cultural, Economic, Customary and Spiritual climate adaptation works. Priority given purposes. to water supply ‘core’ business. Water • The ability to balance the needs of all • Recognise and manage water resources authorities are in the business of selling users in the future and ensure that we for traditional owner values. Incorporate water – guides their priorities. can provide adequate water resources for traditional owners in water resource the environment and recreation (not just • Farm Dams harvesting surface water – decision making. consumptive users) under scarcer water current permit system doesn’t effectively • Use of indigenous water science – supplies. regulate non-commercial storages. benefits of a more holistic view of water • More regular reviews of water strategies to • Increased frequency of wildfires is likely to management under climate change. incorporate climate change effects reduce catchment water yields and water • Engage DELWP Water and Catchments supply quality. • Wimmera has only recreational regarding regional opportunities entitlement. associated with the Aboriginal Water Program. • Population growth (particularly in the Central Highlands) and land use changes Sharing Water Resource will place more demand on our water Management Knowledge resources. • Greater sharing of information between • More emphasis on climate change in Integrated Water Management Forums- decision making. Level of uncertainty projects, ideas, and lessons learned etc. around consequences and impacts leads to inaction. Often insufficient level of confidence in the data to support concrete action.
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 59 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 6: Documents reviewed
As well as those referenced, these • Future Landscapes • Victorian Emergency Management documents and resources were reviewed in Reform White Paper • Glenelg Hopkins CMA Climate Change developing this Strategy. Strategy 2016-2023 • Victorian Public Health and • ACTIVATE: Eight psychological strategies Wellbeing Plan 2019-2023 • Grampians New Energy Taskforce to tackle climate change Grampians Regional Roadmap • Victorian Rural Drainage Strategy • Biodiversity 2037 to Net Zero Emissions • Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural • City of Ballarat Food Strategy • Heat Health Plan for Victoria Fire Strategy 2019-2022 • Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change • Victoria’s Climate Science Report 2019 • Climate Change Act 2017 (Vic) in Victorian Communities • Western Sustainable Water Strategy • Cool It • Pilot Water Sector Adaptation Action Plan • Wimmera Floodplain • Corangamite Natural Resource • State Emergency Management Plan Management Strategy Management Plan for Climate Change • Strong, Innovative, Sustainable: • Wimmera Waterway Strategy • Corangamite Regional Floodplain Strategy A new strategy for agriculture in Victoria 2014-2022 2018-2028 • Tackling climate change and its impacts • Corangamite Waterway Strategy on health through municipal public health 2014-2022 and wellbeing planning: Guidance for local government, 2020 • Decarbonisation Futures
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 60 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Appendix 7: Stakeholders consulted
Regional Climate Adaptation Groups
Central Highlands Rob Law (resigned) Simone Dalton Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance Department of Families, Miranda Adams Fairness and Housing Department of Families, Karen Marsh Fairness and Housing Department of Families, David Drage (Co-Chair) Fairness and Housing Primary producer Tara Ash Central Highlands Water Jason McGregor Krista Fischer Central Highlands Water Wimmera Primary Care Partnership Dr Tamara Boyd INtrinsic SCOPE Dr Adam Miller Greg Fletcher (resigned) Deakin University Wimmera Catchment Management David Collins Authority Golden Plains Shire Council Dominic Murphy Hepburn Shire Council/Meredith Dairy Jared Hammond Barbara Curzon-Siggers Horsham Rural City Council Hepburn Z-NET Dr Tony Rickards (Co-Chair) (resigned) Community member Steven Hobbs Cherie Draper Yarrock Farms Community member Ed Riley Pyrenees Shire Council Gil Hopkins Dr Peter Gell (Co-Chair) Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance Federation University Pat Russell (resigned) Central Highlands Water La Vergne Lehmann (Co-Chair) Bob Hartmann Barengi Gadjin Land Council Friends of Canadian Corridor Wimmera Southern Mallee Daryl Scherger (resigned) Justin Horne Tony Baker Victorian Bioenergy Network Moorabool Shire Council Wimmera Catchment Management Chris Sounness Taryn Lane Authority Wimmera Development Association Coalition for Community Energy Kaitlyn Braden Andrew Lang Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Farm Forest Growers Victoria
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 61 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Working groups
Agriculture Behaviour change Biodiversity and community cohesion David Drage Michelle Butler Primary producer Dr Tamara Boyd DELWP Intrinsic SCOPE Dr Peter Gell Dr Peter Gell Federation University Barbara Curzon-Siggers Federation University Hepburn Z-NET Steven Hobbs Bob Hartmann Yarrock Farms Cherie Draper Friends of Canadian Corridor Community member Andrew Lang Gil Hopkins Farm Forest Growers Victoria Bob Hartmann Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance Friends of Canadian Corridor Dominic Murphy Dr Adam Miller Meredith Dairy Taryn Lane Deakin University Coalition for Community Energy Richard Murphy Chris Pitfield Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Chris Sounness Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Wimmera Development Association Management Authority Bernadette Northeast Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority Chris Sounness Wimmera Development Association
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 62 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Economy Health and wellbeing Water Barbara Curzon-Siggers Miranda Adams Dr Tamara Boyd Hepburn Z-NET Department of Families, Intrinsic SCOPE Fairness and Housing Cherie Draper Kaitlyn Braden Community member Barbara Curzon-Siggers Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Hepburn Z-NET LaVergne Lehmann David Drage Barengi Gadjin Land Council Simone Dalton Primary producer Department of Families, Ed Riley Kirsty Henry Fairness and Housing Pyrenees Shire Western Water Krista Fischer Melissa Herpich Fire Wimmera Primary Care Partnership Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Dr Peter Gell Karen Marsh Management Authority Federation University Department of Families, Gil Hopkins Fairness and Housing Andrew Lang Wimmera Mallee Sustainability Alliance Farm Forest Growers Victoria Storms and flooding Jason McGregor Daryl Scherger David Collins Central Highlands Water Victorian Bioenergy Network Golden Plains Shire Bryce Morden Heat David Drage Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Primary producer Management Authority David Collins Golden Plains Shire Greg Fletcher Peter Robertson Wimmera CMA Glenelg Hopkins Catchment David Drage Management Authority Primary producer Dr Peter Gell Federation University Andrew Lang Farm Forest Growers Victoria Rob Law Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance
Grampians Region Climate Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 63 DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
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