The Victorian Government is empowering Victoria’s south west to prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change following the development of a new community-led adaptation strategy.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the Barwon South West Adaptation Strategy is one of six being delivered across Victoria and will provide practical ways for local communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change through on-ground action.
Themes across all six strategies include preparing for and recovering from emergencies, caring for the natural environment, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening the economy and workforce, improving resilience of our built environment, and embracing renewable energy.
South west Victorian communities have developed and will lead the implementation of this five-year strategy, ensuring that priorities for action in the face of a changing climate reflect the unique story of the region.
As part of implementation, five on-ground community-led projects will commence this financial year to help local communities prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Projects include:
- Establishing a long-term citizen science biodiversity monitoring program to inform adaptative management – Nature Glenelg Trust and partners
- Adapting coastal floodplain management as sea level rises – Glenelg Hopkins CMA and partners
- Barwon South West Carbon Offset Program. This project is a joint initiative between the Catchment Management Authorities and Local Government within the Barwon South West region. It will support the region’s Councils to offset their carbon emissions locally – Corangamite CMA
- Warrnambool heat vulnerability analysis – Warrnambool City Council and partners
- Establishing a Barwon South West Climate Alliance. The Alliance is a collaboration between Local Government, Catchment Management Authorities, Water Authorities and Deakin University – Warrnambool City Council, partnering with 10 LGAs, 2 Water Authorities, and 2 CMAs
The development of this strategy was funded by the Victorian Government’s $9.32 million Supporting our Regions to Adapt program through the Sustainability Fund.
It builds on other Victorian Government climate change investments, including a $1.6 billion clean energy package, $100 million towards zero emissions vehicles and $92 million for land restoration and carbon farming to help build the state’s resistance to climate change.
To view the strategy, please visit: https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0033/549717/Barwon_South_West_Regional_Climate_Adaptation_Strategy.pdf
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“I commend the Barwon South West Working Group and all community members who have developed this strategy, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities of the region are at the forefront of how we adapt
“Our climate is changing, and the effects are being felt across the state – that’s why we’re supporting regional communities to act now and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
“This is another example of how we’re delivering real action on climate change – by supporting regional Victorians to deliver their local projects and build thriving and sustainable futures.”