discussion paper: options for state government to support local government in climate ... ·...

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT ON VICTORIA’S

SECOND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION PLAN

Discussion paper: options for state government to support local government in climate change adaptation

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2016

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Local government engagement on Victoria’s second Adaptation Plan Discussion Paper 1

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 2

DISCUSSION TOPIC 1: Climate change adaptation in land-use and urban planning 5

DISCUSSION TOPIC 2: Climate change adaptation in infrastructure and asset management 8

DISCUSSION TOPIC 3: Information state government can provide to assist local government 11

DISCUSSION TOPIC 4: Supporting local government adaptation work 14

DISCUSSION TOPIC 5: Governance arrangements for adaptation between state and local governments 16


INTRODUCTION

1. The second Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2017-2020) The Climate Change Act 2010 requires the Minister to prepare the second Adaptation Plan (AP2) by 31 December 2016. Victoria has committed to restoring its strong leadership on climate change action, and AP2 will be a blueprint for transformative action on climate change adaptation in Victoria. AP2 will deliver key actions in priority areas over the next four years, and set the foundations for a new legislative framework following the recent in-depth review of the Climate Change Act. The pillars of AP2 are:

2. Local government in AP2 The Victorian government recognises the critical role of local government in climate change adaptation. A Memorandum of Understanding between state and local government was signed under the first Adaptation Plan. Much more remains to be done to develop a robust, collaborative working relationship between the two levels of government. Local government is on the frontline of adapting to climate change impacts. The nature of services provided and assets managed by councils mean local government plays a fundamentally important role in addressing climate change. Responding to climate change is both an urgent imperative and an opportunity for local governments to strengthen the resilience of the communities they serve. Local government is leading the way on climate change adaptation, in Victoria, Australia and internationally – a fact recognised at the COP 21 climate negotiations in Paris in 2015. There is already significant work on adaptation happening in local government across Victoria, including a range of projects delivered under the Victorian Adaptation and Sustainability Partnership (VASP). AP2 presents an opportunity to strengthen work already underway, as well as expanding adaptation action and filling existing gaps. State government recognises that local governments face many challenges, including resource constraints and varying levels of institutional support for climate change action across local government areas (LGAs). DELWP is committed to building a meaningful relationship with local government: acknowledging limits, responding to the diverse needs of councils, and facilitating knowledge sharing between councils, as well as between state and local governments. In order to develop a plan that genuinely meets the needs of local government, DELWP is conducting workshops and consultations with representatives from local governments across Victoria to seek input into the development of AP2.


3. Purpose of this Discussion Paper

This Discussion Paper has been developed to support constructive and detailed discussions between DELWP and local government to inform AP2. It outlines specific examples to encourage in-depth consideration and prioritisation of concrete actions state government could take to support climate adaptation in councils. It is recognised that both local government and state government have specific roles and responsibilities in relation to climate change adaptation. Defining these responsibilities and acknowledging the leading role of councils on climate change adaptation in the community will be important considerations in AP2. These questions are in part addressed in the Governance section (Discussion Topic 5), and will be the subject of ongoing work in partnership with local government. However, the majority of this paper focuses specifically on the nexus of the state-local government relationship, and what state government can do to support local government adaptation action in a number of key areas. The inclusion of an option or specific example in this paper has no bearing on whether or not the action will be included in the Adaptation Plan. The paper also does not restrict the scope of discussion in the workshops – participants are invited to raise additional suggestions and discuss options which are not addressed in the paper. Policy work related to climate change adaptation is taking place in a number of different areas of government. AP2 will build on work already planned, underway or completed. It is relevant to note that Plan Melbourne Refresh, Water for Victoria, Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2036, the Resilient Melbourne Strategy, the Victorian Heat Health Plan, the Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, Regional Catchment Management Strategies, and climate change adaptation plans developed by other actors contain a range of actions relevant to climate change adaptation and local government, which are not explicitly discussed in this paper. Work is underway in DELWP to address climate impacts upon coasts, alpine areas and urban heat, the specifics of which are also beyond the scope of this paper. Policy work specifically considering the roles and responsibilities of local government is also taking place. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing the Local Government Act 1989. Under the Emergency Management Strategic Action Plan 2015-18, Local Government Victoria (within DELWP) is working with councils and the emergency management sector to clarify the roles and responsibilities of local governments and strengthen council capacity in this area. These may have implications for the role of local government that are relevant to climate change adaptation, and AP2 will complement these processes. This paper was developed based on:

- A review of recent local government submissions to and discussions with DELWP relating to climate change and other relevant policy areas;

- An investigation of best-practice policy mechanisms in other jurisdictions; and - A review of climate change adaptation literature.

DELWP has sought to incorporate local government feedback, and reflect on adaptation work already underway. Discussion topics were selected based on priorities for action identified in local government submissions and engagement (particularly with regard to planning, infrastructure and information needs), and with the aim of identifying areas most relevant to defining and strengthening the state-local government relationship. This paper aims to foster an informed discussion about AP2, focused on clear actions.

4. Engagement with local government Workshops with metropolitan council officers (facilitated by adaptation consultants Loop & Co.) will be held during the week of May 30-June 3. Regional councils will be engaged through DELWP regional offices and


relevant forums throughout May and June. Consultations with other local government stakeholders will also be conducted on an ad hoc basis throughout May and June 2016. This engagement process seeks to draw on the expertise of officers in various roles across council, to determine how state government and local government can best work together on climate change adaptation - managing the impacts of climate change and building community resilience. DELWP commits to listening to and engaging with local government stakeholders meaningfully and in good faith. It is hoped that council officers will:

o Consider options thoughtfully and thoroughly, and give honest and constructive feedback o Consider which agent (local/state/federal government, business, community) is best placed

to provide the most efficient means to achieve an outcome o Actively seek to strengthen positive collaboration between state and local government o Share other ideas and/or concerns about climate change adaptation relevant to DELWP

This paper and associated engagement form one step of many towards the development and implementation of AP2. State government will continue to work closely with local government to develop climate change adaptation policy and action, and to address changing needs over time. Timeline of AP2:

5. Written submissions, further information and contact If you would like to make a (formal or informal) written submission in response to this discussion paper, please submit any comments to [email protected] by 30 June 2016. For further information regarding the workshops, other local government engagement or AP2 generally, please email [email protected].

2016 2017 January-May May-June July-November December ONGOING Early discussions Discussion paper released Collation of input AP2 finalised Implementation & research Local government engagement Policy development

& drafting

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DISCUSSION TOPIC 1: Climate change adaptation in land-use and urban planning

Administering the statutory planning framework is a key role of local government. Councils prepare and implement local planning schemes. State government, through the Minister for Planning, administers the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) and the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF). Other state actors include state government departments and agencies that administer legislation that interacts with the planning system (such as the Coastal Management Act), and bodies that provide referral advice on strategic and statutory planning matters. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and Planning Panels Victoria also exercise important functions within the Victorian Planning System. State government intervention at strategic points may include making changes to the regulatory framework, and managing climate change impacts that may shift across council boundaries. This intervention could provide crucial support to councils in implementing adaptation measures through planning frameworks, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning responses to climate change across Victoria.

We’ve heard:

Local government is seeking further direction from state government in order to better incorporate climate change impacts and adaptation measures into land-use planning.

Amendments to the Victorian planning system to support climate change adaptation would be welcomed by local government

Local governments lack the necessary information about climate change impacts to ensure adaptation is appropriately integrated into planning decisions

The object of this discussion topic is to determine:

1. What information, standards and measures are needed across government to support more effective consideration of climate change in planning processes?

2. What planning system changes (including reference standards and guidance) would help local planning authorities ensure better integration of climate change adaptation into decision making?

3. What are the priorities for information or other support the state could provide to support better adaptation outcomes in local government planning?

4. How can the state planning framework enable robust yet flexible adaptation action? The following table outlines some options for state government support of local government in this area.

Option Description Relevant examples/notes

Amendments to VPP/SPPF

State government would review integration of climate change in VPP/SPPF, and develop key legislative and regulatory amendments. These amendments could both strengthen consideration of climate change in planning decisions, and address elements of the planning system which may currently lead to maladaptive outcomes.

VPP Clause 13 specifically refers to climate change. Are further changes needed? Amendments to VPP/SPPF are discussed in the Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper.

State-wide development and planning objectives

State government would introduce (or update existing) development objectives/principles to mandate consideration of climate change in planning decisions. Local government would be required to accord climate change greater priority in planning decisions and policy.

Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper proposes incorporating ‘Strategic Environmental Principles’.

SDAPP principles in SPPF

State government would investigate incorporating Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning

6 Victorian councils have integrated SDAPP via


Process (SDAPP) principles into the SPPF. amendments to local planning schemes. Incorporating Environmentally Sustainable Design is discussed in the Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper.

Benchmarks for climate change risk planning

State government would develop (or endorse) state-wide benchmarks and/or climate change scenarios to be used in strategic and statutory planning. Benchmarks would include timeframes, outline predicted impacts and could include trigger points for action. Benchmarks would be regularly updated according to best available climate science and potential impact analyses.

Victorian planning policy framework requires planning for sea-level rise of 0.8m by 2100 (based on the Victorian Coastal Strategy). The Floodplain Management Strategy discusses scenario planning.

Options-based/ stepwise/pathways approach to climate change risk planning

State government would work with local governments to develop or adapt an options-based/stepwise/ pathways methodology for managing climate change risk in planning policy development.

Practical guidance for applying climate change in planning frameworks

State government would develop and/or endorse guidance to assist with applying planning frameworks taking climate change impacts into account. Guidance could cover applying key principles, interpreting and incorporating relevant scientific data, and/or applying specific provisions (eg. VPP Clause 15.2 ‘promote energy efficient building and subdivision design’) in the planning scheme. Guidance would be regularly updated, and based on best-available science and international best practice.

Under the Floodplain Management Strategy, DELWP will prepare state-wide Floodplain Development Guidelines. The Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper proposes incorporating natural hazard management criteria into planning schemes.

Support for climate change policies integrated into local planning schemes

State government would provide information, capacity building and other support for councils to develop local planning policies on climate change considerations in planning. These would be specific to each LGA, and incorporated into municipal planning schemes.

NSW has developed guidelines for incorporating sea level rise into municipal planning frameworks.

Amendments to overlays and particular provisions

State government would work with local government to review and make necessary amendments to overlays to account for climate risks, updated climate projections and adaptation priorities.

VPP already includes overlays for flood and bushfire. What additional overlays/amendments are needed? The Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper discusses overlays and zones.

Referrals for planning applications that trigger climate change risk

State government would consider referring classes of development or activities to an expert panel for advice on how to address climate change impacts and adaptation needs. For particular categories of development in high-risk locations, the authority receiving the referral could have power to make recommendations which must be adopted, and/or require development of a climate change risk management plan.


Training and capacity-building for council staff

State Government would develop and deliver training for statutory planners and others involved in the planning process. Programs would assist councils to effectively incorporate climate science and address adaptation priorities in planning decisions and policy.

Training and support for VCAT and Panels Victoria Members

State government would develop professional development and guidance material for VCAT and Panels Victoria members adjudicating planning matters, to support their roles in deciding/advising on key planning issues in relation to climate change, and to facilitate consistency and greater expertise in decision-making regarding climate change impacts.

Clarifying climate change legal liability

State government would investigate ways to clarify legal liability of local government relating to climate change risk and adaptation, eg. through state government endorsing standards for planning based on best-practice climate adaptation.

Defence to legal claims based on good faith and best-available science

State government would create a statutory defence for local governments acting in good faith on the best available science to prepare for, reduce and adapt to climate risk.

NSW has created an immunity for local governments acting in good faith in relation to coastal climate hazards

Investigate land reclamation

State government would investigate policy options for staged transfer of land title in areas most at risk from certain types of climate change impacts (eg. erosion, inundation).

Adaptation literature suggests legal mechanisms such as rolling easements

DELWP is open to and keen to hear additional ideas on this topic. Please bring any further suggestions for climate change adaptation in land-use and urban planning to your DELWP workshop, or email [email protected].


DISCUSSION TOPIC 2: Climate change adaptation in infrastructure and asset management

Local governments manage infrastructure and assets that are critical to the functioning of communities. These assets are exposed to the impacts of climate change, with potentially serious consequences for local communities, and notably for councils as primary service providers with a crucial role in community support. State government manages the overarching regulatory framework for key infrastructure, and also has a role to play in supporting local government to manage and maintain assets. State government can work with and support local government to assess risks to assets and infrastructure, and to make them sufficiently ‘climate-proof’.

We’ve heard:

Local governments are managing risks to infrastructure and assets, but climate change impacts are sometimes not considered among these risks

Local governments need more and better information about projected climate change risks relevant to the local area, and potential implications for council assets and council-managed infrastructure

Local government would like to see policy change at state level which incentivises and supports climate change adaptation measures for infrastructure, including changes to building regulations.


1. What legislative or regulatory changes to state frameworks would assist local governments to climate-proof infrastructure and assets?

2. What are the priorities for state government action to support local government efforts to ‘climate-proof’ infrastructure and assets?

3. What are the priorities for state government action to manage the implications for councils of potential climate change impacts on state-owned/managed infrastructure?

The following table outlines some of the options for state government support of local government in this area.


Amendments to legislation and regulation

State government would review the existing legislative and regulatory framework for building and infrastructure, and consider amendments to address climate change risks.

Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper proposes investigation of climate change risks in infrastructure planning, including an ‘infrastructure resilience test’.

Infrastructure and asset management plans

State government could require local government to produce infrastructure and asset management plans that address climate change risk.

These could form part of the council plans required under the Local Government Act 1989.

Methodology/tools for assessing and improving resilience

State government would develop/adapt or endorse: - methodology and/or tools to support local

government to assess exposure of infrastructure and assets to climate impacts. This could include information and/or support to gather data on predicted climate impacts relevant to the LGA.

- guidance for local governments to plan and implement specific measures to improve infrastructure and asset resilience in the face

Examples of existing tools include:

- AGIC/ISCA Climate Change Adaptation Guideline for Infrastructure

- EAGA & NAGA Building Vulnerability Assessments


of climate change risk. This could include an adaptation pathways approach.

- Tool(s) that local government could use to measure progress on adaptation measures and increasing resilience. This could include performance indicators as well as guidance for monitoring and evaluation processes.

Framework - ‘Guidance on

Climate Change for Assets and Infrastructure Assessments – Economic Appraisal Guidelines’ (NSW)

Work on indicators is also underway as part of the WAGA VASP project ‘How well are we adapting’. Consider existing tools, how they could be expanded to support all councils, and what the value-add of state government action in this area would be.

Guidance for infrastructure design

State government would develop guidance for infrastructure design that responds to the imperatives of adapting to a changing climate. This could include state-endorsed standards that state and local governments are encouraged or required to meet.

This could have additional implications for council liability – see options below.

Advocate for changes to infrastructure and building standards

State government would advocate in the appropriate forums for changes to national standards, including the National Construction Code and related Australian Standards.

There is an Australian Standard ‘Climate change adaptation for settlements and infrastructure – risk based approach’ (also discussed in Plan Melbourne Refresh Discussion Paper). How useful is this? How has it been applied? What else is needed? The Floodplain Management Strategy requires DELWP and the Victorian Building Authority will work together to improve flooding provisions in the Building Code of Australia.

Targeted mechanisms to increase tree cover

Increasing tree cover in urban areas has demonstrated multiple benefits such improved community health by reducing the urban heat island effect, improved stormwater management and prolonged life of infrastructure and assets. State government would introduce mechanisms to incentivise increases in climate-appropriate tree cover, which may include:

- Co-funding opportunities to support increased vegetation and canopy cover

- Facilitating local targets for canopy cover

Plan Melbourne Refresh discusses way to increase tree cover. The Resilient Melbourne Strategy includes developing a Metropolitan Urban Forest as an action.

Training and capacity-building for council staff

State government would develop and deliver targeted training on climate change adaptation for local government officers dealing with risk management,


infrastructure planning, design and maintenance, and asset management.

Financing adaptation measures

State government would investigate mechanisms to increase available funding for infrastructure upgrades designed to improve resilience to climate risk. Options could include:

- Extending Environmental Upgrade Agreements to support a broader range of adaptation measures

- Grants for infrastructure upgrades that meet state-endorsed resilience standards

- Incentives for insurance providers to encourage ‘betterment’ in terms of climate change risk resilience, rather than limiting replacement of infrastructure to like-for-like

- Green bonds and/or green loans to support climate-ready infrastructure

- Climate change adaptation investment fund to leverage investment

Adaptation criteria for infrastructure funding

State government would investigate mechanisms for integrating climate adaptation into criteria for funding infrastructure across state and local government.

Public liability insurance benefits

State government would seek to negotiate with providers to provide advantageous public liability insurance arrangements for councils that meet (state-endorsed) infrastructure resilience standards.

Clarifying climate change legal liability

State government would investigate ways to clarify the legal liability of local government on climate change risk and adaptation, eg. through state government endorsing standards for infrastructure based on best-practice climate adaptation

Defence to legal claims based on good faith and best-available science

State government would create a statutory defence for local governments acting in good faith on the best available science to prepare for, reduce and adapt to climate risk.

Disclosure requirements for sale or lease of buildings

State government would introduce voluntary or mandatory disclosure at point of sale or lease of a building, requiring the vendor/lessor to disclose the energy efficiency and thermal performance of the building.

The Energy Efficiency and Productivity Statement indicates that the Victorian Government is considering a voluntary program or new requirements for energy disclosure at point of sale or lease.

DELWP is open to and keen to hear additional ideas on this topic. Please bring any further suggestions for climate change adaptation in infrastructure and asset management to your DELWP workshop, or email [email protected].


DISCUSSION TOPIC 3: Information state government can provide to assist local government

Access to accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is critical to effective adaptation planning and policy. Projections of climate change impacts and analysis of adaptation measures rely on complex science and cutting-edge research. Given its broader jurisdiction and larger pool of resources, the state government may be well-placed to commission and disseminate research and collect data that is useful to local government adaptation planning. By sharing information, state government may also be able to facilitate consistency between neighbouring councils, with benefits for adaptation outcomes and efficiency.

We’ve heard:

Some local governments feel they lack reliable, up-to-date information about climate change impacts specifically relevant to their region and operations

Where local government has recognised climate risks and is willing and keen to address them, action in specific areas can be impeded by a lack of information, and a lack of resources to commission the necessary research and subsequently take action

Specific information is needed to assess vulnerability and risk (eg. climate impact scenarios), and to support effective adaptation strategies (eg. analysis of biodiversity and crop species).


1. What are the most important areas in which local government lacks information related to climate change adaptation?

2. What kind of information could state government provide to local government that would: o Address gaps in local government knowledge about climate change impacts; and o Be best commissioned and distributed by state government, as opposed to research best

commissioned by individual councils or groups of councils or the federal government (consider the specific value-add of state government action)?

3. What kinds of guidance could state government provide for interpreting and using relevant information?



Vulnerability analysis

State government would undertake regular statewide vulnerability analysis (eg. at 5 year intervals) to assist local government and other relevant authorities to identify key risks, and identify priority areas for adaptation action.

Risk assessments for regions encompassing most metropolitan councils are complete or underway in various forms through Greenhouse Alliances.

Up-to-date climate change science

State government would undertake to commission regular and accessible reporting on the latest science and climate projections, relating to climate change impacts across the state and/or specific areas of risk.

DELWP recently released updated climate science snapshots for Victorian regions. There are many existing climate science publications – what kind of information does local government need which is currently missing?

Benchmarks and planning scenarios

State government would undertake research to determine state-wide benchmarks for adaptation planning and determine scenario(s) to guide local

Similar to the requirement in the Victorian planning scheme to plan for sea-level

http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/understand

http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/understand


government planning. This could also incorporate adaptation pathways approaches.

rise of 0.8m by 2100.

Best practice risk management

State government would provide (and regularly update) guidance for local government on best practice risk management, drawing on international standards and state government risk management policy and practice.

In light of information currently available (eg. ISO 31000 Risk Management Guidelines), what would be useful from state government?

Integrating climate change into council governance and planning

State government could provide: - Information, training and guidance for CEOs

and senior executives of local government about integrating climate change adaptation into corporate and business planning, asset and risk management and across the work of council departments; and/or

- Information and training for Councillors about climate change risks and impacts, and the importance of integrating adaptation measures across council; and/or

- Guidance and training for climate change officers on approaches to integrating climate change adaptation across council

DELWP Local Government Climate Change Mentors worked to integrate climate change into an existing university Service Delivery Review course for local government senior executives, and provided scholarships for Victorian local government staff to participate. The Resilient Melbourne Strategy includes an action to develop resilience training for local government.

Species choice for crops and biodiversity

State government could commission state-wide (or regional) research on:

- Projected climate change impacts on Victoria’s crop species, and species suitable for cultivation under climate change impact scenarios; and/or

- Projected climate change impacts on Victoria’s flora, and species appropriate for revegetation and other planting under projected climate change impact scenarios.

DELWP is aware that work is currently underway in these areas in some LGAs, with the involvement of universities.

Climate-proof procurement

State government would provide guidance to assist local government to make procurement decisions in accordance with adaptation objectives.

Information database/hub/other web tools

State government would host and manage a database/clearinghouse of information (including latest science, initiatives underway, etc.) about adaptation relevant to councils across Victoria. As part of this initiative, state government could commission a review of existing research and information relating to climate change adaptation (incorporating work undertaken by government, universities and other relevant agencies) to be hosted on an online hub. State government could also develop other web tools to assist with adaptation planning, such as:

- An interactive map of the state showing climate risks and suggested adaptation actions

- Interactive forums for adaptation discussions between local and state government officers

There are many good examples of online resources bringing together climate change information in a user-friendly way – see eg. the New York Climate Change Science Clearinghouse, and the PROVIA/Mediation Adaptation Platform among others. DELWP is currently updating the information for local government available on the DELWP climate change website. Various tools exist currently

https://www.nyclimatescience.org/



http://www.mediation-project.eu/platform/

http://www.mediation-project.eu/platform/

http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/

http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/


- A portal for sharing adaptation case studies and projects from Victoria and/or farther afield

which capture information relevant to Victoria – consider gaps and the potential for state government value-add.

DELWP is open to and keen to hear additional ideas on this topic. Please bring any further suggestions for information state government can provide to local government to your DELWP workshop, or email [email protected].


DISCUSSION TOPIC 4: Supporting local government adaptation work

State government has a role to play supporting local government to address climate change risks and impacts, by virtue of the state’s broader jurisdiction, ability to leverage resources, and role in overarching policy development. This support may cut across many areas of local government work, and could take different forms. Identifying gaps in adaptation action and specific needs that can be addressed by state government will bolster the capacity of local governments to respond to the impacts of climate change.

We’ve heard:

Climate change is often perceived as an exclusively environmental concern by councils, and climate change officers have difficulty integrating climate change considerations across the organisation

Local governments struggle with planning for climate change scenarios where there is a high degree of uncertainty

Implementing climate change adaptation projects can be difficult in local government due to a lack of resources (staff, technical expertise, financial)

Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation is difficult due to a lack of established metrics and processes for mainstreaming ongoing monitoring and evaluation

In addition, council activity that addresses climate change impacts is often not specifically labelled ‘climate change adaptation’ because it falls into established areas of council activity. This can also make monitoring and evaluation difficult


1. How could state government most effectively support adaptation work in local government (outside planning, infrastructure and asset management, and provision of information)?

2. What are the priority needs of local government that state government could address? 3. What would be the most effective mechanisms for administering this support?



Corporate governance

State government would mandate the inclusion of climate change adaptation measures in council planning, eg. by adding a requirement about adaptation to Council Plans under the Local Government Act 1989, or by mandating local government Climate Change Adaptation Plans (similar to Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plans required under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.)

DELWP is meeting with the LG Pro corporate governance special interest group as part of the AP2 engagement process.

Tools for determining priorities

State government would develop tools to assist councils to deal with uncertainty in adaptation planning, to facilitate sustainable and robust stepwise decision-making. This could include:

- Vulnerability assessment methods for different areas of council activity

- Adaptation pathways approaches - Cost-benefit analysis tools or multi-criteria

analysis tools

This could build on existing tools, such as the EAGA & NAGA Building Vulnerability Assessments Framework.

Training and capacity building

State government would provide targeted training and capacity-building support to local government climate change officers and senior staff.

Some training has been delivered under VASP projects.


Liaison officers State government would support a number of staff in liaison roles to facilitate dialogue and coordinate action between local and state governments. This role could also include facilitating integration with regional adaptation activities.

From 2014-2016 DELWP piloted the Local Government Climate Change Mentors program. In discussion, please reflect on this program, and whether/how a similar program should be implemented in future. DELWP has staff in each region who have ongoing relationships with local government – consider how to build on this.

Innovative finance mechanisms

State government would develop innovative and efficient finance mechanisms to increase funding available for adaptation action in local government. These would leverage funding beyond provision of grants, and may be tailored to specific areas of need.

Environmental Upgrade Agreements are an example of a mechanism leveraging funding from non-government sources to address a specific need.

Building community awareness

State government would work with local government to undertake targeted activities that raise awareness of climate change risks, impacts, and adaptation strategies in the wider community. This could be delivered based on identified specific needs (eg. material designed for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities), and would be coordinated across councils as appropriate.

Relevant work is underway in various organisations (including Sustainability Victoria). Consider the value-add of additional state government work, and whether there are gaps that need to be addressed.

Monitoring and evaluation

State government would develop or endorse a framework for monitoring and evaluation of adaptation action that councils could apply. This could include:

- A shared platform for reporting of adaptation implementation action across councils

- State government support of information-sharing and capacity-building around monitoring and evaluation of adaptation action

The WAGA ‘How well are we adapting’ project will produce a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework for adaptation performance by councils.

Strengthening adaptive capacity in other areas of council operations

State government could work with local government to identify and address key areas of need for more effective climate change adaptation in the delivery of community services (eg. assisting community health centres to identify and manage climate change impacts).

Consider the primary areas of need in local government, and how state government may be best-placed to assist.

Other needs? State government could provide targeted support to local government climate change officers to assist with identified adaptation needs.

Please be as specific as possible about support which would be useful from state government and why.

DELWP is open to and keen to hear additional ideas on this topic. Please bring any further suggestions for supporting local government adaptation work (outside infrastructure and planning) to your DELWP workshop, or email [email protected].


DISCUSSION TOPIC 5: Governance arrangements for adaptation between state and local governments

It is essential that state and local governments work together to deliver effective, efficient and sustainable adaptation planning across Victoria. To have a constructive, productive relationship and to appropriately share the responsibilities for climate change adaptation, it is important to have suitable governance mechanisms in place which clarify the roles of each, facilitate clear communication and meaningful dialogue, and meet the needs of both levels of government. It is also critical to establish a durable process that will drive cooperation in the long term around strategic decisions, actions, and ongoing monitoring and review.

We’ve heard:

Defining the roles and responsibilities of state and local governments for climate change adaptation is essential for a productive working relationship

Local government should be recognised for the leading role it plays in climate change adaptation in Victoria, and the extensive work that has been and is being done in this area

Local government needs autonomy in order to pursue ambitious and locally appropriate adaptation planning

The Memorandum of Understanding developed as part of the first Adaptation Plan has not met the expectations of local government

Local government is ready and willing to work with state government, offer ideas and share expertise


1. What are the most important issues in state government-local government adaptation governance to address in AP2?

2. What would be the most useful and effective governance mechanisms to support local government adaptation work (and for local government to support state adaptation policy and action)?



MOU A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed under the first Adaptation Plan, and signed in 2014. Options for AP2 include:

- Terminate the MOU, and commit to developing an alternative mechanism to govern the relationship between state and local government. This could take the form of an “Adaptation Pact” between councils and state government, including concrete actions;

- Renegotiate the terms of the MOU, on the understanding that terms would be rewritten to better reflect the needs, roles and responsibilities of state and local governments;

- Continue the MOU in its current form, with both state and local governments committing to strengthen its implementation.

DELWP understands that the MOU has not provided the structure and clarity needed to govern the relationship between state and local governments with regard to adaptation. AP2 will seek to improve on this. The COAG Statement of Common Understanding on Roles and Responsibilities for Climate Change Adaptation in Australia aims to define the roles and responsibilities of each level of government. How useful is it?


Local government adaptation responsibilities under legislation

State government could publish a list of relevant Acts and responsibilities delegated to local government, to assist with clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each level of government

Recommended by the Productivity Commission’s 2013 report on barriers to effective climate change adaptation. This could form part of a renegotiated MOU or agreement.

Role of Greenhouse Alliances

State government could support the work of the Alliances by:

- Working closely with the Alliances to identify regional priorities for adaptation action and to appropriately allocate resources

- Consolidating existing information and, where relevant, co-developing region-specific climate change information

- Engaging the Alliances to auspice and/or mentor adaptation projects funded by state government and delivered by member councils

- Convening regular meetings with Executive Officers to provide a clear and continuous flow of information between member councils and the state government

- Other formal or ad hoc arrangements?

Greenhouse Alliances lead climate change projects across councils and play an important advocacy role on behalf of their members. 70 of the 79 Victorian LGAs are members of an Alliance. DELWP is engaging directly with Greenhouse Alliances as part of developing AP2.

Local government summits

State government would convene annual local government adaptation summits. An annual summit could provide opportunities to share information and best practice, identify recurring challenges, hear from invited speakers, build skills in training workshops, and strengthen links in the community of interest.

Consider who should attend an annual summit – CEOs? Councillors? Officers?

Inter-council network/forum

State government would facilitate an inter-council network or forum on climate change adaptation to support collaboration between local governments, new partnerships, knowledge-sharing, skill development, consistency across councils, regular engagement with the research community, etc. This forum could host general adaptation discussions and/or focus on specific areas of adaptation work or particular climate change impacts.

Various forums already exist to connect local government officers to their counterparts in other councils. What would be the value-add of an adaptation-specific forum? Consider gaps, and whether other actors may be well-placed to facilitate these forums.

Adaptation pledges

State government could facilitate a process of making and implementing “Adaptation Pledges”, to build momentum around adaptation action and build a shared framework for planning and evaluating adaptation across local governments.

DELWP is open to and keen to hear additional ideas on this topic. Please bring any further suggestions for governance arrangements for adaptation between state and local governments to your DELWP workshop, or email [email protected].

www.delwp.vic.gov.au

discussion paper: options for state government to support local government in climate ... ·...

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