Reforming planning processes: Rockhampton 2050 pilot. Local government climate hazard risk management toolkit study
Authors: Penelope-Jane Fry and Sam Williams
Year: 2013
The region of Rockhampton is exposed to multiple climate hazards including flooding, storm surge, bush fires, wind (including cyclones), and sea level rise. This report stems from a larger research project that aimed to determine and demonstrate how existing urban planning principles and practices could accommodate climate change and the uncertainty of climate change impacts for the seachange region. This particular report focused on developing a mechanism and process to enable the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation within local government. Practitioners and stakeholders engaged for this study were found to express confidence in the ability of existing urban planning practices and principles to accommodate and respond to climate change. However, they indicated that reforms in the governance of spatial modeling (i.e. the centralised generation and provision of data such as climate model information, together with user support for local councils) and a handbook for integration within risk management frameworks were required for mainstreaming. A companion Handbook was developed in collaboration with practitioners as part of the research: ‘Climate Hazard Risk Management in Local Government: A strong framework and simple process to support technical managers and executives’ (available from Rockhampton City Council).
 | View Resource |