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                    Adapting to climate change

                    The City of Melbourne has taken many measures to adapt and mitigate climate change and has been recognised for its leadership in responding to both.
                    We are facing a range of new challenges as the world's climate changes. More days of extreme heat, higher intensity rainfall, extreme storms, reduced levels of overall rainfall, rising sea-levels and risks of future droughts are all predicted. See Climate change impacts on Melbourne.

                    What we are doing

                    Cities that plan and act early will better withstand the impacts of climate change and maintain a platform for future health and prosperity.

                    The City of Melbourne is undertaking action and research to better prepare for and understand the local impacts of climate change. Read about our efforts at our action to date and key programs and actions pages.

                    Our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (see below) provides more information about our actions to cushion, neutralise, adjust or avoid climate change impacts. It identifies climate change risks for the municipality, including critical risks, for now, in 2030 and 2070.

                    Heatwaves and days of extreme heat

                    Currently Melbourne experiences nine very hot days (where temperatures exceed 35 degrees) on average each year. Climate models suggest this number will increase by up to 26 days on average by 2070. Heatwaves (five or more consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees) are also predicted to increase in frequency.

                    Heatwaves and very hot days are known to have serious impacts on human and animal health, increases in antisocial behaviour, the performance of infrastructure and the delivery of essential services.

                    Human health

                    Hundreds of people die each year from conditions exacerbated by extreme heat. The very young, elderly or sick are most vulnerable to extreme heat, though all individuals can be affected, regardless of age or health.

                    The risk of extreme heat days is compounded in urban areas due to an effect known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Built-up areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to expanses of exposed concrete, asphalt, and steel which retain heat and release it over longer time periods than vegetation.

                    This can cause average urban daytime air temperatures to be up to 5.6°C higher than the surrounding areas in summer. This means taking health precautions is particularly important during days of extreme heat in the city.

                    Find out what you can do to look after your health during a heatwave.

                    Economic

                    Extreme heat has a significant impact on the operation of businesses. Impacts can include:

                    • lost revenue
                    • decreased staff reliability and comfort
                    • increased operating costs
                    • decreased efficiency of operations.

                    It is estimated that during the four day January 2014 heatwave (14-17 January) businesses across the City of Melbourne experienced a $37 million decline in revenue.

                    This equates to almost $10 million in lost revenue per day. Certain sectors such as retail and food and beverage appear to have been harder hit than others.

                    Read more about the impact of heatwaves on Melbourne businesses (PDF 987 KB).

                    Antisocial behaviour

                    Higher temperatures have been correlated to increased levels of violence and antisocial behaviour. Research undertaken for the City of Melbourne 2012 indicated that the number of assaults in the municipality increases by 6.62 incidents per 100,000 persons for every one degree temperature increase above 32 degrees.

                    Read more about the research in Economic Assessment of the Urban Heat Island Effect (PDF 2.05 MB).

                    Essential services and infrastructure

                    Very hot days and heatwaves place stress on the provision of essential services such as electricity and many types of infrastructure including roads, train and tram tracks, and overhead power lines.

                    Increased use of air-conditioners pushes up demand for power during heatwaves and can potentially outstrip supply leading to power blackouts. This risk has significant implications during a heatwave, particularly for those managing their heat stress with air-conditioning. Mass stranding of public transport passengers may also occur if outages are sufficient to disrupt train and tram services.

                    It’s important that you know what you can do if you lose power, and who you can contact when you’re concerned. Find out what to do during a power outage.

                    Drought and reduced rainfall

                    The increasing frequency of drought and reduced rainfall poses challenges to Melbourne’s water supply, as well as the health of parks, trees and green spaces throughout the city.

                    Between 1998 and 2007 rainfall was 14 per cent below average in Victoria. Annual average rainfall is predicted to decrease by 4 per cent by 2030 and 11 per cent by 2070, with the largest declines occurring in spring. The rainfall Victoria does receive will increasingly come from intense storms. Higher evaporation rates are expected to result in less run-off into rivers with a potential decline of up to 45 per cent in 29 Victorian catchments by 2030, placing strain on water supply and the biodiversity of our waterways.

                    Fire risk will also become greater as droughts become more severe. The warmer, drier and longer summers expected in Victoria are very likely to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires – with flow-on effects for air quality.

                    The City of Melbourne is working to better understand and protect the city from the impacts of reduced rainfall. We are investing in infrastructure and working towards consumption targets that will encourage smarter use of drinking water, build resilience to reduced rainfall and prepare the city for future droughts.

                    Flooding and extreme storm events

                    ​Flood events, including those currently known as one in 100 year floods, are predicted to become more common. The area of land inundated during flood events is also expected to increase due to higher intensity rainfall and rising sea levels.

                    The increasing frequency of flood and extreme weather events in Melbourne will pose hazards to people, infrastructure and the delivery of essential services. Flood inundation and extreme storm events can cause substantial damage to property and infrastructure as well as place the health and safety of people at risk.

                    Being prepared for flood emergencies is your responsibility. For tips and suggestions on how to develop a flood emergency plan and to prepare your property, see Floods and storms.

                    Flash flooding is known to cause the most deaths or injuries of all natural disaster weather events and is the main threat in an intense rainfall event. New rainfall patterns and models predict rainfall intensity will increase 0.9 per cent by 2030 and 5.9 per cent by 2070, and extreme event scenarios are likely to increase the extent of flooding in those areas, but are unlikely to create new flooding hotspots altogether.

                    An informed and prepared community can reduce the number of injuries, deaths and stress due to flash floods, so it's important to be prepared and understand the risks.

                    River flooding

                    In Melbourne, there is an existing flood risk to low lying precincts near the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers and Moonee Ponds Creek, including parts of Docklands, Southbank and Fishermans Bend, when high tides coincide with extreme rainfall events.

                    The combination of climate change impacts, including more frequent, large rainfall events and sea level rise means that riverine flooding in these areas will increase in frequency and severity.

                    Extreme storm events

                    Extreme storms are characterised by intense rainfall, hail, and high wind speeds. In Melbourne, climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall but wind speeds will remain similar to what they are today.

                    You can find out more about floods at Flood Victoria.

                    Preparing our city for floods and more extreme storms is a long-term challenge that requires the support and involvement of the whole community.

                    What we are doing

                    Upgrades to the city’s drainage system, installation of water capture and storage projects, incorporation of water sensitive urban design concepts into our planning scheme, and research to better understand the impacts and potential solutions are some of the approaches we are taking to mitigate future flood risks.

                    Flood information kits

                    A flood information kit that details which areas are at risk of flooding and offers advice on how to prepare has been developed in partnership with the State Emergency Service (SES).

                    Download local flood information and a flood checklist.

                    Port Phillip Bay Coastal Adaptation Pathways Project

                    The Port Phillip Bay Coastal Adaptation Pathways Project explored the economic benefits of infrastructure to combat flooding. Detailed case studies were prepared for Southbank and Arden-Macaulay, City of Melbourne areas that already experience regular floods.

                    The study found that by 2040 there would be an increase in the frequency and impact of flood events in these areas, but it was still cost effective to occupy this land, even if no protective measures are taken.

                    The project produced some very important results, however, there are a number of limitations to the approach which should be considered when interpreting the results.

                    We will use the outcomes of this research to better inform future planning and management of flood risk in Southbank and Arden Macaulay, building on the approach outlined in our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

                    We will continue to work with all levels of government to better manage and minimise the risks, as well as continue to work with the community in flood prone areas to help them understand current flood risks and what they as individuals can do to help lessen their vulnerability when flooding occurs.

                    What you can do

                    There are steps you can take to reduce flood risks in your area. Clean drains, rain gardens and water tanks can all play a role in reducing the flood risk to our community.

                    Drains

                    The drainage system plays a crucial role in reducing flood risks but needs to be clear of leaf litter and debris to work most efficiently.

                    If you notice blocked or flooding stormwater drains or have problems with a connection from a private property into a City of Melbourne drain, please contact us.

                    Please report all problems with blocked sewers or burst water mains or leaking fire hydrants to the local water company: City West Water on 13 16 91 (north of the Yarra River) and South East Water (south of the Yarra River) on 13 92 83.

                    Rain gardens and water tanks

                    Rain gardens, planted areas designed to capture water run-off, retain and slow the rate of water entering drains during intense rainfall events. They help reduce pressure on drains and lessen local inundation risks.

                    You can read more about how to install a rain garden and the other benefits Melbourne Water offers.

                    Tanks capture water during intense rainfall events and can reduce the amount of pressure placed on the drainage system and the subsequent flood risk. Installing a tank at your home can help mitigate the flood risk during intense rainfall events.

                    Find out if your home or work is in a flood prone area

                    People who live or work in flood prone areas need to be aware of the risks and what to do during a flood or extreme weather event.

                    You can find out if your home or workplace is in a flood prone area in two ways:

                    • Visit the Planning Scheme for the City of Melbourne and view a map of flood overlays at DPCD. You can use these maps to check if you are likely to be cut-off by flood water even if your home or workplace is not directly threatened.
                    • Alternatively, planning scheme information services at the Victorian government's Department of Transport and Planning can generate a specific report of your property. Search for your address at Vicplan​.

                    Future flood risks: Southbank and Arden-Macaulay

                    Flood maps detailing future flood risks are available for Southbank and Arden-Macaulay.

                    Rising sea levels

                    Climate change is projected to increase average sea-levels along Victoria’s coast by 5 to 15cm by 2030 and 26 to 59cm by 2070. These changes will increase the likelihood and severity of floods and other inundation events like storm surges in Melbourne.
                    The City of Melbourne is working to understand the exact risks that sea level rise poses to the city and what can be done to help mitigate the impacts.

                    Critical risks identified due to sea level rise for the City of Melbourne include property damage from inundation in low lying areas, infrastructure damage where rapid adaptation is required, and increased flood risk. Areas most at risk include parts of the Docklands, Southbank and Fishermans Bend.

                    While the risks posed by sea level rise are relatively negligible during the immediate future, they become far more concerning by 2070 with current climate change projections. Higher sea levels in 2070, coupled with more intense storms and increased storm surge heights, will greatly expand the coastal and riverine areas likely to be inundated by storm events.​

                    The Federal Government has developed a series of initial maps that show potential sea level rise impacts in Melbourne. Those who own existing properties that may be impacted by sea level rise in the future should take this into account when planning future renovations or developments.

                    Integrated, long-term strategies to address sea level rise are far more cost effective than potentially drastic and urgent measures undertaken when shores are inundated. The best and most cost effective adaptation measures are related to urban planning and infrastructure decisions in the short term. This makes the long term risks of sea level rise an active management issue for today.

                    Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Refresh 2017

                    The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2009, the first of its kind in Australia, mapped out our approach for adapting to a changing climate. It undertook an in-depth risk assessment and highlighted key priority areas for action. The Adaptation Action Plan 2010 then outlined more detailed steps we would take to respond to the climate change risk assessment. Since then, over 100 actions have been completed and we have clearly demonstrated how a council can adapt to a changing climate.

                    There have been many changes since we published our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy in 2009. Melbourne’s climate context has evolved, population growth projections have increased, and global and national policy and regulations have changed. 

                    The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Refresh 2017 details how we will increase our existing efforts and implement new ways to work towards our vision of a city that is adapting well to climate change. We want Melbourne to prosper and thrive and continue to be a global leader in climate change adaptation. The refreshed strategy will build the resilience of our municipality to the impacts of climate change, so our community can continue to enjoy the things they value.

                    Vision, goals and principles for the strategy. Download the full Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Refresh 2017 document below for full details.

                    Heat Safe City Principles​​

                    The Heat Safe City Principles outline the ​​City of Melbourne’s ambitions and priorities for adapting to extreme heat. They have been developed in response to community engagement findings and draw from existing City of Melbourne strategies. Implementation of the Heat Safe City Principles requires a mix of City of Melbourne-led delivery, partnering with other organisations, and advocating for change.

                    How we help people to prepare for heatwaves​​

                    • Every member of the community understands their heat risk and knows what action to take to reduce their risk.
                    • Every member of the community can access a cool public place within walking distance of their home.
                    • Every resident has a cool place in their home.

                    ​How we cool the city and boost thermal comfort​​

                    • The city is cooled by increasing the quantity and quality of green infrastructure wherever possible.
                    • The city is prepared for drought by increasing alternative water supply.
                    • The city is planned and built to increase thermal comfort.

                    How we work at council and adapt operations

                    • Our staff understand how heat affects their safety and the delivery of council services, and take action to prepare for and reduce risk.
                    • We prioritise the most vulnerable members of the community in decisions about heat risk.
                    • We are innovative in how we design and deliver policy, services and places to reduce heat risk.
                    • We partner with other organisations to maximise our impact and advocate for change.

                    For more information on how we’re tackling heat, visit our heatwaves​ page.​

                    What you can do​

                    For specific actions you can take to be prepared for climate change impacts, see Heatwaves - City of Melbourne and Water and flooding in Melbourne.

                    Further to this, here are some actions you can take to keep Melbourne cool, healthy and liveable.

                    Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2009

                    The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is a comprehensive assessment of Melbourne’s climate change risks for 2010, 2030 and 2070. It outlines a risk analysis of the potential climate change impacts and possible implications for Melbourne.

                    We will continue to work with all levels of government to better manage and minimise the risks posed by climate change.

                    Key climate risks

                    We face four key climate change risks:

                    • less rainfall and more chance of drought 
                    • extreme heatwaves and bushfires
                    • intense rainfall and wind storms 
                    • sea level rise.

                    Our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy assesses the likelihood of these risks occurring. It explores the impact on our critical urban systems, such as:

                    • water supply
                    • transport
                    • communications
                    • energy services
                    • emergency services
                    • built environment
                    • social systems.

                    Building resilience

                    There are many ways to build resilience to climate change. Options include:

                    • technological (green/cool roofs)
                    • behavioural (safety in flood water)
                    • managerial (maintenance practices
                    • policy-related (planning regulations).

                    Two key actions that offer multiple benefits for the municipality are:

                    • Harvesting storm water across the municipality – this helps with reducing drinking water usage, watering our parks and street trees, preventing floods, building our water system resilience and protecting biodiversity.
                    • Increasing the city’s passive cooling efficiency – the city centre can be up to 7°C hotter than less urbanised places so reducing heat levels will help counter rising temperatures.
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