With the public launch of CoastAdapt earlier this year, state governments, coastal councils, NGOs and community groups have ready access to a wealth of information to help adapt to climate change.

‘CoastAdapt is a terrific product,’ says Greg Hunt, Executive Officer of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance. ‘And with the specific sea level data at a local government level, there is great value for councils as they can see themselves reflected in the product.’

The Shoreline Explorer, for example, contains data for exploring the characteristics of the coast, providing a guide to the sensitivity and vulnerability of the coast to inundation and erosion today and in the future.

The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance is a collaboration of nine councils in Victoria’s south-east making a regional response to climate change. They undertake projects in greenhouse gas abatement, in sequestration and in adaptation on behalf of their Council members. Established in 2004, the Alliance has raised over $9 million and undertaken 20 climate change related projects.

‘While there will always be a use for better and better data, we now have sufficient data for councils. It takes the courage to use what we have, and the preparedness to act. Decision tools like CoastAdapt can help.’

Communicating the tool will be important. ‘Use will depend on dissemination activities. Having the information doesn’t necessarily mean that it will get used.’

‘One challenge is council funding – if climate change adaptation is discretionary, it may be put off due to the lack of funds.’

‘Local government can be very reactive, yet climate change is prospective. The certainty of the present and immediate past conflict with the uncertainty of the future. A dog biting a child will always get priority. Councils are – and must be – highly responsive to communities.’

‘The one-page documents for planners in CoastAdapt and advice for chief executives are excellent resources. They suggest specific responses to a range of adaptation needs.’

‘All climate change adaptation is local. The community needs to adapt. Interestingly, nothing stimulates action more than an adjoining council instigating a project. This presents opportunities to learn, share strategies and fit in with what others are doing.’

View CoastAdapt shoreline explorer at http://coastadapt.com.au/coastadapt-interactive-map

How have you used the CoastAdapt web site and its tools?
Which tools have you found most useful?