Elected representatives play a critical role in guiding how communities prepare for and respond to climate change. They make decisions about strategic planning, infrastructure investment, community wellbeing, land use, environmental management and economic development, all of which can be affected by climate change and coastal hazards.

Coastal councils vary considerably in their size, resources and exposure to climate risks. Some face immediate challenges from coastal erosion, inundation and extreme weather, while others are planning for longer-term changes such as sea-level rise and shifting population patterns.

A key question for elected representatives is what climate change means for their community's future, and how they can make informed decisions that support equitable and fair community wellbeing, sustainable development and local resilience.

Here we provide a selection of CoastAdapt resources that we think you will find useful if you are an elected representatives in local government but also in state and federal governments.

Climate change is creating new challenges and opportunities for coastal communities. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, extreme heat, bushfires and storms can affect homes, businesses, infrastructure, natural environments and community services.

Elected representatives are often required to balance competing priorities, manage community expectations and make decisions that will influence their municipality for decades. CoastAdapt can help by providing access to information, guidance, tools and examples that support informed and evidence-based decision-making.