Document Review & Authorisation Job Number: 22-M-09 Document Version Final/ Draft Date Author Reviewed By Checked by BUG Release Approved By Issued to Copies Comments 1.0 Draft 25/05/12 C. Larsen S. McGuinness 1(e) Internal review 2.0 Draft 15/06/12 C. Larsen S. McGuinness H. Buck S. McGuinness Macedon Ranges 1(e) For review 3.0 Final 29/06/12 C. Larsen M. Toulmin H. Buck M. Toulmin D. Varney K. Xiao 1(e) Incorporating comments Note: (e) number of copies indicates electronic distribution
The extent of native vegetation in the Shire and the predicted increased frequency and intensity of bushfire also poses a significant threat to residents and visitors and also challenges for Macedon Ranges settlement and land use planning strategies. Status of physical assets and extreme events The projected population growth and associated construction of housing poses a risk for the Shire if development occurs in flood and bushfire prone areas. Recent residential developments have been designed and established with conservation in mind, but potentially little emphasis placed on stormwater drainage, considering they have been constructed during a long-term drought. The report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission has significant implications for existing and future residential development in the region and presents major challenges in balancing community expectations around safety and lifestyle with planning policy context.
Drought ~1998 to 2009 Severe reduction in average rainfall. Rainfall reduction between 2001-08 and 1961-1990 mean was: Kyneton -22% Gisborne -24% Lancefield -19% Reduced farm income. Financial pressure and family strain. Reduced water storages. Reduced regional gross value of agricultural production (GVAP). Increased farmer mental illness. Increased urban and rural water scarcity. DAFF DPI DHS Farmers Water authorities (GV Water and Western Water) Government drought relief packages. Mental health assistance. Increased pressure on welfare services. Reduced irrigation allocation. Urban water restrictions. Downward impact on GDP growth of 1.0 percentage point between 2001-02 and 2002-03. Bushfires February 2009 Temperature was mid to high 40C and winds were in excess of 100 km/h. Damage to properties and infrastructure. Injury and loss of life. In central Victoria one life was lost, more than 70 homes were destroyed, wildlife and livestock were decimated, and many kilometres of fencing and farmland were scorched. CFA DSE Macedon Ranges Council SES CFA and SES volunteer crews. of residents. Lack of access due to road closures. Total cost to Victoria was $4.4 billion.
Adaptation Actions Requiring Further Work This section outlines the adaptation actions that require further work (e.g. data analysis, comparison of options) or additional budget (e.g. external funding) over the next three to five years. Further work and budgeting should be based on the risk priority rating identified. Organisational Development and Corporate Services The areas of further work for the Organisational Development and Corporate Services directorate are outlined in the table below. Table : Areas of further work for Organisational Development and Corporate Services Adaptation number Adaptation action Risk(s) addressed Risk priority ODCS-1 Investigate and prioritise improving the structural integrity of existing Council buildings, and improving drainage on existing Council properties. Increased rainfall intensity and flooding may cause inundation of buildings, which will interrupt service provision and cause safety issues for staff in buildings and when attempting to leave. High ODCS-2 Shift to electronic documentation system, and investigate the potential for climate controlled offsite storage of hardcopy historical records. Increased rainfall intensity and flash flooding may cause inundation of storage facilities, or increased humidity, can cause damage to historical records and IT equipment. Medium ODCS-4 Invest in fit-for-purpose backup generators to ensure IT system operation during power failures, in conjunction with implementing the Business Continuity Plan and Work from Home Plan. Increased severity and frequency of extreme events (e.g. storm, fires, flood and heatwaves) may negatively impact power supply and make IT systems unavailable. Medium Community Wellbeing The areas of further work for the Community Wellbeing directorate are outlined in the table below. Table : Areas of further work for Community Wellbeing Adaptation number Adaptation action Risk(s) addressed Risk priority CW-4b Ensure low cost, energy efficient, climate adapted housing is built and available as part of the Housing Strategy (part advocacy project). Increase in heatwaves will increase negative impacts on vulnerable populations Very High CW-4c Develop a communications strategy to ensure that vulnerable people have access to information / strategies to deal with heatwaves. This may include investigating if vulnerable people can be targeted through HACC Assessment and Enhanced MCHN.
AO-5a Undertake flood and hazards mapping exercise to inform decisions on development proposals e.g. riverine flooding Kyneton and Malmsbury. Increased severity and frequency of extreme events increases damage to assets on vulnerable land, e.g. Councils buildings, recreation facilities, subdivision on floodplain. High AO-11a Establish a Council emergency response and recovery fund for extreme events not covered by the National Disaster Response and Relief Fund. Increased severity and frequency of extreme events (e.g. drought, wind storms) increases ongoing capital maintenance costs of parks and gardens. This includes trucking water for heritage trees (up to $70 K per annum) and botanical gardens e.g. Malmsbury, and damage to trees from wind storms, particularly in towns (one response event can cost $150 K). High Planning and Environment The areas of further work for the Planning and Environment directorate are outlinedin the table below. The key plans involving further work are the Natural Environment Strategy and Housing Strategy. Table : Areas of further work for Planning and Environment Adaptation number Adaptation action Risk(s) addressed Risk priority PE-1 Undertake risk assessment and adaptation training for the range of economic development sectors. Increased average temperature and decline in average rainfall may cause a decline in agriculture due to inadequate decision-making skills, information, and financial resources to maintain economically viable and sustainable farm businesses. High PE-4 Develop / review road signage plan that identifies major touring routes through the municipality and provides consistent signage that incorporates tourism destinations, town, and emergency management considerations. Increased severity and frequency of extreme events may reduce tourist safety e.g. increasing dependence by visitors on good signage and directions to exit from high-risk areas and find safe areas. High PE-8 Review the Housing Strategy to explicitly consider the impacts of climate change, particularly increased frequency and severity of bushfire on existing and future rural residential development. Increased fire danger and activity increases the uncertainty as to the appropriateness of rural lifestyle properties around townships as it is not clear if they increase or reduce bushfire risk. Very High PE-9 Review the Housing Strategy to explicitly include considerations of climate change impacts and meet needs of socio-economic profile of the community, including design guidelines for new homes, retirement village and visitor accommodation (also identified in PE-8). Increased severity and frequency of extreme events may result in existing housing stock being unsuitable for vulnerable populations Medium PE-14 Review Natural Environment Strategy to explicitly include Increased average temperature and decline in average rainfall may introduce new pest plant and Medium