CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY REFRESH 2017 - City of Melbourne
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CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY REFRESH 2017
AN ECO CITY We provide solid foundations for the sustainability of Melbourne’s communities. We embrace the unfamiliar if it helps us achieve our ambitions. We continue to encourage our community to take positive actions and we lead by example locally, nationally and globally. 2 City of Melbourne
Message from the
CITY OF MELBOURNE
The City of Melbourne has set an our priorities for adapting to climate
ambitious target for Melbourne to change, and complements important
become a carbon neutral city. Due to existing activities within the broader
the global nature of climate change, municipality.
our ambitious actions to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions cannot Climate change adaptation is an
prevent changes to our local climate, ongoing process. We need to regularly
which we are already experiencing. review our progress against our goals
The City of Melbourne is committed and the specific targets which are
to responding to the impacts of outlined in existing and future strategies.
climate change. Total Water Mark: City as a Catchment,
for example has targets specifying that
Through Future Melbourne 2026 by 2030, 20 per cent of municipal water
we know that Melburnians value an will be sourced from alternative sources
inclusive, family friendly, culturally and drainage infrastructure upgraded
diverse city that protects its natural to cater for a 1 in 20 year flood event.
Robert Doyle
environment and provides access to The Urban Forest Strategy has a target
Lord Mayor
good jobs. This refreshed strategy will to double the canopy cover to 40 per
build the resilience of our municipality cent in the public realm by 2040.
to the impacts of climate change,
so our community can continue to These targets are ambitious today but
enjoy the things they value. as new technology and information
becomes available we will review
We have already taken steps to mitigate these targets and include additional
our impact and adapt to climate ones, such as permeability targets
change and have been recognised for (as outlined in this strategy).
our leadership. Future action needs
to continue to take multiple climate Adapting well to climate change
hazards into account, including drought means we are working in collaboration
and reduced rainfall, heatwaves and with our partners to respond to the
bushfires, intense rainfall and storm impacts of climate change and action
events, and sea level rise. that we take results in multiple benefits.
Our natural environment and green
Everyone has a role to play in preparing spaces are enhanced, our built form and
for a changing climate, and many of our new infrastructure is built considering
Cr Cathy Oke
residents, local businesses, neighbours a future climate and our community
Chair, Environment Portfolio
and the Victorian and Australian know what to do to protect themselves
Governments, along with international during extreme weather events. As the
players, have also taken action. climate changes we continue to prosper
and thrive.
This refresh of our 2009 Climate
Change Adaptation Strategy provides We look forward to working with you
updated direction for how we plan, to help Melbourne continue to adapt
prepare for and respond to the to climate change.
impacts of climate change. It outlines
Acknowledgements
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land.
For the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri), Boon Wurrung, Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung
groups who form the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting
place for events of social, educational, sporting, and cultural significance.
Today we are proud to say that Melbourne is a significant gathering place for all
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Many people have contributed ideas presented within this strategy including
within the broader City of Melbourne community and key stakeholders.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 3
4 City of Melbourne
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 6
2. Changes since 2009 9
2.1 Melbourne’s climate context has evolved 9
There are significant climate impacts in Melbourne 9
Population growth projections have increased 9
Policy and regulatory changes apply at global, national and state levels 12
Our community wants action 12
2.2 Best practice in city climate change adaptation leadership 14
Local government has an important role 15
2.3 We have made progress but there is more to do 16
Melbourne’s climate change risks remain significant 16
Our achievements to date 17
Opportunities to strengthen our climate change adaptation approach 18
3. We need a stronger partnership approach 21
4. Our new vision, goals and principles 23
Goal 1: Enhance the natural environment and green spaces of our municipality 24
Goal 2: Shape our built form and urban renewal areas to withstand future climate change impacts 26
Goal 3: Strengthen the resilience of our inclusive, family friendly and culturally diverse community 28
Goal 4: Protect and enhance our diverse economy 30
Goal 5: Continue to build Melbourne’s climate change adaptation capabilities and expertise 31
5. Developing new ways to measure our progress 33
Appendix 1: Climate Change Adaptation Action Gap Analysis 34
References 38
April 2017
Disclaimer
This report is provided for information and it does not purport to be complete. While care has been taken to ensure the content in the report is accurate, we cannot
guarantee is without flaw of any kind. There may be errors and omissions or it may not be wholly appropriate for your particular purposes. In addition, the publication is a
snapshot in time based on historic information which is liable to change. The City of Melbourne accepts no responsibility and disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained in this report.
To find out how you can participate in the decision-making process for City of Melbourne’s current and future
initiatives, visit melbourne.vic.gov.au/participate
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 5
1. Introduction
Climate change is already having far The City of Melbourne’s risk-focussed of heatwaves. We are building strong
reaching impacts across the world Climate Change Adaptation Strategy relationships with key partners across
and Melbourne has experienced these (2009) was the first of its kind in the municipality to deliver multiple
impacts over recent years; including Australia. We have made substantial benefits through coordinated action and
drought, flooding and extreme heat progress since then, implementing over embed climate change adaptation in
events. Experts warn that these events 100 climate change adaptation actions. decision making processes.
are not only going to become more Much of our climate change adaptation
intense but they are also going to work is now embedded into the way we Updated scientific information and
occur more often, regardless of strong work on a daily basis or is an integral recent policy developments have
action on reducing greenhouse gas part of our other strategies and plans prompted us to rigorously evaluate our
emissions. Climate change adaptation (refer to Figure 5 on page 19). 2009 strategy to determine where we
is the process of planning, preparing, should now focus our efforts and update
responding and driving adjustments We have increased stormwater our approach accordingly.
in our city now, to ensure that we can harvesting to irrigate our parks and
survive and thrive no matter how the street trees and reduced flood risk, Figure 1 outlines the climate change
climate changes. increased green space and canopy adaptation process. We are currently
cover, and enhanced biodiversity at phase four of the process.
across the city to reduce the impacts
1 Research and
assessment
4 2
Monitor Planning
and review and action
development
3 Implementation
Figure 1: The climate change adaptation process
6 City of Melbourne
Significant developments over This strategy refresh takes these Goal 1: Enhance the natural
the past few years include: developments into account and draws environment and green spaces
upon expert advice and best practice of our municipality.
• The scientific evidence base for climate change adaptation strategies
human-induced climate change and from major cities around the world. Goal 2: Shape our built form and
its impacts is stronger than ever. We also undertook extensive internal, urban renewal areas to withstand
community and stakeholder consultation future climate change impacts.
• The United Nations Framework
to inform this strategy. The consultation
Convention on Climate Change Goal 3: Strengthen the resilience
considered the challenges associated
(UNFCCC) Paris Agreement has of our inclusive, family friendly and
with climate change adaptation and
entered into force and the United culturally diverse community.
identified solutions.
Nations released its sustainable
development goals. Goal 4: Protect and enhance
The strategy refresh details how
we will increase our existing efforts our diverse economy.
• The Australian and Victorian
Governments have recently released and implement new actions to work
Goal 5: Continue to build Melbourne’s
climate change adaptation strategies towards our vision of a city that is
adaptation capabilities and expertise.
(2015 and 2017 respectively). adapting well to climate change.
We want Melbourne to prosper and
• At around 140,000 residents in In designing the next steps under each
thrive and continue to be a global
2017, we are experiencing stronger of these goals, we aim to deliver multiple
leader in climate change adaptation.
population growth in Melbourne than benefits for our community beyond
was forecast in our 2009 strategy. climate change adaptation, such as
Five goals will guide how we work
recreation spaces and stronger social
to deliver, partner and advocate for
• Cities around the world are and community networks. We have also
effective climate change adaptation:
implementing new and innovative built in flexibility, and openness to future
ways to adapt to climate change. options, in order to remain responsive
as additional or improved information
• There is strong community support
becomes available.
for increased action on climate
change adaptation, as evidenced
through the Future Melbourne 2026
engagement.
“Many cities are now developing Climate Adaptation or
Climate Resilience Plans with ambitious lists of actions
and interventions. But it is still quite rare to see cities
revisit these plans after several years of implementation
to review progress, update projections and refresh their
action plans. I congratulate the City of Melbourne for
undertaking this ‘Refresh’ phase of their Adaptation Plan
in such a robust and inclusive manner.”
– Steve Gawler, Regional Director ICLEI Oceania
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 7
8 City of Melbourne
2. Changes since 2009
2.1 Melbourne’s Population growth projections have
increased
climate context
has evolved Melbourne municipality’s resident
population was over 136,000 in 2016,
There have been many chances since and another 900,000 people use it each
we published our Climate Change weekday for work, recreation, education,
Adaptation Strategy in 2009. Melbourne’s and other purposes (as at 2017).
climate context has evolved, population
It was previously forecasted in 2009
growth projections have increased,
that the residential population would
and global and national policy and
grow to over 145,000 people in
regulations have changed.
2031 from 76,000 people in 2008.
We are close to reaching this forecast
There are significant climate for 2031, fourteen years early. Based
impacts in Melbourne on new forecasting done in 2016 the
municipality’s residential population is
Our city’s current climate is already now expected to reach over 262,000
warmer and drier than historical by 2036. Daily users of the city are also
averages. Over the past 20 years, expected to increase by 23 per cent
Melbourne has experienced many by 2024.
extreme weather events and climatic
trends (refer to figure 2 on page 10). The municipality’s population is
Every year in Australia new expected to nearly double in the next
heat records are broken, the Climate 20 years while greater Melbourne will
Council Australia noted that in some increase from 4.5 million in 2017 to
locations in 2016-17 the number of eight million.
days above 35 degrees is exceeding
what was projected for 2030. In the inner city, this means our
population will continue to expand into
In the future, Melbourne is likely to high rise buildings for residential and
experience ongoing changes to its student accommodation as well as into
climate, including: low-lying renewal areas at higher risk
of impacts from flooding and storm
• less rainfall and longer and more surges. As the city becomes more
frequent periods of drought densely developed, we also need to
• more frequent and intense manage risk to human health and
heavy downpours wellbeing arising from urban heat.
• more frequent days of extreme
heat, heatwaves and fire weather
• rising sea levels.
These changes require leadership
from the City of Melbourne and our
partners to ensure we minimise the
adverse impact of future events and
harness opportunities for our city
and its people.
The way we prepare for these
changes depends not only on
climatic and environmental factors,
but also on our understanding
of social, technological, economic
and political factors in our city
and beyond.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 9
Floods Drought
In Melbourne’s history The millennial drought
there have been a number placed significant pressure
of major floods, namely on our parks, trees and
those in 1934, 1972, 2005 open space. It incurred
and 2010. As Elizabeth severe water restrictions
Street is built on top of a for residents.
natural creek and is the
lowest point in the central
city, it is particularly
prone to flooding.
1934 1972 2000
Mi
Figure 2: Significant extreme weather events experienced in Melbourne
10 City of MelbourneHeatwaves Thunderstorm Asthma
During the 2009 heatwave, in addition to the The 2016 thunderstorm asthma events
devastating bushfires that claimed 173 lives in Melbourne resulted in the death of
in Victoria, the city experienced a blackout, eight people and serious health impacts
which led to closures of the city’s rail and for thousands more. The unusually wet
tram networks. The total economic costs of spring led to an abundance of grass
the heatwave were estimated to be $800 pollens which, combined with a sudden
million. There was increased demand on cool change and thunderstorm,
health services including a 46% increase in triggered severe asthma for thousands
ambulance callouts and a 12% increase in of people. Melbourne’s health systems
emergency department presentations. In were stretched beyond capacity in
addition there was a significant impact on places, with seven times the normal
mortality with 374 excess deaths recorded number of ambulance calls, and a
during the heatwave period (DHS 2009). shortage of asthma medication in some
Research undertaken on the 2014 heatwave locations. This event was unexpected
showed businesses in the City of Melbourne and highlights how new impacts can
lost an estimated $37 million in revenue over manifest any time.
the four days of the heatwave.
2005 2009 2010 2014 2016
llennial Drought
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 11Policy and regulatory changes
apply at global, national and state
levels United Nations
The importance of climate change The importance of adaptation is recognised
adaptation is increasingly recognised on the international stage. The United Nations
at the international, national, state Framework Convention on Climate Change
and local scale. (UNFCCC) acknowledges that adaptation
efforts are as important as reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. The UNFCCC
Paris Agreement, which came into force
in late 2016, provides further context for
action at all levels of government. The Paris
Agreement in particular recognises the
critical role of cities through their efforts
to reduce emissions, build resilience and
decrease vulnerability to the adverse
effects of climate change.
In 2015, the United Nations, as part of its
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
committed to ‘taking urgent action to
combat climate change and its impacts
(Sustainable Development Goal 13)’. It also
adopted various measures to increase
climate change adaptation efforts as part
of its New Urban Agenda in January 2017.
Australian Government Victorian Government
At the national level, In February 2017, The Victorian Parliament
the Australian Government’s passed the Climate Change Act Bill 2016 to
National Climate Resilience bring into effect a new Climate Change Act.
and Adaptation Strategy, The new Act will implement long-term
released in 2015, sets out how mitigation targets and a stronger
Australia is managing climate commitment to adaptation action.
risks for the benefit of the
community, economy and The Victorian Government also released its
environment. It identifies second statewide climate change adaptation
a set of principles to guide plan. Victoria’s Climate Change Adaptation
effective adaptation practice Plan 2017-2020 provides a blueprint for
and resilience building, and action to help Victoria meet the challenges
outlines the Government’s and act on the opportunities of climate
vision for the future. change. It supports and acknowledges the
work of local governments in helping their
communities adapt.
Figure 3: Australian and International policy context
12 City of MelbourneOur community wants action The consultation process aimed to
identify challenges and solutions to
In late 2016, the City of Melbourne addressing the impacts of climate
released Future Melbourne 2026, change. The community identified
a plan that details the community’s Melbourne’s key challenges as the
aspirations for the city synthesised into enhanced urban heating due to the
nine key goals. The plan was informed hard built surfaces in the city (the urban
by contributions from thousands of heat island effect) and severe flood
people. Future Melbourne 2026 has events. People were most concerned
‘A city that cares for its environment’ with the impacts of these challenges
as Goal 1, elevated from Goal 5 in 2008. on vulnerable parts of the community,
The community has reaffirmed the the city’s plants and animals, the way
importance of ecological sustainability we travel to and from work and our
and climate change adaptation by general social wellbeing.
having the first priority as ‘maintain
the urban biosphere’ and the second To respond to these challenges,
priority ‘adapt for climate change’. community members proposed to
increase green, permeable spaces
The Climate Change Adaptation in the city, strengthen social
Strategy was refreshed with the connectedness, and support vulnerable
guidance of community feedback. populations. The community also
suggested that this strategy should
Following Future Melbourne 2026, promote the retrofitting of the city’s
we sought further input from the infrastructure and the design of
community through: new buildings to better cope with
extreme weather events.
• A discussion paper and online
survey via the Participate Melbourne The Climate Change Adaptation
website. We received 23 submissions Strategy Refresh Community
during the four-week engagement Engagement Summary Report
period in August 2016. summarises the community’s feedback.
• Community workshops and a
public drop-in session. 65 people
attended these workshops.
• Internal workshops and drop-in
sessions to harness the diverse
expertise across 19 internal
branches of our organisation.
• A stakeholder workshop, which
included 25 people from business,
government and academia.
• Individual meeting with key
stakeholders.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 132.2 Best practice in
city climate change
adaptation leadership
In cities, people can work together
to help minimise harm and make the
most of opportunities while adapting
to climate change through using
social networks, and nature-based
and engineering solutions. These
include green roofs, spaces, walls
and laneways, stormwater capture
systems, and upgrading drainage
infrastructure to tackle risks associated
with urban heat and flooding.
This collaborative approach builds
new social connections and help
spread ideas, reducing people’s
vulnerability to climate change.
Benthemplein Water Square, RotterdamSource: Gemeente Rotterdam
Since the City of Melbourne’s first
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
was released in 2009, many cities
around the world have further
developed their approach to climate
change adaptation. Their innovative
actions have created a wealth of
technological and other practices
we can learn from.
Blue infrastructure,
Rotterdam
Rotterdam in the Netherlands stands
out as a global leader in climate
resilience and sustainable urban
design. In response to sea level rise
and increases in rainfall and flooding
events, the city piloted an innovative
above ground water storage system
called Benthemplein Water Square.
Made up of several connected
basins, the squares function as both
Green roof in New York CitySource: New York City Department of Environmental Protection
floodable infrastructure and outdoor
sports courts. The Water Square forms
an important part of the city’s flood Green Infrastructure, up to $200,000, to encourage
management and shows how flood New York City building owners to install green roofs.
retention can be integrated into and The program has been successful
form part of the identity of a built city. As part of its climate adaptation in increasing green roof coverage.
It is featured in the city’s Climate strategy, ‘A Stronger More Resilient
Change Adaptation Strategy as an New York,’ New York City introduced In Melbourne, innovative finance
example of how to ‘climate proof’ the Green Roof Tax Abatement to mechanisms may also have a role
the city (City of Rotterdam, 2013). help realise the potential of green to play in the uptake of green roofs
roofs in cooling, absorbing stormwater, across the central city and support
Developing a water square in Melbourne reducing noise and air pollution and an emerging industry.
could play a role in managing more creating a green environment for wildlife.
frequent flash floods in densely built-up The abatement reduces property taxes
areas. by $5.23 per square foot of green roof,
14 City of MelbourneOlympic Games Urban Renewal Cloudburst Master Plan, Local government has
and Regeneration, London Copenhagen an important role
The 2012 London Olympic Games A major rainfall event in the city Local governments in cities are at
provided a transformative opportunity of Copenhagen in 2011, initiated the heart of adaptation action. They:
to regenerate undervalued land while the development of an innovative,
committing to the promise of creating catchment-based 20-year master plan. • Can directly influence the shape of
a high-quality, vibrant and resilient The downpour, which consisted of 150 the built form and infrastructure
new area for London. Surrounded mm in two hours, caused damage to used by more than 50 per cent of
by a network of rivers, with poor critical infrastructure and close to $1 the world’s population every day.
water quality, flood risk and heavily billion euros in insurance claims. The
• Are responsible for managing
contaminated groundwater, the London Cloudburst master plan protects the city
significant assets and delivering
Olympic Park area was redeveloped to against future heavy rainfall through the
many types of services.
improve community amenity beyond implementation of 300 dual function
the Olympic Games. Climate change projects that enhance the quality of • Have a privileged understanding of,
adaptation was central to the design of life of the people of Copenhagen. and access to, their communities
the waterfront park, which is used as a It incorporates blue and green through the direct services they
flood defence to maintain protection infrastructure into the planning process. provide.
for a 1 in 100 year flood. The project Amenities such as recreational, mobility
• Have established relationships with
generated multiple benefits, providing a and biodiversity areas are used for flood
many important local stakeholders
valuable wetland habitat and creating a mitigation. The City of Copenhagen
that can become drivers of climate
public open space for residents to use. worked with local communities to
change adaptation.
identify areas for water detention.
Melbourne has a number of The master plan is funded through • Receive a direct mandate from their
urban renewal sites, where similar a water tax. The implementation of communities to prepare for extreme
design principles could be used the master plan reduces the risk from events that severely impact them
to accommodate sea level rise, flooding resulting in residents receiving and their environment.
manage flooding, and increase a decrease in their insurance premiums
urban biodiversity. and in some cases properties that were • Melbourne is part of a global
not insurable can now be insured. The community of connected cities,
work provided 660 million euros of businesses and individuals who lead
socio economic benefits. the way in climate adaptation.
Cities partnering on climate change action
Melbourne is working with other cities across the from UN-Habitat, the UN’s lead agency on urban issues.
world to lead the way in climate change adaptation The Compact captures the impact of cities’ collective
actions through standardised measurement of emissions
The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) is and climate risk, and consistent, public reporting.
demonstrating cities’ commitment to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and climate change adaptation. Through Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, the 100
C40, Melbourne works with global cities, sharing best Resilient Cities initiative is helping Melbourne and cities
practices. Many cities within the C40 network have around the world become more resilient to physical,
published ambitious adaptation plans and implemented social and economic challenges. The Resilient Melbourne
inspiring solutions. Strategy was released in 2016 and the City Of Melbourne
is one of the 32 metropolitan Melbourne councils that
Melbourne is a member of ICLEI – Local Governments for have endorsed this strategy.
Sustainability and ICLEI’s Global Executive Committee.
ICLEI represents more than 1,500 cities, towns and Locally Melbourne is a partner council in the Inner
regions committed to building a sustainable future, with Melbourne Action Plan 2016-2026 (IMAP) along with
a resilient cities agenda. Melbourne is also a participant the municipalities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra
to the Compact of Mayors. The Compact is led by the and Maribyrnong. IMAP priorities have been shaped in
world’s global city networks – C40, ICLEI and the United response to the Victorian Government’s, Plan Melbourne.
Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) – with support
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 15As part of this refreshed strategy, (such as capital works approval and
2.3 We have made we reviewed the identified risks, to annual planning processes) and day-to-
progress but there assess whether they were still accurate day operational risk management, we
and relevant. We took into account are proactively addressing our climate
is more to do updated climate change projections, change risks.
major trends in the municipality
Melbourne’s climate change risks – population growth, housing The risks can be clustered in four
remain significant densification, environment and social broad themes (as shown in Figure 4).
inequality – and significant changes
In our 2009 Climate Change in risk management strategies.
Adaptation Strategy, we identified
four main climate change risks for The review showed that the existing
Melbourne: insufficient water supply, risks – insufficient water supply, floods,
floods, heatwaves and storms. heatwaves and storms – remain a
The risk assessment in 2009 was priority for action and focus. It also
the first of its kind in Australia and showed that through embedding
helped shape climate change risk adaptation in our business processes
assessment approaches globally.
Insufficient water Inundation from
supply impacting flooding, storm
on the health and surge, sea level rise
maintenance of and flash flooding
green infrastructure causing risk to life,
property and
infrastructure
(including transport)
Storm events
affecting emergency
services, damaging
Heatwave impacts buildings and assets,
to health, transport causing delays
and communications in transportation
infrastructure and and interrupting
electricity demand economic activities
Figure 4: Risk Clusters
16 City of MelbourneOur achievements to date Recognising that climate change is For example, when assets such as
occurring despite our own efforts and roads or parks are being renewed, we
The City of Melbourne’s achievements those of others to reduce emissions, implement increased permeability,
in climate change mitigation and we also formalised our commitment stormwater storage or green
adaptation have been recognised to prepare for the impacts of climate infrastructure.
nationally and internationally, including change through our Climate Change
through the C40 Climate Leadership Adaptation Strategy – the first of its We need to continue to take advantage
Awards. kind in Australia. The 2009 strategy of these opportunities, and also to
and its associated Climate Change plan strategic interventions based on
Our Zero Net Emissions Strategy Adaptation Action Plan 2010 drove the risk and vulnerability. We do this well
(2003, and refreshed in 2008 and implementation of over 100 climate in our Urban Forest Strategy Precinct
2014) sets clear, objectives to reduce change adaptation actions. Plans, using extensive data on heat,
our greenhouse gas emissions and demographics, existing tree health,
to maintain carbon neutrality for our As part of the strategy refresh, we have appropriate species selection and
operations. We also set an ambitious reflected on the effectiveness of our community priorities to determine our
objective to achieve zero net emissions planning, preparation and response planting regime. These Plans have been
for the municipality by 2020. to the four main climate change risks enhanced by our recent research into
across our communities. Our work the suitability of different tree species
has deliberately taken advantage of to a changing climate.
opportunities to implement actions.
La Trobe Street green bicycle lane
When we separated the bicycle lanes
from the road on La Trobe Street,
we chose to add climate adaptive
features like greenery and increased
permeable surfaces. The project
was a key action in our Bicycle
Plan 2012-16. At the same time, the
Urban Forest Strategy and other
city precinct plans highlighted La
Trobe Street as an area that would
benefit from increased tree canopy.
The integration of bicycle and green
infrastructure shows how strong
planning can efficiently achieve
multiple community benefits.
Stormwater capture and
reuse at Fitzroy Gardens
In response to the Millennium
Drought, a stormwater harvesting
system was installed at Fitzroy
Gardens in December 2013. The
system provides 70 million litres
of water every year, and helps us
keep the heritage garden healthy
in a changing climate, in which
prolonged droughts and more
frequent heatwaves are expected.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 17Managing and building a Productive partnerships is working with the Ministerial
resilient drainage system Advisory Committee, the community
The Inner Melbourne Climate and stakeholders to develop a
We are planning the Adaptation Network has helped bring blueprint for Fishermans Bend that
municipality’s drainage together a range of government, will transform it into a place for
maintenance and capital works business and community stakeholders everyone.
programs to respond to high who play vital roles in addressing
rainfall events. Total Watermark: climate change risks in Melbourne. In addition we work closely with
City as a Catchment has a The network ensures sharing of the Victorian Planning Authority
target to upgrade our drainage knowledge and better coordination on the development of Arden
network to cater for a 1 in 20 across neighbouring councils, large Macaulay as well as being on a range
year flood event by 2030. To test landholders and service providers. of interdepartmental committees.
how our network might perform We have Memorandum of
under climate change, we built The City of Melbourne is also on Understandings with the Department
a comprehensive database of the Fishermans Bend Taskforce (the of Environment, Land, Water and
the drainage network using Taskforce), which was established in Planning and the Department of
video capture and area-specific January 2016 to lead the planning of Economic Development, Jobs,
studies. We are now using our in- the area on the recommendation of Transport and Resources. These
depth knowledge to proactively the Ministerial Advisory Committee. strong working relationships help
manage our network to cope The Taskforce also comprises us ensure that decisions made by
with storm events. members from Places Victoria, others, particularly as we plan for
the Department of Environment, significant urban renewal in our
Land, Water and Planning, and the municipality, contribute to the best
City of Port Phillip. The Taskforce outcomes for the city.
Opportunities to strengthen Areas needing more focus include: New opportunities to address the key
our climate change adaptation challenges include:
• Engagement with small and
approach
medium businesses to increase • Increasing permeable surfaces
We have come a long way since our their resilience. within the municipality to reduce
2009 strategy, but there are still the impact of flooding.
• Partnering with other organisations
further opportunities to strengthen our and agencies that have • Providing incentives to the
adaptation response. Reviewing our responsibilities within the city. public realm to increase green
Strategy identified areas where we need infrastructure across the city.
to do more work (refer to Appendix 1 • Increased collaboration to use
for this analysis). We have achieved a a multidisciplinary approach in • Developing extreme weather
lot and we need to build on our existing making business as usual decisions plans to ensure appropriate and
work and also implement new climate in climate change adaptation. inclusive support is provided to
change adaptation actions. vulnerable communities during
• Evaluation of our actions and
extreme weather events.
process.
• Working with small businesses to
• Further incorporating adaptation
help them plan for the impacts
considerations into future planning,
from extreme weather events.
in particular in urban renewal
precincts to prepare for flooding • Actively monitoring and
and inundation. evaluating our adaptation actions
to improve our understanding of
• Appropriately greening the city in
their effectiveness. This will also
both the private and public realm.
identify new opportunities to
• Increased understanding of the address challenges.
effectiveness of our adaptation
actions.
18 City of MelbourneINSUFFICIENT FLOODING & STORM HEATWAVE
WATER SUPPLY INUNDATION EVENTS IMPACTS
Green
Resilient Melbourne City of Melbourne Urban Forest Infrastructure
Melbourne Strategic Design Standards Strategy Framework
Strategy Statement
Beyond the Safe Growing
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Zero Elizabeth Street Open Space
Net Emissions Catchment Integrated City Strategy Green Guide Strategy
Strategy Water Cycle
Management Plan
Transport Planning Policy 22.19 Energy,
Emergency Management Inner Melbourne Strategy water and waste and
Planning – collaborative Climate Adaptation 22.23 Stormwater management
effort between Network Tourism
government agencies Action Plan Nature Building Prosperity
Total Watermark: in the City
City as a Catchment Together
Arts Strategy Strategy
Melbourne
for all People
CitySwitch and 1200 Buildings Strategy Asset Management Strategy
Heatwave and
Homelessness
Action Plan
City of Melbourne
Heatwave
Response Plan
Increase Increase
OUTPUTS
Increase Enhance Implementing
open space Increase canopy cover stormwater biodiversity
permeability harvesting pervious pavements
Planning for
Drainage upgrades have Water Sensitive flooding embedded Irrigation system for
occurred across the city Urban Design Projects into design of drains parks and gardens
Increasing quality of life
BENEFITS
Cooling the city Water security Improved community health
Managing flood risk Greater community resilience Reducing risk to vulnerable communities
Easing congestion Increasing social cohesion Active lifestyles Effective relationships
Figure 5: Our current work in climate change adaptation and the outputs and benefits they provide
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 1920 City of Melbourne
3. We need a stronger
partnership approach
There are many players making changes We cannot tackle these challenges We need to work closely with
in our city, and their decisions will alone. We need to ensure that our Melbourne Water and the water
also affect how resilient our city is to efforts are aligned, complementary, retailers to achieve the level of flood
climate change. We need to work with and achieve multiple benefits. mitigation and management that will
partners more effectively to ensure we Working in partnership with local, protect our communities and enable
protect Melbourne’s citizens and achieve Victorian and Australian Governments, safe and effective growth into low lying
the potential economic, social and agencies and other organisations will areas. Planning for integrated water
environmental co-benefits that planning allow us to deliver adaptation action management will achieve benefits
for climate change can achieve. more broadly across the municipality. including open space that perform
multiple functions for recreation,
As the climate continues to change We need to achieve the climate- environmental protection, water and
and as our population grows, we need related initiatives of the Melbourne flood management and community
to continue the work that we have been Resilience Strategy, within our own and economic activation.
doing and also increase our focus on municipality and in partnership with
the key challenges. Greater Melbourne region councils We need to work more closely with
and Emergency Management Victoria. Victorian Government agencies so
The key challenges requiring This includes taking action in areas planning and development in urban
further work and focus are: such as insurance, urban forest, renewal areas considers sea level rise,
integrated water management, flood management, increased canopy
1. Inundation from floods community resilience, working with cover, heat refuges, green roofs and
and sea level rise. small to medium businesses and walls, and enhanced permeability,
improving social cohesion. whilst creating economic and social
2. Increase greening in the city,
benefits for our growing populations
including green roofs, walls, By introducing funding mechanisms of residents and workers.
facades, open space and urban such as the urban forest fund we
forest in both the public and can help encourage greening of the
private realm. private realm.
3. Emergency response to heat
and storms.
4. Insurance and resilience of
small business.
5. Embedding climate change
adaptation in the work that we do.
“DELWP is proud to partner with the City of Melbourne.
We’re leading together to prepare and adapt our great city
for the challenges of climate change. By working together
we can protect what we all love about Melbourne – it’s a
great place to live, work and visit”.
Adam Fennessy, Secretary of Victorian Government Department of Environment,
Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2122 City of Melbourne
4. Our new vision, goals
and principles
Our vision, goals and principles are Principles • Drive innovation in adaptation, by
based on the priorities expressed remaining open to experimentation
by the community through Future • Continue to act as a global leader and continuing to push boundaries.
Melbourne 2026 and supported in climate change adaptation across
our city. By modelling the way, we • Freely and transparently share
by our risk assessment, experience,
can inspire action from neighbouring knowledge, innovations and
and best climate change adaptation
municipalities and local and lessons learned.
practices. Adapting to climate
change requires ongoing adjustments, international stakeholders. • Prioritise adaptation actions
as we continue to learn about and that deliver multiple benefits to
• Build effective partnerships with
monitor the changes in our climate. our community.
service providers, the private and
public sectors and those who live,
work or play in our city. In doing
so we can draw on existing skills,
expertise and networks to deliver
increased resilience for our
community.
VISION
Melbourne is adapting well to climate change
so it can continue to prosper and thrive
GOALS PRINCIPLES
GOAL 1
Enhance the natural environment
and green spaces of our municipality
GOAL 2
Shape our built form and urban renewal areas
to withstand future climate change impacts LEADERSHIP INNOVATION
GOAL 3
Strengthen the resilience of our inclusive,
family friendly and culturally diverse community
GOAL 4
Protect and enhance our diverse economy SHARE MULTIPLE
KNOWLEDGE BENEFITS
GOAL 5 BUILD
Continue to build City of Melbourne’s PARTNERSHIPS
adaptation capabilities and expertise
Figure 6: Vision, goals and principles
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 23By considering our city as one anticipated that this level of expenditure
Goal 1: Enhance the connected ecosystem, we can actively will continue into the foreseeable future.
natural environment foster connections between people We will continue to build on these
and the environment, to create a more strategies, taking the latest climate
and green spaces of balanced, resilient, healthy and adaptive change information into account.
our municipality urban environment.
We also need to encourage greening
Our natural environment is at risk from Current actions and key gaps of the private realm and to incorporate
the impacts of climate change. Reduced latest research into park design and
rainfall, more frequent heatwaves We are already enhancing our natural vegetation selection. We can expand our
and droughts will stress and damage environment and have set ambitious ambition and look to global examples
the city’s parks and gardens, street targets through the Growing Green of best practice, such as mandating
trees, grasses and wetlands. Impacts Guide and our Urban Forest, Total green roofs or solar installations for new
of climate stress have already been Watermark: City as a Catchment, Open developments, as is already required in
observed in our city’s green spaces. Space, and Nature in the City strategies. Copenhagen, San Francisco, Cordoba,
Outputs from these strategies include New York and Paris. Such ambitious
Protecting our healthy ecosystems increasing stormwater harvesting, actions will help transform Melbourne
and rich biodiversity helps maintain increasing green space, doubling canopy into a green, thriving and linked city
clean air and water and improves cover, increasing permeability and ecosystem, increase the city’s long term
physical and mental wellbeing. enhancing biodiversity across the city. resilience, and ensure it remains one of
It also provides substantial adaptation the most liveable cities in the world.
benefits. Retaining water in the urban All of these efforts combined aim to
environment, expanding our green cool Melbourne by four degrees, which
spaces, installing temporary shade will improve liveability, resilience, and
spaces and increasing our tree canopy community health and help maintain
all help to cool our municipality. biodiversity. Over the past five years
Many of these initiatives also help we have spent over $50 million dollars
reduce flash flooding risks. to implement these actions and it is
24 City of MelbourneActions: What we will do to enhance our natural environment and green spaces
ACTION DELIVERY TIMEFRAME BUSINESS
MECHANISM IMPACT
1.1 Partner to deliver on Resilient Melbourne Strategy, Partner with Ongoing Business as
Inner Melbourne Action Plan and Flood Management the Victorian usual budgets
Strategy Port Phillip and Westernport with a Government
particular focus on: and surrounding
councils
• Enabling better use of existing water resources, and
reducing our exposure to drought, extreme heat
and flood, by developing decision-support tools
that encourage water sensitive urban design and
integrated water management.
• Sharing and extending the objectives of the Urban
Forest Strategy to the metropolitan Melbourne area.
• Addressing flood risks and extreme heat to reduce
impact and get the best social, economic and
environmental outcomes.
1.2 Partner with the Victorian Government to implement Partner and Ongoing Advocacy in
nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure advocate existing budget,
and water sensitive urban design in our urban renewal projects subject to
areas, in line with our Total Watermark: City as a business case
Catchment, Urban Forest, Open Space and Nature in
the City strategies.
1.3 Identify opportunities in existing open space to Deliver Ongoing Business as
incorporate latest research and best practice to usual budgets
ensure urban landscapes can adapt to future climate. & processes
New open space will be designed to incorporate best
practice and latest research in adaptive design.
1.4 Encourage and support the uptake of nature-based Partner and Ongoing Business as Usual
solutions in the private realm linking outcomes with advocate to and subject to
targets in our existing strategies, through mechanisms private sector annual plan budget
such as the Urban Forest Fund to co-finance and business case
additional greening.
1.5 Implement findings of 2016–17 Council Plan action to Deliver From 2017 Subject to annual
encourage green roofs and solar installations. plan and budget
1.6 Undertake research to further understand the broad Deliver From 2017 Business as
range of benefits that green infrastructure, parks and usual budgets
nature bring to the city. & processes
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 25experiencing dynamic shifts, driven implement strategies such as Total
Goal 2: Shape largely by significant increases in Watermark: City as a Catchment and
our built form population. This growth is being matched Urban Forest Strategy. We have set
by investments in infrastructure and strong targets on stormwater capture
and urban renewal construction, including large-scale urban and reuse and we are improving our
areas to withstand renewal projects like Fishermans Bend, drainage system to respond to 1 in 20
Arden Macaulay, West Melbourne and year rainfall events. We plan to double
future climate change the Melbourne Metro Rail project. our canopy cover by 2040.
impacts
These developments provide exciting The City of Melbourne has integrated
Climate change impacts critical opportunities to ensure our new suburbs water sensitive urban design into our
infrastructure and our broader built and infrastructure are resilient to climate planning scheme through Planning
environment. It has the potential to change, incorporating best practice policy 22.23 Stormwater Management
disrupt the services dependent on adaptive design now while saving (WSUD), and Melbourne Planning
this infrastructure, through damage substantial retrofit costs in the future. Scheme Local Policy 22.19 Energy, water
caused by flooding, heatwaves and We need to harness these chances to and waste efficiency. We have also
other types of extreme weather. enhance our city’s existing built assets integrated climate change considerations
and infrastructure to manage impacts into our Asset Management Strategy
The way we build our city also from climate change. 2015-2025, recognising the vulnerability
contributes to how well it responds of Melbourne’s infrastructure, particularly
to climate events. For example, A resilient built environment is in relation to drainage and irrigation.
a high proportion of sealed and dark essential to good quality of life. Currently, the city has a high proportion
surfaces contribute to flash flooding Providing reliable, well integrated, of sealed surfaces. We will work to
and the Urban Heat Island effect. services – transport, water and energy increase permeability to help mitigate
– in the face of a changing climate flooding and cool the city.
As we experience more days of will allow Melbourne to become a city
extreme heat, the thermal comfort that is always ready for the future. We can also learn from other cities’ best
of accommodation including high- practice approaches in infrastructure
rise apartments is imperative. During adaptation, including Washington DC’s
Current actions and key gaps
extreme heat we can face periods of Buzzard Point Urban Design Framework
power outages, which means lifts in We are already improving our built that considers climate a key influencer of
apartment buildings or air conditioning environment through the way that urban renewal projects. We must do the
will not function and this can greatly we create and manage our assets and same to ensure our urban renewal areas
impact human health and wellbeing. are well adapted to climate change.
Melbourne’s built environment is
Actions: What we will do to shape our built form and
urban renewal areas to withstand future climate impacts
ACTION DELIVERY TIMEFRAME BUSINESS
MECHANISM IMPACT
2.1 Partner to deliver the Resilient Melbourne Strategy, Partner with Ongoing Business as
Inner Melbourne Action Plan and Flood Management the Victorian usual budget
Strategy Port Phillip and Westernport with a Government
particular focus on: and surrounding
councils
• Enabling better use of existing water resources,
and reducing our exposure to extreme heat
drought and flood, by developing decision-
support tools that encourage water sensitive
urban design and integrated water management.
• Sharing and extending the objectives of the
Urban Forest Strategy to a wider metropolitan
Melbourne Area.
• Addressing flood risks to reduce impact and get
the best social, economic and environmental
outcomes.
26 City of MelbourneACTION DELIVERY TIMEFRAME BUSINESS
MECHANISM IMPACT
2.2 Partner to create a precinct in the Elizabeth Street Partner with 2017-18 Business as
catchment that is water sensitive, low carbon and Resilient Melbourne, Council Plan usual budgets
well adapted to climate change. Melbourne action
University and
CitiPower
2.3 Work with key partners to develop climate change Advocate From 2017 Business as
adaptation plans for urban renewal precincts. usual budgets
Advocate for area-specific recommendations for
climate change adaptation to be incorporated into
planning and development.
2.4 Conduct a vulnerability assessment of City of Deliver From 2017 Business as
Melbourne owned buildings to identify actions usual budget
that can improve building performance in extreme for 2017-18
weather and incorporate thermal comfort, drainage,
and water storage considerations into building 2018 onwards
retrofit designs. subject to annual
plan and budget,
Share the assessment process and results with or business case
building owners across the city to improve building
performance in the entire municipality.
2.5 Screen and update existing City of Melbourne Deliver Medium term Subject to
design standards for all climate hazards to annual plan
ensure resilient, adaptive and fit- for-purpose and budget
infrastructure and buildings.
2.6 Investigate current obstacles to planning policy use Deliver 2017-18 Business as
and application for achieving adaptation outcomes. usual budget
Amend the Municipal Strategic Statement to
include specific objectives, minimum standards and
performance measures for climate change adaptation
in the municipality’s built environment.
2.7 Build on existing decision-making tools to help Deliver From 2017 Business as usual
identify and prioritise opportunities and locations to budget for 2017-18
implement new adaptation infrastructure across the
municipality. Use these tools to develop a pathways 2018 onwards
planning approach for the municipality to address the subject to annual
dynamic risks of flooding and inundation. plan and budget, or
business case
2.8 Investigate innovative integrated water management Partner with Ongoing Investigation in
solutions to improve flood mitigation urban renewal Melbourne existing budget,
areas. For example this could include piloting a ‘water Water, Victorian capital projects
square’ in new or upgraded development areas to Government subject to business
manage the risks of flooding. case
2.9 Partner with key stakeholders to identify and develop Partner with Ongoing Business as usual
opportunities for increasing energy security and CitiPower budgets
resilience to electricity failures.
2.10 Increase permeability across the municipality by Deliver and Partner From 2017 Business as usual
introducing place-based permeability targets, building budget for 2017-18
on those already in the Elizabeth Street Catchment
Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 27Maintaining an inclusive, culturally
Goal 3: Strengthen diverse community that provides
the resilience of for people of all ages will require
strengthening and enabling community
our inclusive, family resilience to climate impacts. Working
friendly and culturally with those who are likely to be
disproportionally impacted by climate
diverse community change is essential to maintain and
Our community will experience a improve social cohesion. As a major
range of shocks and stresses as a provider of community services, we
result of climate change. Extreme also need to plan for potential demand
weather and prolonged droughts growth due to climate change impacts.
will have health and wellbeing
The creative industries also have a part
implications for residents and visitors,
to play in enabling community resilience
and present a range of challenges
to climate change. Art installations
to businesses and groups.
and music events, which teach people
The need for adaptation action is about climate change impacts, can be
particularly pressing for vulnerable very powerful and engaging. Cultural
people within the community, and creative events have a number
including those experiencing of other benefits for the community,
homelessness, the elderly, young too, including celebrating diversity,
children, international students, encouraging innovation, and providing
people with disabilities and low- a sense of joy and inspiration.
income households. There is significant
socio-economic disadvantage in our Current actions and key gaps
municipality, with approximately
18.7 per cent of residents living Several of our strategies that
below the poverty line, and over 1200 complement this goal, including:
people experiencing homelessness. Melbourne for all People 2014,
These groups are more vulnerable Heatwaves and Homelessness 2014
to climate change impacts. and the Arts Strategy 2014. However,
more needs to be done to better focus
community efforts on resilience to
climate change.
28 City of MelbourneActions: What we will do to strengthen the resilience of our inclusive,
family friendly and culturally diverse community
ACTION DELIVERY TIMEFRAME BUSINESS
MECHANISM IMPACT
3.1 Partner to deliver the Resilient Melbourne Strategy Partner with Ongoing Business as
and the Inner Melbourne Action Plan with a particular the Victorian usual budget
focus on: Government and
surrounding councils
• Establishing a metropolitan bicycle path network
to provide safe and comfortable riding routes.
• Working with emergency management agencies
to achieve EMV’s vision of ‘safer, more resilient
communities.’
• Creating cool public spaces and travel routes.
• Support further development of insurance
education programs to increase knowledge and
awareness on managing risk for stakeholders and
community.
• Continue to develop innovative and sector
leading extreme weather plans to ensure
appropriate and inclusive support is provided
to vulnerable communities.
3.2 Develop additional techniques for cooling public Partner with 2017 onwards Investigation in
spaces and communicate to workers, residents Resilient Melbourne existing budget,
and visitors the location of these cool places using Office capital projects
innovative techniques. subject to
business case
3.3 Work with stakeholders, including emergency Deliver and partner 2017-18 Business as usual
management to deliver Refuge, a five-year Council Plan budget for 2017-18
interdisciplinary project exploring the role of art and action
culture in preparing communities for climate related 2018 onwards
impacts. subject to annual
plan and budget, or
business case
3.4 Provide tailored support to vulnerable communities, Deliver Ongoing Business as usual
residents, workers, communities and visitors to budgets
address all climate risks through information
provision, education programs and extreme weather
plans.
3.5 Advocate to the Victorian Government to address Advocate Ongoing Business as usual
climate vulnerability among public housing tenants and partner budgets
and engage with programs that promote climate risk with Victorian
consideration in the community sector. Government
3.6 Improve and enhance the consideration of climate Deliver and Ongoing Business as usual
risks in public event management, strengthening advocate budgets
contingency planning and use of adaptation measures
such as cooling systems and access to alternative
venues during extreme weather events.
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 29You can also read
