HUME Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy - April 2021 - Engage Victoria
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HUME Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy April 2021
Our Hume community is mobilising,
determined to do everything it can to prepare
for and minimise the impact of climate
change on current and future generations.
In key sectors such as health, transport, built
and natural environment, water, agriculture and
energy in households and boardrooms, climate
change is informing the way we think, plan, live
and work.
This strategy recognises, builds on and helps
unify work already underway. Examples include
the Goulburn Murray Regional Resilience
Strategy, Regional Catchment Strategies and
Municipal Health and Wellbeing planning. © The State of Victoria Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2021
It is structured under these themes: This work is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0 International
licence. You are free to re-use the work
under that licence, on the condition that
you credit the State of Victoria as author.
The licence does not apply to any images,
THEME 1: PREPARING FOR AND photographs or branding, including the
RECOVERING FROM EMERGENCIES Victorian Coat of Arms, the Victorian
Government logo and the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning
(DELWP) logo. To view a copy of this licence,
visit www.creativecommons.org/licenses/
THEME 2: CARING FOR OUR by/4.0/
Disclaimer
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT This publication may be of assistance to you
but the State of Victoria and its employees do
not guarantee that the publication is without
flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate
for your particular purposes and therefore
THEME 3: EMBRACING RENEWABLE disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
ENERGY consequence which may arise from you relying
on any information in this publication.
Accessibility
THEME 4: IMPROVING If you would like to receive
HEALTH AND WELLBEING this publication in an
alternative format, please
telephone the DELWP
Customer Service Centre on
THEME 5: ENHANCING NEIGHBOURHOODS 136 186, email customer.
AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT service@delwp.vic.gov.au
or via the National Relay
Service on 133 677 or at
www.relayservice.com.au.
THEME 6: STRENGTHENING THE This document is also
ECONOMY AND WORKFORCE available on the internet at
www.delwp.vic.gov.au.
CONTENTS
Traditional Owners’ acknowledgement 2
Minister’s foreword 3
A Victoria-wide approach, a targeted, local focus 4
Regional introduction 5
A strategy developed by our community, for our community 6
Our Visions, themes and priority actions 7
Hume region - about us 10
Theme 1: Preparing for and recovering from emergencies 12
Theme 2: Caring for our natural environment 18
Theme 3: Embracing renewable energy 24
Theme 4: Improving health and wellbeing 30
Theme 5: Enhancing neighbourhoods and the built environment 36
Theme 6: Strengthening the economy and workforce 40
Appendices 46
1. Terms and definitions 47
2. Policies, links and other documents related to this strategy 48
3. Engagement summary 50
1
TRADITIONAL OWNERS’
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge and respect Victoria's Traditional
Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land
and waters, and for their unique ability to care Please note
for Country, with a deep spiritual connection. We For the purposes of this
document, a Traditional
honour Elders past and present whose knowledge
Owner refers to an Aboriginal
and wisdom has ensured the continuation of person, family group or
culture and traditional practices. Aboriginal organisation who
has traditional connections
We are committed to genuinely partnering and meaningfully to an identified, geographical
engaging, with Victoria’s Traditional Owners and Aboriginal area. This includes all groups
communities to support the protection of Country, the regardless of their legal
maintenance of spiritual and cultural practices and their recognition status. The term
broader aspirations in the 21st century and beyond. Aboriginal is used to refer to
both Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples. They
may have connections in and
outside of Victoria.
Artwork by David Dunn
2
MINISTER’S FOREWORD
To be provided in the final Strategy.
3
A VICTORIA-WIDE APPROACH,
A TARGETED, LOCAL FOCUS
This strategy is locally-led and focussed. It forms part of a broader suite of interdependent documents which are
presented in the graphic below.
Victorian Govenment Adaptation Program
State, regional and local scales
CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY 2020 - ADAPTATION PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
STATE Supporting state-wide sector based Adaptation Action
Plans in seven key sectors.
Built environment Primary production
CLIMATE
Education and training Transport DATA AND
Health and human services
INFORMATION
Water cycle
Natural environment
Climate Science
Report
REGIONAL Supporting regional adaptation capacity development
and action.
Barwon South West Greater Melbourne Climate change
Regional Adaptation Strategy Regional Adaptation Strategy communication
resources
Grampians Hume
Regional Adaptation Strategy Regional Adaptation Strategy
Gippsland Loddon Mallee
Regional Adaptation Strategy Regional Adaptation Strategy
Vulnerability
assessments
LOCAL Supporting strategic action to build adaptive capacity of
local government and enable local level adaption action.
Victorian
Community climate change adaptation grants climate change
projection data
Training and guidance materials for local government
Targeted support and collaboration with local government
adaptation programs and projects
4
REGIONAL INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the DRAFT Hume Region Climate Change A highlight for me has been the enthusiastic participation
Adaptation Strategy (Hume Strategy). of young people and fantastic collaboration with the
agriculture, health, environment, education, emergency
Victoria’s climate is changing, and it’s effects are already
management, energy and economic sectors while
being experienced across our state. These include higher
incorporating the values of our Traditional Owners.
average temperatures, decreases in average rainfall, and
higher frequencies and intensities of extreme weather This report reflects the great work underway, a growing
events causing shifts to natural, agricultural, economic consensus on what needs to be done and mobilisation of
and social systems. our community to create a better and more sustainable
future for our beautiful region.
The impact of climate change will vary across regions,
communities, and households. This highlights the The things we must do to tackle climate change go to the
importance of the Hume Strategy which focuses on local heart of how we live, interact with each other and with
action and embracing the diversity, perspectives and the environment. The good news is that by being gentler
values of our region. on the environment and on each other we will also be
healthier, happier, and better connected.
The Hume Strategy is part of Climate Ready Hume, a
project that brings people together and supports them in I commend this thoughtful and important document to
taking action. you. Please have a read, give us your ideas, and join us in
making them happen.
For two years Climate Ready Hume has supported dozens
of projects, activities, and events. Examples include
‘mini-grants’ to schools and community organisations,
Clare Kiely
streaming of the film ‘2040’ during COVID lockdowns,
Regional Director, Hume Region
business risk planning, local food networks, street art,
Department of Environment,
photo competitions, puppet shows, renewable energy
Land, Water and Planning
projects, bushfire recovery and better messaging for
culturally and linguistically diverse communities during
emergencies.
↓ Farming landscape at Dookie. Photo provided by Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
5
A STRATEGY DEVELOPED BY OUR
COMMUNITY, FOR OUR COMMUNITY
This strategy captures lived experience, local knowledge A broad cross section of our community members looked
and climate change adaptation ideas and solutions, for and assessed current and future Hume region needs
initiated by our local community. It shows how local and priorities, identified and facilitated engagement
efforts are impacting everyday challenges brought on by opportunities and facilitated the required connections.
climate change.
Ultimately, this strategy is a snapshot of the priorities
The strategy’s goals have been developed following of our healthy, vibrant and connected community, at a
18 months of consultation, workshops and other point in time. Our region’s climate change adaptation
engagement activities, most of them undertaken by story doesn’t start or finish with this strategy and we
Climate Ready Hume, a three-year climate change will continue to evolve and share our stories, efforts,
engagement and capacity building program. challenges and achievements as we progress.
Some of the adaptation priorities outlined in this strategy
can be addressed directly by North East Victorian
communities, and others will require broader efforts
and cooperation from governments, agencies, statutory
bodies and the private sector.
Photo: Eldorado Off-Grid Living Festival, Eldorado.
6
OUR VISIONS, THEMES AND
PRIORITY ACTIONS
Our five-year priorities are summarised below. They connect current climate initiatives and community drivers, while
recognising the fundamental risks and actions required to address the challenges of our changing climate future over
the next five years.
Vision Priority actions (next five years)
Our communities • Continue to implement and improve state and local management
are prepared for arrangements within a legislative and policy context.
ity
more extreme • Unite emergency services education and information programs for commun
weather events. preparedness in all emergencies.
and
Theme 1: • Improve multi-agency identification and management of physical assets
values at risk from emergen cy events.
Preparing for and • Expand coordinated emergency service organisations and programs for
We recover quickly
recovering from and learn from pandemic and disaster recovery.
emergencies emergencies. • Support communities to be safe during and post emergency events through
community resilience strategies and programs.
With better • Drive continuous improvement programs with communities to prepare
for
preparedness future events.
and coordination,
Our businesses, • Improve planning systems to meet anticipated climate impacts and
emergencies will implement these systems with integrated governance.
infrastructure
have less impact on and lifestyles are • Improve access to climate data and modelling specific to emergency agency
our communities and .
designed for a and service provider requirements - preparedness, response and recovery
environment. changing climate. • Improve access and equity to funding for climate change adaptatio n initiative
(eg. rotating funding models).
• Upgrade critical and alternative communications, energy, digital, water
and wastewater infrastructure to reduce loss and disruption pre and post
emergency events.
Vision Priority actions (next five years)
Our community is • Improve community health and wellbeing through programs that connect
increasingly connected people with nature including those which support volunteers, citizen science
and
to, and caring for nature. vulnerable people.
Traditional Owners' • Support Traditional Owners to document and use ecological and cultural
Theme 2: experience and
knowledge helps heal
knowledge to lead natural resource and land management projects.
• Expand ecological knowledge and practices, such as cultural burning,
Caring for and manage Country.
partnership with Traditional Owners.
in
our natural
Natural environments
environment are protected and
• Implement integrated water management programs, preparing for a future
with
less water.
managed.
• Support policies and planning priorities which deliver environmental and
Our natural climate
change health outcomes.
environment is
• Natural environments are supported to adapt to climate change impacts
healthy, water through
investment and community programs.
is used wisely,
• Increase community participation in water, biodiversity and natural resource
and farming management programs.
systems are
Agricultural and land • Implement state and industry programs which encourage water efficienc
transformed y and
management practices security, climate smart land use practices and innovation such as carbon
to suit the are transformed to
storage.
• Increase shade and shelter in urban and rural landscapes to improve
changing maximise climate the
liveability and sustainability of our towns, cities and rural areas.
climate. friendly opportunities.
• Facilitate opportunities for local and urban food production and sales
to improve
liveability and sustainability of our towns and cities.
7
Vision Priority actions (next five years)
Our region has • Provide opportunities for communities to participate in major renewab
le
a quick and energy projects such as those provided by renewable energy zones and
well considered transmission upgrades.
transition to • Strengthen renewable energy literacy programs to promote understanding
renewables. and
Theme 3: foster the region’s transition to a renewable energy future.
• Integrate renewable energy into agricultural systems.
Embracing • Develop renewable energy partnerships with industry to support a growing
renewable circular economy.
energy • Foster Traditional Owner energy investment programs.
• Identify “ready to advance” renewable energy projects through feasabilit
y
Our energy studies.
comes from • Ensure the renewable energy transition has a net positive benefit for local
local and business, the economy and biodiversity.
renewable • Continue to implement the Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap.
sources. Disadvantaged • Expand and increase awareness of energy efficiency programs.
and vulnerable • Upgrade public housing energy efficiency across our region.
people live
comfortably and • Ensure renewable energy investments provide youth, multi-age and
have access to multicultural community benefits and investment opportunities.
clean, affordable,
reliable energy.
Vision Priority actions (next five years)
s in
Sustainable food • Establish local and affordable food networks and project
ration with commu nities, agencie s, agribus iness and business.
systems support collabo
environmental and
health benefits.
Theme 4: Our community • Empower young people to respond to the health, environ
economic and social impacts of climate change throug h
mental,
targete d
is equipped and
Improving involved in delivering programs.
health and and health
environmental, • Expand support services and programs linking sustainability
wellbei ng, food securit y, social
wellbeing health and wellbeing benefits (eg. physical and mental health,
initiatives. inclusion, family violence).
health and
Our mental and • Engage and inform local medical practitioners about the
wellbeing opportunities provided by the natural environ ment.
physical health
ment programs
is improved Our neighbourhoods • Include liveability principles in built and natural environ
and Wellbe ing plans).
by healthy are connected and and planning guidelines (eg. Municipal Health
the natural
environments and enhanced through • Enhance urban green spaces to increase connection to
urban green spaces. environ ment and promo te health benefit s.
neighbourhoods.
8Vision Priority actions (next five years)
Our transport is sustainable, • Invest in sustainable transport infrastructure (eg. EV charging, rail,
reliable and accessible. hydrogen and green freight).
• Implement affordable green transport developments and
investments for vulnerable communities.
Theme 5: • Enhance walking and cycling networks throughout the region
with particular attention to vulnerable communities.
Enhancing • Improve public transport and ride share services in towns and
neighborhoods across the region.
and the built Enhance our non- • Promote climate smart business opportunities arising from
environment nature-based tourism changing demographics and social and economic infrastructure.
opportunities and promote • Sponsor cultural and art programs that support climate
Our community sustainable tourism. adaptation and tourism growth.
is strengthened • Support local government and tourism agencies to adopt
through sustainable sustainable urban design.
transport, tourism • Build technology hubs and corresponding transport networks to
Our infrastructure supports
and urban design. precinct development and support a flexible, local economy.
sustainable urban growth.
Vision Priority actions (next five years)
Smart specialisation • Ensure the Hume Regional Growth Plan and skills development
enhances education and strategies reflect the needs of our changing climate.
workforce development.
• Develop a circular economy prospectus including alternative
business models and climate adapted investments.
Theme 6: The economy is
strengthened and
• Grow local workforce and economic development programs
through equitable circular and green economy principles.
Strengthening diversified through
• Funding models to support local economies.
the economy inclusive and climate
• Design employment and training programs for youth and culturally
smart enterprises.
and workforce sensitive adult learning pathways for locally climate adapted
opportunities.
Our financial • Build local industry’s capacity to ensure outputs are utlilised to
prosperity comes support a circular economy.
from innovative Generate local • Grow digital marketplaces to increase accessibility to local services
and sustainable employment in and commodities.
development and agriculture, general
• Provide training to improve access to virtual marketplaces, and
growing our skilled industry and
participation in the digital economy.
manufacturing to support
population. • Adapt sustainable transport alternatives for industry and
adaptation to climate
change impacts. community, transitioning from traditional methods through
investment and education programs.
Maximise investments in • Expand research and promote programs for climate adapted
local research and climate commodities, specific to our region’s future climate.
change adaptation.
• Maintain and enhance partnerships to foster climate change
adaptation actions across public and private communities.
9HUME REGION - ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE OUR LANDSCAPE
We are a diverse community of about 180,000 people, • Mountains, alpine forests, grassy woodlands and
working across numerous sectors including agriculture floodplains
and forestry, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism,
• Forested water catchment areas (50 per cent of the
healthcare and social assistance. Our region extends
inflows into the Murray-Darling system)
across 40,000 square kilometres and our main cities are
Wodonga, Wangaratta and Shepparton. Our landscape • A significant portion of Australia’s “food bowl”
is urban, rural and alpine, covering mountains, forests, • Major transport thoroughfares including the Hume and
grassy woodlands and floodplains. A significant portion Murray Valley highways
of Australia’s “food bowl” is sourced from Hume. About
• 45 per cent agriculture, mostly grazing (ABARES 2016).
45 per cent of our land is used for agriculture, mostly
grazing and about 50 per cent consists of conservation • Approximately 50 per cent conservation and natural
and natural environments. Water is a precious resource environments
which flows through our region’s forested catchment
areas, and our region provides about 50 per cent of the
inflows into the Murray-Darling Basin system. Hume also
contains major transport thoroughfares including the
Hume and Murray Valley highways.
10OUR POSSIBLE FUTURE CLIMATE
Climate change in our region can be modelled using Possible future scenarios for temperature and rainfall are
greenhouse gas levels. created using many different models and compared with
known local environmental conditions.
Climate change scenarios are ‘possible futures’ and not
predictions – they help us make decisions on how we live Wind and rainfall levels are harder to model. Changes to
and how to reduce our impact on the planet. temperature and sea level rises are more accurate.
2040-2059
2020-2039 2080-2099
How much hotter
will it be? How much hotter
How much hotter Normal days will be 1.3–3.1°C will it be?
will it be? hotter than now, especially during
summer months. Normal days will be 2.8–6.5°C
Normal days will be 0.7– 1.9°C Night temperatures will be about hotter than now, especially during
hotter than now on average. 1.6°C warmer. summer months.
Night temperatures will be Night temperatures will be warmer
warmer by about 0.9°C. by about 3.3°C.
How many very
hot days will we How many very
How many very get a year? hot days will we
hot days will we Average number of days per year get a year?
get a year? over 35°C will increase to 30 for
Shepparton and 44 for Wodonga, Average number of days per year
Currently the average number of days double the amount of hot days over 35°C will increase to 50 for
per year over 35°C for Shepparton currently. Shepparton and 65 for Wodonga.
is 14.8, and may increase to 22. The
current number of days for Wodonga
is 20.5 and may increase to 30.
How much rainfall
will we receive? How much rainfall
How much rainfall North East Victoria may have 20 per will we receive?
will we receive? cent less rain annually. Less rain may
fall in spring and winter, with more Less rain may fall in spring and winter,
Rainfall is one of the hardest changes summer storms instead. with more summer storms instead –
to measure. Victoria may have 20 per 30 per cent less rainfall on average.
cent less rainfall annually. Mountain regions may have higher rainfall
compared to the valleys and plains.
Greatest changes in rain may be
in spring.
What will extreme
rainfall events be? What will extreme
What will extreme Less rainfall means a dryer climate rainfall events be?
rainfall events be? adding to hotter (extreme) days
more often. Less rainfall means a dryer climate
Less rainfall means a dryer climate Heavier downpours, more rain during adding to hotter (extreme) days
adding to hotter (extreme) days one storm or rain event, with long more often.
more often. periods of no rain in-between. Heavier downpours, more rain during
Clouds can hold more rain at higher Rainfall will be more scattered and less one storm or rain event, with long
temperatures. predictable. periods of no rain in-between.
Heavier downpours, more rain during Rainfall will be more scattered and less
one storm or rain event, with long predictable. Hourly and daily rainfall
periods of no rain in-between. averages may increase. More intense
winds may be experienced.
Rainfall will be more scattered and less
predictable.
This possible future scenarios are based on ongoing high greenhouse gas emissions.
11Theme 1:
PREPARING FOR AND
RECOVERING FROM
EMERGENCIES
12With better preparedness and coordination, emergen cies
will have less impact on our communities and environment.
Shifts in our climate are increasing the severity of flood, mental and physical health services. These extend
fire, storm and intense rainfall events. The frequency to transport, infrastructure, planning and emergency
of events and altered seasonality of our weather are warning systems.
expected to increase (Victorian Climate Projections 2019).
Our communities can further prepare for all emergency
Reduced rainfall and increased temperatures are already
events through centralised education programs so critical
altering how we live with, prepare for and respond to
decisions are made consistently and clearly. Towns can
emergencies.
connect to identify their resilience strategies and build
Victoria’s emergency management agencies and councils relationships with emergency services and staff to deal
implement a network of emergency preparedness, with emergency events together.
response and recovery programs in partnership with local
We must be united and prepared. We must learn from
communities.
history, share knowledge and experiences, adapt and
Our 2020 global pandemic experience has further make change now.
highlighted vulnerabilities with our digital infrastructure,
local economy and industries, fresh food supply, and
VISION PRIORITY ACTIONS (NEXT FIVE YEARS)
Our communities A Continue to implement and improve state and
are prepared for local management arrangements
within a legislative and policy context
.
more extreme A Unite emergency services education and informa
weather events. tion programs for community
preparedness in all emergencies.
A Improve multi-agency identification and man
agement of physical assets and valu
at risk from emergency events. es
A Expand coordinated emergency service organisa
We recover tions and programs for pandemic
and disaster recovery.
quickly and A Support communities to be safe during and pos
learn from t emergency events through
community resilience strategies and
programs.
emergencies. A Drive continuous improvement programs with com
munities to prepare for future events.
A Improve planning systems to meet anticipated
climate impacts and implement thes
Our businesses, systems with integrated governance e
.
infrastructure A Improve access to climate data and modelling
specific to emergency agency and
and lifestyles service provider requirements - prep
aredness, response and recovery.
are designed A Improve access and equity to funding for clim
ate change adaptation initiative (eg.
for a changing rotating funding models).
climate. A Upgrade critical and alternative communications
, energy, digital, water and wastewater
infrastructure to reduce loss and disr
uption pre and post emergency even
ts.
13From 1980 to 2015, 91 per cent of the
recorded 15,700 natural disasters in
FIRE
Australia were weather related (DELWP Hume has a long history of large and intense fires, some involving
2020). Climate change is projected to significant loss of life and property. Major fire events in the region
increase risks such as longer and more include a total of 1.27 million hectares burnt in the 1939 Black Friday
extreme heatwaves, doubling of hot days fires, more than 503,000 hectares in the 2003 Alpine fires, 444,000
(above 35 degrees) and severe storms and hectares in the 2006/07 Great Divide fires, 247,000 hectares in the Black
floods (Victorian Climate Projections 19). Saturday fires (2009), 36,000 hectares in the Harrietville fire (2013) and
Victoria approaches emergency 320,120 hectares in the 2019/20 Black Summer fires.
preparedness through shared The regions bushfire risk is influenced by weather, soil moisture and
responsibility. This includes partnerships fuel levels.
between state and local emergency
services, and with communities, which Preventing and controlling bushfires in a warming climate is a major
acknowledges their “on the ground” ability challenge for emergency management organisations. Well targeted
to mitigate and manage risk. planned burning to reduce fuel loads, construction of strategic fuel breaks
along with rapid detection and response will help reduce the incidence,
Emergencies are defined by the Victorian intensity and spread of bushfires. Under extreme weather conditions
State Emergency Management Plan 2020 however the risk of severe, uncontrollable fires cannot be eliminated.
as “an actual or imminent occurrence of
an event which in any way endangers or The primary effects of extreme weather events are well known and
threatens to endanger the safety or health include loss of life, injury, loss of ecological systems and ongoing
of any person in Victoria”. These events damage to land and water resources. But secondary impacts such as
include flood, storm, extreme rain, fire, damage to roads and transport, infrastructure and personal property,
heat waves, pandemics, cyber-crime and fauna and flora future health, and ongoing community mental health
terrorisms events, and biosecurity and from fires, storms and pandemic events can cause equal or greater
stockpiled waste. challenges. They also place strain on service personnel and health
services.
Major historic emergency events in Victoria
include Ash Wednesday (1983), Eastern Understanding these impacts, locally and individually, can minimise
Victorian Alpine bushfires (2003), Black negative, longer-term outcomes to our health, towns, jobs and regional
Saturday fires (2009), Victorian heatwave economy (DELWP 2020).
(2009), locust plague (2010), severe Across the approximately 19 weeks of intense bushfire emergency
thunderstorms (2011), Northern Victoria during the 2019/20 fires, medical records estimate bushfire smoke
tornado (2013), blue green algae outbreak directly cause 417 deaths and 1,124 hospital visits for cardiovascular,
(2016), Ross River Virus (2017), and extreme respiratory and related health conditions (Medical Journal of Australia,
temperatures 2019 (Emergency Management March 2020). Community, services and resource preparation can reduce
Victoria Strategic Action Plan 2019-22). these impacts.
We will experience increased frequency and intensity of:
Floods and Storms Fires Heatwaves Biosecurity risks Pandemic links
flash flooding
We need to plan now to:
Be safe during events Reduce health impacts Ready buildings and Improve communication
infrastructure
14Adaptation = working
together to prepar
any emergency. e for
THE ROLE OF RAINFALL
Natural hydrological cycles within a catchment are influenced
primarily by rainfall. Rainfall has declined more over the last two
decades than anticipated, and is predicted to become more
variable due to complex land and atmosphere conditions.
LOCAL FOOD Understanding climate science, future rainfall patterns is integral to
SOURCING BUILDS community resilience and emergency preparedness, response and
recovery functions.
RESILIENCE
When the 2019/20 bushfires
devastated substantial parts of
Victoria, community members in
the Ovens Murray Region saw an
opportunity to create future, local Victoria is warmer now Average rainfall
food supply security. The result than the 1961-1990 average is expected to reduce by 20-30%
was the Acres and Acres CO-OP.
Created to connect a network of
market gardens across the Upper
Murray and North East Victoria,
the Acres and Acres CO-OP
produces and sells fresh food Heavy rainfall events Low rainfall days (IMPACT OF 2019/20
BUSHFIRES ON NORTH EAST
VICTORIA
In 2019/20, our region was significantly impacted by
bushfires which burnt 1.5 million hectares across the
state, including 1.39 million hectares of forests and
parks. These impacts included:
• 450,000 hectares of conservation land
• 163,000 hectares of agricultural land
• 9,000 kilometres of priority roads in Hume and
Gippsland
Extreme dryness, coupled with an estimated 30 per
cent increase in high fire danger days that bushfire
season, contributed to the development of a large,
complex fire across Victoria and along the north east
border with New South Wales. This fire event was so
extreme that vegetation and fuel load control, grazing
"Work with and other methods of fire management would not have
ners to
traditional ow been effective in limiting its breadth (DELWP 2020).
/grassland
manage forest
tick burning."
fire risks, fires
unity
EngageVic Comm
Survey 2020
CRITICAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Robust, digital infrastructure to keep people connected Digital energy hubs or "nodes" in townships create a
day to day and during emergency events is critical, locally-owned and interconnected energy generation
particularly for isolated communities in our region. network that is also low carbon emission. Concept
development in the Upper Murray from energy-led
The climate benefits of reliable, regional, digital
bushfire recovery shows how public infrastructure
technology include reduced need for travel, reduced
can become hubs for community gatherings during
emissions, improved safety for wildlife on road corridors,
emergencies, and supply energy to the township (Totally
reduced requirements of freight transport (as local
Renewable Yackandandah 2020).
producers and businesses are connected digitally) and
expanded local, social and employment opportunities. NBN and satellite connections offer secure digital
connectivity and social inclusion opportunities, providing
additional investment and employment benefits to local
businesses. These secure connections also significantly
Adaptation = staying improve community resilience during emergency events.
connected to support NBN infrastructure for farming systems in Australia is
members of our community estimated to increase gross production by $15.6 billion per
to access emergency help year by 2030 (NBN 2020).
and services.
16SUPPORTING CULTURALLY BUILDING RESILIENCE
AND LINGUISTICALLY THROUGH RENEWABLE
DIVERSE (CALD) ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
COMMUNITIES AS PART
OF EMERGENCY EVENT Access to reliable, sustainable and preferably
renewable energy sources is a critical
RECOVERY component for our community to continue
to build resilience. Establishing a standalone
During the 2019/20 Ovens and Upper Murray fires, power supply is one way to achieve energy
local Department of Environment, Land, Water and independence and in 2020 the Walwa
Planning (DELWP) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) community received nearly $200,000 worth of
crews noticed anxiety and confusion among Culturally funding under the Victorian State Government’s
and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities around New Energy Jobs Fund.
Wangaratta and Albury-Wodonga. Some community The funding was used to set up a standalone,
members were having trouble understanding warnings renewable energy system at the Walwa Bush
and advice, creating safety and isolation risks. Nursing Centre, including installation of solar
While existing warnings and advice information (used in panels and batteries on site. This will provide
the VicEmergency app) can be directly translated into low emissions and low cost power for the
other languages, the content of the messages can be integrated community health facility.
confusing. Sandi Grieve, CEO of Walwa Bush Nursing Centre
CALD communities can also lack contextual said: “This funding enables us to continue to
understanding of emergency events in Australia, such as support and protect our community members,
bushfire behaviour, flood, storm and pandemic advice. particularly those who are more remote or
vulnerable, by ensuring we have a reliable
For CALD communities in Albury-Wodonga there power supply during emergency events. It gives
is also cross-border confusion, for example, with us a real sense of security to know that we are
different messaging from VicEmergency and the NSW prepared for whatever may come.”
Rural Fire Service.
A 45 kW solar system, a 66kWh battery and
To address these challenges, a small multi-agency three 20kW battery inverters will be installed.
working group produced a plain language warnings Additionally, the installation includes a smart
and advice fact sheet, easily translated into multiple energy control device to provide visualisation
languages and dialects. of the system for site management. This will
Working with the CFA, Wangaratta Digital Hub, allow for community participation in future
North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) and distributed energy resources market programs.
Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council
Photo: Corryong township during the 2019/20 summer
(AWECC), Climate Ready Hume engaged with regional fire season.
CALD communities on this issue. These conversations
led to community training sessions, and to warnings
and emergency advice notifications being translated
into more than 15 different languages.
"An annual emergency pla
nning event with a range of
providers means people kno
w who and what is availab
le."
EngageVic Community Survey 20
20
17Theme 2:
CARING FOR
OUR NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
18Our natural environment is healthy, water is used
wisely, and farming systems are transformed to suit
the changing climate.
In the face of current and predicted climate change impacts Various environmentally-focussed agencies and groups
strong, integrated water policy and local management are working with Traditional Owner groups such as Yorta
plans are critical to catchment and ecosystem stability, as Yorta Nations to ensure the protection and ongoing
are soil health and agricultural production systems. health of our natural systems and waterways. Innovative
programs such as the ClimateWatch citizen science
In the Hume region, agribusinesses and land managers
program and the University of Melbourne’s FrogID app are
are diversifying to alternative or mixed farming to
also helping, and Climate Ready Hume is supporting state
maintain and improve long-term land health and
and community initiatives through local education, youth
production values. Carbon sequestration and regenerative
and partnerships programs.
practices are being trialled to improve soil health and
carbon and water storage capacity.
VISION
PRIORITY ACTIONS (NEXT FIVE YEARS)
Our community is
increasingly connected A Improve community health and wellbeing through programs that
connect
to, and caring for people with nature including those which supp
ort volunteers, citizen
nature. science and vulnerable people.
Traditional Owners' A Support Traditional Owners to document and use ecological and
cultural
knowledge to lead natural resource and land mana
experience and gement projects.
knowledge helps heal A Expand ecological knowledge and practices, such as cultural burn
ing, in
partnership with Traditional Owners.
and manage Country.
A Implement integrated water management programs, preparing
for a future
with less water.
Natural environments
are protected and
A Support policies and planning priorities which deliver environm
ental and
climate change health outcomes.
managed.
A Natural environments are supported to adapt to climate chan
ge impacts
through investment and community programs
.
A Increase community participation in water, biodiversity and natu
ral
resource management programs.
Agricultural and
land management A Implement state and industry programs which encourage wate
r efficiency
practices are and security, climate smart land use practices and
innovation such as
transformed to carbon storage.
maximise climate A Increase shade and shelter in urban and rural landscapes to impr
ove the
friendly opportunities. liveability and sustainability of our towns, cities
and rural areas.
A Facilitate opportunities for local and urban food production and
sales to
improve liveability and sustainability of our town
s and cities.
19REGIONAL FACTS - AGRICULTURE AND DROUG
HT
Given the Hume region’s economic
reliance on agriculture, current and $1.2 billion
future climate change mitigation Gross value of agricultural
and adaptation success will require production (2018/2019).
comprehensive planning for
1996-2010
equitable water availability and
Millennium
Drought
sustainability. The region relies on Cattle and calves ($418m) Consecutive dry
the largest and most complex river Sheep and lambs ($197m) conditions brought
system in Australia for its water Wool ($145m) the lowest annual
supply, the Murray-Darling Basin. Most important commodities,
water flows and
contributing 65 per cent of
inflows to water
total agricultural production value.
storage on record.
MANAGING A PRECIOUS RESOURCE
Management of our natural resources (by catchment Regional Catchment Strategies
management authorities) and urban and rural water In order to support integrated catchment management
supplies (by water authorities) is essential to address the in Hume, the catchment management authorities
anticipated impacts of climate change. Climate change are responsible for developing and monitoring the
impacts like reduced rainfall and streamflow, increasing effectiveness of regional catchment strategies.
number and severity of heatwaves, and increased
These strategies contain actions designed to improve
frequency and severity of bushfires put our native flora
and protect each catchment’s natural resources
and fauna under considerable stress.
(encompassing water, land, and biodiversity). The regional
Intervention measures undertaken by the relevant catchment strategies for Goulburn Broken and North East
authorities must incorporate a holistic approach, and Catchment were renewed in 2021 and outline the region’s
catchment areas need to be viewed as interconnected climate change challenges and priority actions.
systems, requiring integrated management.
Future Impacts
Hume Catchments Regional catchment water quality and yield will be
Our water catchments are nationally important, supplying significantly impacted by climate change. The Victorian
50 per cent of the inflows into the Murray-Darling system. Climate Predictions 2019 (VCP 19) show an estimated 20
Climate change impacts to water catchments (including per cent reduction in rainfall in Hume annually by late
forest catchments) result in local wildlife habitat loss and century. This likely change will vary between flat plains
degradation and increase sediment and runoff, which and mountainous regions, and will include increased
affects water quality. There are two major catchments in rainfall variability, seasonal shifts and extreme rainfall
the Hume region events. Climate modelling predicts drought events will
continue, starting from an already drier environment with
• Goulburn Broken Catchment - stretches from the
reduced system water volumes (VCP 19). Urban and rural
outskirts of Melbourne to the Murray River and west and
water supplies (ecological and community) are being
from Mt Buller to the Mt Camel Range. The catchment’s
addressed in Victoria’s Integrated Water Management
two Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) are Yorta Yorta
Plan, water authority plans and regional catchment
Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) and Taungurung
strategies collectively.
Land and Waters Council (TLaWC).
Water management and availability underpins emergency
• North East Catchment - bordered by the Warby Ranges
preparedness and recovery, biodiversity and species
(west), Murray River (north) and the Victorian Alpine
health, population growth, agricultural production and
region (east). The catchment’s RAPs are Taungurung
ecological catchment health (soil and carbon).
Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and Yorta Yorta
Nations Aboriginal Corporation. The region is also home
to Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation,
Dhudhuroa Waywurru Nations Aboriginal Corporation,
Jaithmathang Traditional Ancestral Bloodline Original Adaptation = our values and actions
Owners First Nation Aboriginal Corporation and help address environmental challenges
Duduroa Dhargal Aboriginal Corporation. caused by climate change.
20A holistic approach connecting strategic actions, regional communities and
organisations to improve the health of our natural resources - climate, land,
water and biodiversity.
Hume Climate
Change Adapta
tion
Strategy
Community-le
d vision captur
actions and st ing
rategic goals fo
Hume’s climat r
e ready presen Water
and future. Uni t
ting individual Manage
community an , ment
d agency The Inte
approaches. grated W
Manage ater
ment Fra
mework
Regional Victoria for
North East and 5 ye
ar Urban
Strategy Water Str
Catchment water us
ategies c
onsiders
of action for e and av
A framework and ailability
ity, agencies long term
all commun in n at ural .
s to u se
organisation isions in
agement dec
resource man orating l
the Upper M
urray. Incorp Traditiona r
tnership ri fo
n g
ge, it is a par Owner Ca
climate chan lans
catchment Country P
approach to
resilience. ng
d promoti
Guiding an n and
t
, investme
awareness culture,
eople and
rights of p
gether now
working to
re
and for futu
be n e fi ts .
Goulburn
Murray Resil
ience
Strategy
roken
Goulburn B Community su
tchment pported
Regional Ca interventions
Strategy Goulburn Mur
for the
ral Biodiversity ray
restore natu
Guidance to unities Strategy 2037 region.
ts and comm
environmen system. A Victoria’s plan
e Goulburn to prevent
relying on th is closely the decline of
approach, it our fauna and
partnership lues flora and uniq
mmunity va ue environmen
linked to co ts,
views. outlining actio
and regional ns for the
next 20 years to
improve
biodiversity.
21CLIMATE PROOFING
FOR THE FUTURE
Carbon sequestration is a natural or
artificial process by which carbon dioxide
is removed from the atmosphere and
stored in solid or liquid form. It can assist Photo: Controlled burn in progress in North East Victoria.
in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
by capturing elemental carbon within
the soil and plant material and through RECOVERING FROM FIRE
plant growth. Carbon capture can
also help improve soil health and land Almost 85 per cent of eastern Victoria’s land is publicly-owned
management and productivity from and a significant part of this is in the Hume region, including
home gardens to large-scale agriculture, alpine, temperate, open woodland, woodland, grassy plains and
forestry and conservation areas. wetland ecosystems.
Climate Proofing Australia is an initiative Following the fire events of 2019/20, land managers and
led by industry and a network of organisations in our region and more widely are being supported
conservation organisations to advance by the Bushfire Biodiversity Response and Recovery Program,
agriculture and natural resource which has invested $17.5 million so far.
management practices while helping
Site assessments provide essential information on impacts of high
Australia reach its emission reduction
severity fire across various species to determine the short and
targets. Carbon farming for regeneration
longer-term actions and interventions required to help biodiversity
when connected to urban and rural
recovery, and ensure long-term flora and fauna population health.
farming practices, can help communities
2019/20 post fire regional surveys estimate that over 244 species
realise their biodiversity and sustainable
had 50 per cent or more of their habitat burnt, including 215 rare or
food system aspirations. There is
threatened species. Nine ecological vegetation classes (EVCs) also
widespread consumer understanding
had more than 50 per cent of their habitat burnt (Victoria's Bushfire
of and demand for ethically, locally-
Emergency: Biodiversity Response and Recovery Plan 2020).
produced, carbon neutral food sources,
providing a platform of support for an
increase in carbon farming. Figure: Map of fire extent from 2019/20 fires
Part of the Climate Future Program, Cobram
Climate Plots is an initiative underway
Yarrawonga
Rutherglen
Numurkah
Echuca Wodonga
within Hume, which addresses the health Kyabram
Tallangatta Corryong
and quality of soils and the environment.
Rochester Wangaratta Beechworth
Shepparton
Tatura
It aims to help local land managers and Violet Town
Benalla Myrtleford
other community members establish Euroa
Bright
carbon projects on sites near vulnerable Heathcote
ecological or food systems. This important
Seymour
Mansfield
Omeo
initiative is available for all Hume residents
Alexandra
Yea
2019/20 bushfires extent
Kilmore Jamieson Swifts Creek
to access.
Gisborne Dargo
´
Whittlesea Marysville
Buchan
www.greeningaustralia.org.au/
Sunbury
Licola
Healesville
Melton
what-we-do/climate-proofing-australia
Lilydale Warburton
in a more public way.
unity to prepare for our changing climate
"We need to empower the agricultural comm and imple ment activities for
y lack the tools and solutions to plan
Most farmers are already adapting, but man rched and distributed."
ing for adaptation activities needs to be resea
a changed climate. Information and fund
EngageVic Community Survey 2020
22"Not just focusing
on renewable
energy which is ob
vious to reduce
emissions, but mak
e it more difficult for
developers/landown
ers to be able to re
clear native vegeta move/
tion. Protect the lit
and biodiversity th tle vegetation
at exists and plant
just relevant for for more. This is not
ested areas, but als
urban areas, as ev o agricultural/
ery scattered tree/
to habitat, cooling pa tch contributes
/shade, and photos
ynthesis
(turning CO2 into O2
)."
EngageVic Community
Survey 2020
KEEPING A CLOSE
EYE ON OUR BIODIVERSITY
The ClimateWatch Program is a collaboration between
the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne University and
Earthwatch to understand how shifts in rainfall and
temperature are impacting our natural systems. MULLINMUR
Trial sites across Australia have established monitoring BILLABONG’S PUPPET
and tracking projects, collecting information on
changes to plant flowering times, life and breeding
SHOW
cycles and migration. The trials are the first of their
kind in the southern hemisphere and information is The Mullinmur Billabong's Puppet Show is a
collected through citizen science students and adults partnership between the Mullinmur Billabong,
who are invited to participate. Borinya Wangaratta Community Partnerships
and Galen College of Wangaratta.
ClimateWatch is focusing on monitoring the Mount
Buffalo National Park sub-alpine trail (grasslands Based at the Mullinmur Billabong and as part
and the sub-alpine woodlands) due to the location’s of a regeneration project on the northern
significant risk of habitat loss. In partnership with edge of Wangaratta, the project involves local
Parks Victoria, local species including the Flame school students being invited to participate in
Robin and Mountain Grevillea (pictured below) are biodiversity education at the newly established
being observed along the Lake Catani Lakeside Walk. Community Education Hub.
Results collected over time will help manage and Younger students are introduced to climate
conserve precious fauna and flora species. change adaptation, biodiversity and riverine
environments.
Photo: Mountain Grevillia is one of
many indigenous plant species iconic Middle and secondary students participate
to North East Victoria. in script writing workshops, set production,
puppet making and technical sound and
lighting techniques for stage production.
Also, drama class students from local
secondary schools will be invited to
participate and perform ideas featuring
climate change themes, such as threatened
species, water management, green
infrastructure and expanding habitats.
Photo: Mullinmur Billabong is part of a 20 hectare
floodplain riparian woodland on the Ovens River,
Wangaratta.
23Theme 3:
EMBRACING
RENEWABLE ENERGY
24Our energy comes from local and renewable sources.
As outlined in Hume’s Renewable Energy Roadmap 2019, The generation, use and distribution of renewable energy
our community is already embracing renewable energy, is perhaps one of the most significant examples of how
through significant local initiatives and investments. our region can proactively adapt to, and mitigate, the
The Hume region is also an excellent future prospect for impacts of climate change. Hume is one of the leading
pumped hydro, solar, distributed energy resources and community energy hubs in Australia with an annual
green transportation alternatives. renewable energy generation profile of around 1,700GWh
per year. It is home to the highest number of community
However, Hume communities still require improved
energy groups within a single region in Australia, and
access to renewable energy generation and equitable
groups continue to form, network and share information
and affordable opportunities to ensure current and future
and ideas.
benefits are realised and shared.
The Hume region’s strong transmission and transport
Circular economy principles which support alternative
infrastructure, geography, landscape and climatic
energy investment such as waste to energy and
conditions make it particularly well suited to solar and
transportation fuels will be an important driver of this equity.
hydro electricity generation. The community’s uptake of
renewable energy is enthusiastic, from both commercial
and residential customers. The North East Community
Energy Network, Indigo Power and partners in state and
private industry are supporting community-owned energy
projects.
VISION PRIORITY ACTIONS (NEXT FIVE YEARS)
Our region has A Provide opportunities for communities to participate in major renewable
a quick and energy projects such as those provided by renewable energy zones and
well considered transmission upgrades.
transition to A Strengthen renewable energy literacy programs to promote understanding
renewables. and foster the region’s transition to a renewable energy future.
A Integrate renewable energy into agricultural systems.
A Develop renewable energy partnerships with industry to support a growing
circular economy.
Disadvantaged A Foster Traditional Owner energy investment programs.
and vulnerable A Identify “ready to advance” renewable energy projects through feasability
people live studies.
comfortably A Ensure the renewable energy transition has a net positive benefit for local
and have business, the economy and biodiversity.
access to clean, A Continue to implement the Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap.
affordable,
reliable energy. A Expand and increase awareness of energy efficiency programs.
A Upgrade public housing energy efficiency across our region.
A Ensure renewable energy investments provide youth, multi-age and
multicultural community benefits and investment opportunities.
25HUME RENEWABLE ENERGY LANDSCAPE (2021)
Cobram Yarrawonga
9.5 MW
Barnawartha
50 M Litres Biodiesel
Mu
rra
yR
ive
r
Yarrawonga
Nathalia
Numurkah Wodonga
128 MW Rutherglen
Numurkah Wodonga Hume
Chiltern 58 MW
Shepparton Tallangatta
1.9 MW
Corryong
Yackandandah
Shepparton Wangaratta Beechworth
Shepparton
Tatura
Glenrowan Dederang Dartmouth
Glenrowan West 180 MW
Tatura 130 MW
1.1 MW
Benalla
Central North Renewable Energy Zone
Winton
100 MW
Euroa Bright
r
Goulburn Rive
Mt Beauty
Nagambie
Kiewa
392 MW
William Hovell
1.6 MW
Seymour
Hydro electricity generator
Mansfield
Cherry Tree Hill
57.6 MW Wind farm
Ovens Murray Renewable Energy Zone
Alexandra Biogas generator
Broadford Yea
Eildon Solar farm
Eildon 120 MW
Kilmore
Biodiesel plant
Rubicon Community energy group
13.5 MW
Terminal station
VIC/NSW interconnector
220kV transmission line
330kV transmission line
"Renewable Note: Approximately 15 solar farm projects are in stages of planning to construction.
and decentra
lised
energy for bot
h power and
transport to lim
it impacts of cl
change relate imate
d events. Indiv
organisation iduals and
s should be a
own affordab ble to have th
le, renewable eir
for both housi
operate under
ng and transp
en er g y so
ort able to
urce DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY IS KEY
extreme cond
itions."
EngageVic Comm While the 2019/20 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic have again
unity
Survey 2020 highlighted the criticality of strong digital connectivity for all
communities, some remote areas of North East Victoria continue
to deal with the challenges of limited mobile or internet access
due to poor infrastructure and services.
The benefits of reliable, digital connectivity are multifaceted.
This was highlighted in the Mansfield Food Access Guide:
Community Resource (Mansfield District Hospital and RESPOND
Project), which addressed local food access concerns during the
COVID-19 response (April 2020). The project identified digital
connectivity as a powerful tool in connecting communities to
services and local markets to support reliable and sustainable
food supplies to Mansfield.
26THE IMPORTANCE OF
EQUITY TO HEALTH
AND RESILIENCE
Housing quality has been identified of
significant importance to community
members’ ongoing health and resilience.
In a 2020 survey by Sustainability Victoria,
95 per cent of healthcare professionals
who responded identified individuals in
poor quality housing as being particularly
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE - vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change. Additionally, 65 per cent of
AN OPPORTUNITY Victorian respondents who live in public
housing found their homes were too hot
Community-owned green energy generation offers the during the 2019/2020 summer, and 45
opportunity for alternative, resilient energy sources. per cent have had to leave their homes
Locally based, independent energy generation and because of extreme heat. Leaving their
storage enables highly localised climate change homes as a result of heat stress is a major
resilience, and locally owned and operated energy health risk for individuals who are forced
sources such as microgrids (large or small scale, solar into that situation.
or wind) can ensure communities receive uninterrupted The Victorian Council of Social Service
energy supplies during fire events or other disruptions. (VCOSS) highlights the urgent need for a
The work of the Euroa Environment Group in Hume coordinated response from our health and
provides one example where a microgrid trial and service providers in dealing with climate
demonstration site links the community to shared impacts, so every person can have fair
renewable energy generation that is local, reliable and and impartial access to the aid they are
sustainable. entitled to, when they need it. Climate
equity explains how people with lower
In 2018 the Group was awarded a grant of $680,000
incomes, living in social housing or with a
towards a $1.6 million project as part of the Andrew’s
disability or health care challenge, are at
Labor Government’s statewide Micro-grid Demonstration
greater risk from extreme weather events
Initiative. The 589kW solar PV system with up to 400kW of
and the subsequent impact on their access
batteries will initially support up to 14 businesses, and it is
to services (VCOSS 2020). Providing all
intended to expand to service residential properties.
community members with energy efficient,
The Euroa Environment Group was established in 1992 to healthy homes and access to affordable,
ensure land management in the township and surrounds renewable energy supply are important
took environmental matters into consideration. The steps to ensure climate equity.
Group ran a highly successful Environment Series for
the community which expanded its remit to include the
promotion of renewable energy opportunities.
Shirley Saywell from the group said the key goals of the
microgrid trial and demonstration are to provide real
renewable energy opportunities at the local scale for local
people and businesses, and to inspire others to get on
board the energy revolution in the regions.
www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy/microgrids
Photo: Solar and clean energy projects provide community investment
opportunities across Hume.
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