Our Act Now project is currently focusing on delivering a proactive coastal adaptation communication and engagement resource for the Hunter and Central Coast Region. It will also provide a pathway to embed Climate Change into the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework of Councils.

This project is funded through the Local Government NSW’s Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Grant Program, and some of the key deliverables include a Coastal Communications Package and a Climate Change Integrated Planning and Reporting Package.

Coastal Communications Package

The Coastal Communications Package will develop resources to provide a consistent and proactive messaging surrounding coastal hazards and issues impacting coastal communities. These impacts often include erosion, inundation, storms, and a rise in sea levels, the severity and frequency of which has been increasing due to climate change.

Communication around these issues is often conducted on a site-by-site basis and, as a result, consumes significant council and agency resources. This package will assist councils in more efficiently, effectively and consistently addressing these issues across the region.

Climate Change Integrated Planning and Reporting Package

The Climate Change Integrated Planning and Reporting Package aligns with the IP&R Framework and timeline, to provide a pathway for Councils to have a conversation about their level of Climate Change commitment. In doing so the framework will assist Councils set up their long-term strategic direction for Councils, including identifying medium and short-term programs and projects.

This package will encourage Councils to embed their Climate Change commitment into their overarching IP&R documents including:

• Community Strategic Plan
• Delivery Program
• Operational Plan

Engagement

Engagement Fact Sheets will soon be distributed to Councils detailing the opportunities over coming few months through which they can be involved in the development and review of both the Coastal Communications Package and Climate Change Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Package. This will be forwarded directly to the key contacts for this project and available on our website. You can also keep up to date with our programs HERE.

We encourage you to contact Melinda Curtis, Regional Policy and Program Manager – Environment on melindac@hunterjo.com or 0428981012 to be added to the key stakeholder and engagement list for this project.