Resilient South member councils in South Australia have welcomed a $99,000 grant from the Federal Government to develop a Regional Climate Action Plan.
Resilient South is a partnership involving the neighbouring Cities of Marion, Holdfast Bay, Onkaparinga and Mitcham, and the South Australian Government.
It was set up eleven years ago, aiming to get on the front foot in addressing the localised impacts of climate change.
The Regional Climate Action Plan will be the second five-year strategic document prepared by Resilient South.
The Plan is funded through the Federal Government’s Preparing Australia Program.
Resilient South Regional Coordinator, Stefan Caddy-Retalic, said the $99,000 grant would allow the partners to continue the current climate action initiatives, while allowing them to review and plan adaptation priorities and direction for the next five years.
“The Preparing Australian Communities Program was set up by the Commonwealth to provide support to locally identified and locally-led projects that will improve the resilience of communities against natural hazards,” Dr Caddy-Retalic said.
“We know climate change is only going to exacerbate the occurrence and intensity of natural hazards of bushfire, flood and storms. Resilient South has spent the past decade working collaboratively to mitigate the impact of climate change on our communities and adapt to a changing climate.
“One of our flagship programs is the Resilient Asset Management Project, which is leading the way in integrating climate change risk into the management of council assets.
“The partner councils are responsible for over $5 billion in assets, and we need to make sure we are using the best available tools to ensure they are available for the community.
“Other projects include our urban heat mapping program, upgrading street lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting and our Cool Places program to create greener areas with water sensitive urban design.
“The Preparing Australian Communities Program grant will assist with our efforts to continue these important and locally-led projects that will ensure the Cities of Marion, Holdfast Bay, Onkaparinga and Mitcham remain great places to live.”
Round one of the Preparing Australian Communities Program has funded 158 projects across the nation, including 20 in South Australia valued at $30 million.
