While there exists a number of useful resources for undertaking climate risk assessment and adaptation planning, to date there has been a gap in practical guidance for embedding, mainstreaming or systematising (referred to collectively as ‘embedding’) climate risk planning into council business. In recognition of this gap, ACELG in consultation with key stakeholders determined that a guidance manual that includes real-life practical examples of embedding activities would enable a ‘step change’ in how climate risk is being addressed within local government.

As such this manual includes:
• a step-by-step process in applying the manual to effectively embed climate resilience.
• case studies from councils leading the way in climate adaptation across Australia (including councils in the reference and in-kind support groups), and internationally
• transferable embedding products (toolkits, checklists, systems, processes and other resources) that could be adopted or adapted for use within a council.

The target audience for the manual is anyone involved in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning in a council, and as such the manual does not go into significant detail on the issue of climate risk and local government, pointing instead to existing useful publications.