The process of adapting to climate change impacts is not new to most organisations. Businesses, governments and whole sectors have always managed risks and adapted their operations in response to changing weather patterns and climatic conditions. However, with more rapid climatic change and an increasing understanding of the potential future changes to our climate, planned and proactive adaptation has become more critical to ensure local communities, economies and ecosystems remain viable into the future.

At first glance, what climate change adaptation means for government can be abstract, complex and
subjective, and it may be difficult to know where to start with adaptation planning.

This guide can support all levels of government, irrespective of sector, in working out how climate change impacts may affect their respective services and programs, and how to best prepare for and respond to current and future climatic changes. It seeks to be flexible and consider the complexity and diversity of adaptation challenges across he state – and across various government organisations and agencies. It provides an overview of different approaches essential for place-based adaptation planning at the local level, which can be tailored to specific circumstances and needs.