06/04/2009 Future Proofing Perth's Eastern Region - Adapting to Climate Change

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) and its six member Councils are leading the way in climate change adaptation with the Future Proofing Perth's Eastern Region ' Adapting to Climate Change project.
Funded by the EMRC and the Australian Government Department of Climate Change's Local Adaptation Pathways Program, the project is looking at climate change projections and impacts on local government.  It includes identifying climate change risks, assessing and prioritizing       the  risks, and developing an action plan.

Following a forum and workshops held earlier this year, the EMRC, Coastal Zone Management and the Future Proofing Project Steering Group are developing a Risk Assessment Report and Adaptation Action Plan due to be lodged with the Australian Government by 30 June 2009.

The forum was held for member Council elected members, CEO's and senior staff. Key speakers included Dr Ray Wills the CEO of the WA Sustainable Energy Association, Dr Robert Kay the Director of Coastal Zone Management, Ed Hauck from Department of Water and Dianne Katscherian from Department of Health. Forum attendees heard about the impacts of climate change to the Region and the human health impacts from extreme weather events.

Following the forum, two workshops were held with the purpose of identifying climate change risks to member Councils operations and services and focusing on adaptation measures to respond to the risks identified.

For further information on the Future Proofing Perth's Eastern Region project please contact Naomi Rakela, Senior Project Coordinator (Environmental) on 9424 2273 or email Naomi.Rakela@emrc.org.au.

Naomi Rakela, Senior Project Coordinator (Environmental)
Direct: (08) 9424 2273, Email: Naomi. Rakela@emrc.org.au

Libby Kraus, Marketing and Communications Officer
Direct: (08) 9424 2255, Email: Libby.Kraus@emrc.org.au