Climate change is already impacting the way councils manage their assets and infrastructure. Local Government plays a key role in facilitating community adaptation however, the lack of evidence to support council decision making is already presenting a challenge for the sector. This project seeks to address this barrier by developing a clearer understanding of the costs and benefits of different adaptation options for community assets and infrastructure owned and managed by councils across Greater Melbourne.
Phase 1: CBA Framework (2021)
The outputs include a cost-benefit analysis framework for each major asset class and a robust methodology for assessing and prioritising adaptation options in subsequent project phases.
Adaptation Cost Benefit Analysis Framework (PDF, 737KB)
Scoping Study Project Report (PDF, 555KB)
Webinar 1 of 2: Project findings, outcomes and cost-benefit analysis framework (MP4, 168MB)
Webinar 2 of 2: Worked example of the CBA framework (MP4, 595MB)
Phase 2: Quantifying the economic costs of impacts (2022-23)
The second phase of work has developed financial estimates of the costs of climate change impacts on each asset class for all participating councils. This ‘baseline’ or ‘base case’ is a critical first step in the CBA framework and will assist councils to understand their risk exposure to assets if climate change adaptation is not undertaken. The outputs of this work is important for councils seeking to apply the overarching principle of addressing climate change risk as outlined in the Local Government Act 2020. Key project outputs include:
Adaptive Community Assets final report NCE April 2023 (.pdf 2,174KB)
Model data dashboard (.xlsx 809KB)
Final webinar slide deck (.pdf 1,032KB)
Phases 1 and 2 of this project were funded under the Regional Adaptation Strategy (RAS) for Greater Melbourne and delivered through a partnership between four Greenhouse Alliances and DEECA. The approach and methodology built on previous cost-benefit work delivered under the RAS, including EAGA’s Exploratory Study and SECCCA’s Asset Vulnerability Assessment. Natural Capital Economics were engaged to deliver the work on behalf of the project partners.
Phase 3: Costs and benefits of adaptation options for roads (2025)
Phase 3 of the project seeks to develop high-level estimates of the costs and benefits of climate change adaptation options for road assets owned and managed by all 32 councils in the Greater Melbourne region. The economic analysis will again be undertaken by Natural Capital Economics. This phase also involves a partnership with CSIRO’s Data61, who will develop a scalable spatial tool that integrates hazard and road asset mapping with data on adaptation options. The phase will conclude with regional workshops with executive teams and road asset managers to build capacity and ensure project learnings are captured in long-term financial management plans and asset management plans.