In January, the Vic government released the Port Philip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment which details the climate impacts threatening coastal communities. Environment Minister, Steve Dimopoulos has said - "Victoria's precious coastline is already being impacted by climate change. Our focus is on managing the risks, adapting to the changes, and supporting communities and industries to be resilient" - but we're concerned the government is acting too slow to resource people for climate adaptation.
That's why we're connecting with people on the climate frontlines to discuss how we build resiliency and power towards climate adaptation.
Friends of the Earth and the Act on Climate collective jumped on the radio on both Geelong community radio station, Pulse FM and Dirt Radio on 3CR to discuss the release of the Port Philip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment. Listen to the recordings below to find out what it means for some of Victoria's coastal communities and the actions we need to take to prepare.
The Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment was released by DEECA in January 2024. It outlines the current and future coastal hazards around the bay. These coastal hazards, which include coastal inundation, coastal erosion and changes in groundwater salinity and depth, are escalating due to climate change and rising sea levels.
The release of this hazard assessment is a really defining point in our trajectory of having local evidence around climate impacts already being of deep concern. What’s now clear is the need for transparency around any action the government is going to take to support communities to adapt given these impacts are locked in. We're at a point where even mitigation efforts aren’t enough to avoid the changes we need to make to our communities.
It is important at this stage for local communities to be leading the way in their adaptation planning. Communities want the information about what impacts they can expect based on projections and then to be supported in planning and executing visions of adapting their communities depending on their circumstances of risks, vulnerabilities and industry.
Local Impacts of Rising Sea Levels on VIC's Coastlines - Pulse FM interview
The risk to homes, infrastructure, and beaches right around Port Phillip Bay from climate-induced sea-level rise and storm surges is outlined in the long-awaited VIC Government Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment, which was released this week.
Sanja Van Huet, a Friends of the Earth member and scientist from Ocean Grove who has been monitoring the issue of sea level rise, spoke to Geelong community radio station, Pulse FM about the local climate impact of rising seas, the need for a permanent Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria, the fact that the government can act, and how individuals and communities can get involved in pushing for the necessary action.
Listen to the Pulse FM radio interview on YouTube here.
- The VIC Government’s Port Phillip Bay Coastal Hazard Assessment can be found here.
- Read The Age article the interview is in response to here.
- More about and show you support for a permanent Community Climate Adaptation Fund for Victoria here.
- Learn more about the threat of seismic blasting and get involved in the community fight against it here.
Listen to the 3CR radio interview here.
Some climate impacts are now unavoidable. We’ll be seeing more extremes in the weather and sea level rise is on the way. But, we can prepare for these climate impacts. We need community-led climate adaptation that is continuously and adequately funded.
Adapting to a changing climate demands that our communities adjust how we live to prioritise safety and justice in the face of known risks. Every step we take to help communities adapt to now unavoidable climate impacts secures a safer future and builds resilience, protecting people and country. People need funding to fulfil their plans to build resilient communities in a changing climate and keep those most at risk safe.
Add your name to the call for a permanent Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund
Building resiliency to climate impacts looks different for each community and the Act on Climate collective are building the Frontline Climate Alliance to support people to take the action needed for their localised needs and unique context.
During our second meeting for the Frontline Climate Alliance Vic (FCAV) we discussed how communities can make the case for the government to create a dedicated fund for climate adaptation.
When climate disasters do happen, we want to be able to signal-boost messages from local communities about what support they need.
The next Frontline Climate Alliance Vic call is happening on Thursday February 29th at 6pm. Register for the online event now.
Read more about the Frontline Climate Alliance initiative here.
Join our next Frontline Climate Alliance call
Reach out if you have any questions or would like to discuss through any details about the work we're involved in.