WGCMA Gippsland Regional Adaptation Approach for CCI and Adaptation
While not directly relevant to the Hamilton region I thought this was interesting. It shows what is being done in a nearby region on these issues and it is likely that similar issues will be raised at our scenario workshop. The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) held a series of workshops in 2005 with stakeholders in the Gippsland region to explore the issue of how the region could adapt to the predicted CCI. Participants from a range of sectors were asked to complete ‘Climate Impact Cards’ listing their major concerns about the predicted impacts. They were also asked to list what further information they need and the types of decisions this would impact on. These are recorded as an Excel file as Appendix 4 of the report (3rd tab/spreadsheet).

A wide range of issues are raised including: impact of a drier climate (less rainfall, less frosts) on crops, dairy and food production; changes required to farming practices; ability of farmers and others to change / farm viability; need to reduce water usage / reuse grey water; increased bush fire risk; impact of fire on catchment yields; disease risks; farming land being developed for housing; viability of small coastal towns – rebuilding dunes / relocation; impact on energy production with less rainfall meaning less cooling water for use in production; ability of natural resources to cope / vulnerability of ecosystems / loss of biodiversity; changes to population; ability of Country Fire Authority to attract volunteers / need to do fuel reduction burning to minimise fire risk; climate resistant species for revegetation; changes to runoff; tension between water demand for farming and environmental flows; drinking water quality; planning approvals should take water availability into consideration; increased flooding; infrastructure and planning for extreme rainfall and storm events. A full report analysing the results is available.

ABARE Australian Commodities – Climate Change Sept 2007
This report explores the issues and challenges for Australian agriculture and forestry that CC poses. It talks about impacts of CC and possible adaptation and mitigation options. Reproduced below is their summary of adaptation options.

Box 1 Climate change adaptation options in agriculture and forestry   Cropping and horticulture • alter the variety or species planted to those with more appropriate thermal time and vernalisation requirements and/or with increased resistance to heat, frosts or drought • alter application times and amount of fertiliser or irrigated water to maintain growth and quality • alter timing and location of cropping activities • enhance water efficiency by using zero tillage, retaining crop residues and changing planting patterns • in lower rainfall areas, enhance water management by implementing or expanding water harvesting technologies and acting to conserve soil moisture; in higher rainfall areas, improve water management to prevent waterlogging, erosion and nutrient leaching • enhance pest, disease and weed management practices through integrated pest and pathogen management and using more pest and disease resistant varieties • reduce potential for soil erosion by retaining stubble, reducing fallow times, etc   Livestock • adapt annual production cycle to better match feed production • alter pasture rotations and modify grazing times • alter forage and animal species or breeds • provide supplementary feeding • provide alternative housing infrastructure — for example, winter housing or increased shading • change or improve feed concentrates   Planted forests • change management intensity, harvesting patterns, and rotation periods as appropriate • select a variety of species • manage landscape to reduce fire risk • undertake prescribed burning to reduce vulnerability to fire damage   Sectorwide • use seasonal forecasting to reduce production risk • diversify farm income by integrating other farming activities or increasing off-farm income • move to alternative income sources outside of agriculture • minimise high input costs in high risk areas or time periods • have emergency response plans in place for fire, flood, hail and heavy rain etc • offset increased costs of managing climate change by reducing other costs • use financial risk management tools or options to manage risk — for example, futures contracts, water trading, carbon offsets, income stabilisation, insurance • spread risk through multiple holdings in different climatic regions • increase resilience of land systems through landcare and stewardship initiatives. Sources: Government of South Australia (2007); Smit and Skinner (2002); AGO (2007); IPCC (2007); PMSEIC (2007).

CSIRO Rural Australia Providing Climate Solutions 2007
This report does not focus on adaptation, but I thought I’d include it as some people may be interested in reading it. It ‘focuses on the prospects of rural Australian’s becoming valued service providers in three important areas of Australia’s low carbon future:
1) providing clean energy and electricity;
2) mobilising agricultural mitigation and greenhouse gas offsets; and 3) supporting environmental stewardship on private land.