The Federal Government has released a report aimed at assisting companies and local governments make informed decisions about where and how to build key infrastructure assets in the face of a changing climate.

 

The Economic framework for analysis of climate change adaptation options sets out ley adaptation techniques by using case studies concerning flood mitigation, long term water supply and the effects of heat waves on critical infrastructure.

 

"Infrastructure investors, owners and managers, as well as governments at all levels, need to find the most cost effective ways to prepare for the impacts of climate change in the future," Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet said.

 

"The cost benefit approaches employed provide decision-makers with detailed information about trade-offs when choosing between different adaptation options.”

 

The main report sets out the methodology, three case studies apply the methodology to: flood mitigation around Narrabeen Lagoon in Sydney's northern beaches; securing a long-term water supply for towns in the Central Highlands region of Victoria; and reducing the impacts of heatwaves on Melbourne’s urban rail network.

 

Commissioned by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the report and case studies were completed by a consortium led by global consultancy AECOM.

 

The report and case studies are available through the department's website.