Degradation of areas of natural beauty, which has detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of the population. Decreased rainfall changed and weakened biodiversity: Periods of low precipitation, coupled – with extreme conditions such as extreme heat days and drought, may result in the environmental degradation of open space including the dieback of vegetation such as trees and grass, the loss of local biodiversity and reduced water flows. The quality of canopy cover and urban trees may be impacted by both the ongoing decrease in rainfall, and an increase in rainfall events that may place pressure on weakened trees. Decreased rainfall food security: An increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather – and/or drought may reduce the production of local fresh produce which is grown in the Sydney Basin, community gardens and the wider national and international food supply chain. This may impact the availability of local produce supplies for the food retailers, cafés and restaurants, city’s and the availability and affordability of food for the local community. Objective: changing rainfall and drought conditions The City of Sydney will be prepared for a future with less overall rainfall, while also being ready to deal with heavy rainfall, flooding and storms when they occur. Action Pathways 2015–2030 R1 Continue flood management work to assess the extent of the vulnerability of properties and – key assets. R2 Work with emergency services agencies to prioritise and coordinate responses. – R3 Continue investigation of the own asset risk profile to increases in extreme weather. – City’s R4 Factor changing rainfall, flooding and drought patterns into land use planning, infrastructure – design (including water sensitive urban design), and strategies for parks, gardens, open spaces and urban forestry. 2030–2050 R5 Adopt new design measures for improved protection of council property and infrastructure – from more severe rain, hail and wind. R6 Identify high-risk areas for modification of infrastructure, facilities and buildings. – R7 Assess the business continuity risks (airport, tourism, communications, energy, water) and – responses for the City and surrounding areas. 2050–2070 R8 Re-assess the extreme weather risks and responses for the city and surrounding areas. – Detailed Actions
Degradation of areas of natural beauty, which has detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of the population. Decreased rainfall – changed and weakened biodiversity: Periods of low precipitation, coupled with extreme conditions such as extreme heat days and drought, may result in the environmental degradation of open space including the dieback of vegetation such as trees and grass, the loss of local biodiversity and reduced water flows. The quality of canopy cover and urban trees may be impacted by both the ongoing decrease in rainfall, and an increase in rainfall events that may place pressure on weakened trees. Decreased rainfall – food security: An increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and/or drought may reduce the production of local fresh produce which is grown in the Sydney Basin, community gardens and the wider national and international food supply chain. This may impact the availability of local produce supplies for the city’s food retailers, cafés and restaurants, and the availability and affordability of food for the local community. Objective: changing rainfall and drought conditions The City of Sydney will be prepared for a future with less overall rainfall, while also being ready to deal with heavy rainfall, flooding and storms when they occur. Action Pathways 2015–2030 R1 – Continue flood management work to assess the extent of the vulnerability of properties and key assets. R2 – Work with emergency services agencies to prioritise and coordinate responses. R3 – Continue investigation of the City’s own asset risk profile to increases in extreme weather. R4 – Factor changing rainfall, flooding and drought patterns into land use planning, infrastructure design (including water sensitive urban design), and strategies for parks, gardens, open spaces and urban forestry. 2030–2050 R5 – Adopt new design measures for improved protection of council property and infrastructure from more severe rain, hail and wind. R6 – Identify high-risk areas for modification of infrastructure, facilities and buildings. R7 – Assess the business continuity risks (airport, tourism, communications, energy, water) and responses for the City and surrounding areas. 2050–2070 R8 – Re-assess the extreme weather risks and responses for the city and surrounding areas. Detailed Actions
2016-022572-Accessible-version-Adapting-for-Climate-Change.docx