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As Victoria experiences warmer and drier conditions with more extreme rainfall events impacting our water system, we must adapt to protect the health of our natural environment. This will ensure we have safe and reliable access to water.

A new approach to climate action in Victoria

The Climate Change Act 2017 (the Act) sets a net zero emissions target for Victoria. We can achieve net zero through progressive targets.

The Act also requires the government to outline its approach to climate action every 5 years through a climate change strategy and emissions reduction and adaptation action plans.

Adaptation action plans

Victoria has adaptation action plans for 7 systems that are either vulnerable to the impacts of climate change or essential to our resilience. These systems are:

  • water
  • transport
  • the built environment
  • the natural environment
  • health and human services
  • education and training
  • primary production.

The Water Cycle Adaptation Action Plan (WCAAP) snapshot 2022-2026 identifies 21 actions that will help with climate change adaptation across the water cycle system. The plan will help our climate resilience, now and into the future.

The WCAAP builds on the work delivered through the Pilot Water Sector Adaptation Action Plan (WSAAP).

Many of the projects enhance our understanding of how climate change impacts the water sector. This will allow successful adaptation to climate change across the water sector.

The WCAAP is also supporting on ground adaptation projects. This includes projects that help lessen climate impacts on our water resources. They also build resilience of our water systems and protect community assets.

These projects include:

  • Stormwater harvesting project to help keep the Kalkallo sporting field green (Hume City Council)
  • Delivery of water to the Moorabool Yaluk (river) and the Durdidwarrah wetland (Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation)
  • Research into using sustainable water sources such as rainwater and stormwater (Rural City of Wangaratta)
  • Research into groundwater technology to improve Bendigo’s water security during drought (Coliban Water)
  • Integrated Water Management Plans to understand the impact of climate change in the regions (East Gippsland Water and Borough of Queenscliffe)
  • Tree planting along rivers to improve water quality and create wildlife corridors (Bass Coast Shire Council)

Regional adaptation strategies

The Victorian community has developed regional adaptation strategies that address the challenges and opportunities from climate change. These strategies will help guide local action.

Learn more about Victoria’s climate initiatives

Head to Victorian Water and Climate Initiative to find out more about the latest climate science. You can also explore resources on climate adaptation.

Victoria's climate change adaptation framework

Diagram depicting Victoria’s climate change adaptation action. It starts with Climate Change Act (Act) 2017, Climate Change Strategy - leading to Regional Adaptation Action and Climate Change Strategy also leading to Adaptation action across 7 systems. Water Sector Adaptation Action Plan and Water for Victoria (action 2.3)

Page last updated: 08/08/24