Temperatures in the southeast region are "virtually certain" to be hotter by 2050 and in the nearer future, the area will experience an increase in average and severe fire weather.
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These were key findings of a 2017 state government study of various regions' vulnerability to the projected impacts of climate change.
A Goulburn group says these and other conclusions have been strongly borne out around Goulburn in recent time.
"We want to get people thinking about extreme weather and how it will impact because we've had four or five events in a row, from major fires, heavy rain, hail, dust and ongoing drought," says Community Voice for Hume member, Bob Phillipson.
The group, which was formed before the last federal election, has organised a 'Coping with Extreme Weather workshop' on Wednesday, February 26. Bungonia-based sustainability advocate and former Oxfam disaster planner, Debbie Hunt will run the free two-hour session at the Goulburn Community Centre from 10am. The council providing the venue free of charge.
Mr Phillipson said the format, developed by Wingecarribee Shire Council, covered personal preparedness, what was considered to be 'extreme weather,' emergency contacts, resilience and a takeaway 'Rediplan and Go Box' as a guide to developing a strategy.
"The idea is to draw on experiences and guide people through a process," he said.
"...As we all know, plans, especially, when shared with your family mean that you sleep more easily and less time is wasted if and when the next severe weather events strikes. Questions like exactly who to call for help and where you should go to seek shelter need to be at your finger-tips."
He stresses it is not there to replace fire plans.
Mr Phillipson pointed to Department of Industry, Environment and Planning studies to highlight the issue's importance. The Integrated Regional Vulnerability Assessments studied the projected impacts of climate change on NSW regions. On the north coast in 2018/19, 92 per cent of survey respondents were most worried about flooding, while 25pc rated frequent bushfires as a concern.
The report for the southeast region, including Goulburn Mulwaree, found that, consistent with global trends, the climate was "virtually certain to be hotter, with a likely rainfall increase in summer and decrease in winter."
"Snowfall is likely to decrease. Runoff and streamflows are likely to decrease in spring and winter, particularly in the west, and increase in summer. Summer rainfalls are likely to increase the rate of sheet, rill and gully erosion," the report stated.
It predicted a 2-3-degree rise in maximum daily temperatures during autumn, winter and spring and 1.5 to 2 degrees during summer.
The reports were completed in conjunction with councils, agencies and other stakeholders to enable adapation and planning.
Mr Phillipson says the study and the workshop tie in nicely with Goulburn Mulwaree Council's draft Social Sustainability and Action Plan, which asks people for their ideas on the kind of place in which they want to live. It is on public exhibition until January 31.
One of its objectives is building resilience to climate impacts, but while it lists some strategies, Mr Phillipson says there's little detail on how these will be achieved.
"I think we're at a turning point with (the NSW Environment Minister) Matt Kean setting a new renewable energy target (of 35pc greenhouse emissions reduction by 2030)," he said.
"It is out of step with the federal government's target and includes renewable energy zones, one of which is out for tender now."
His group is pushing for Goulburn Mulwaree to become a renewable energy zone. Mr Phillipson says now is the opportunity, under the guise of the Social Sustainability Plan, to start rethinking its approach and better align with the state government's target. If not, he fears it will miss out on grants.
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"The plan talks about attracting renewable energy jobs but if they want to do that, they need to lead the way," Mr Phillipson says.
He's calling for a "more focused' assessment of climate change impacts, uniting all stakeholders.
The group has met with the council on the subject. It also intends lodging a submission on the Social Sustainability Plan.
- People can book for the workshop at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coping-with-extreme-weather-events-forseniors-tickets-90103049647 or by emailing bob.philipson99@gmail.com, or calling on 0418 138 004. Lunch will be provided.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
