2012 VCCCAR Annual Forum Highlights

VCCCAR’s third Annual Forum brought together leaders in climate adaptation from across Victoria to showcase our current research and discuss how partnerships between researchers and government decision-makers could turn adaptation research into policy and practice.

The Forum was designed to promote interaction between stakeholders in climate change adaptation, and it attracted more than 170 participants.

The first event of the day was an Industry Roundtable Breakfast chaired by Anne Barker which examined the question of industry policy and research needs in relation to Adaptation.

This was followed by plenary sessions which included:

• The launch of the VCCCAR Adaptation Navigator Tool by Donna Petrovich MP,
• A state government panel discussion chaired by Rob Gell.
• Key note presentations by Karl Sullivan - General Manager, Policy, Risk and Disaster, Insurance Council of Australia and Professor Tony Wong Chief Executive and Director of Monash University’s Centre for Water Sensitive Cities.
• A panel discussion with state government members chaired by Rob Gell.

A number of concurrent sessions took place in the afternoon, including workshops on decision taking, green infrastructure, the practical application of scenarios, legal aspects of Adaptation, how to use the Adaptation Navigator Tool. there were also presentations about CCCAR research, including topics such as enhancing water infrastructure, integrated land management and Adaptation tools and capacity building.

There were also partnerships sessions including a hypothetical facilitated by the Environment Defenders Office.

A local government session, Adaptation Journeys, sponsored by the Municipal Association of Victoria.

Talking Adaptation, a conversation with the Victorian Aboriginal people facilitated by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.