CLIMATE CHANGEADAPTATION PLAN

SUMMARY DOCUMENT FEBRUARY 2020

FOREWORD

At Central Highlands Water we have embedded the values of Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership and Care into our organisational culture. We have a long history of providing quality water and wastewater services, safely, efficiently and sustainably to communities in the Central Highlands region. By supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are working to ensure equitable access to essential services and the enhancement of social and environmental values long into the future.

We acknowledge that climate change is introducing new challenges to the way our services are delivered. Changing circumstances will give rise to new opportunities. Taking advantage of these opportunities and securing our high quality services from the impact of climate change will require innovative thinking and flexible solutions. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with stakeholders to understand our changing climate and to adopt practices that protect against risks and maximise benefits and opportunities.

Together, we will remain agile and adaptive to the changing needs of our customers, communities and the environment.

Paul O’Donohue Managing Director

chw.net.au

TRADITIONAL OWNERS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTCentral Highlands Water acknowledges the Traditional Owners / Peoples of the region we work in, including the Dja Dja Wurrung, Wadawurrung, Wurundjeri, Djab Wurrung Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples.

We pay our respect to the Elders of these communities past, present and emerging, acknowledging that they have been custodians of land and water for many centuries and that their continuing culture and contribution is important to the life of the region.

Image: Artwork of Trina Dalton-Oogjes, Wathaurung (Wadawurrung) woman – Healthy Water, Healthy Country 2019.

INTRODUCTION

Central Highlands Water (CHW) recognises that climate change presents current and future risks to our customers and the community’s water and wastewater service delivery. As a result, CHW is focused on mitigating its contribution to global warming and on timely and effective adaptation responses to a changing climate.

This Climate Change Adaptation Plan (CCAP) is a key component of CHW’s integrated response to the challenge of climate change. CHW’s commitments to climate change mitigation are outlined separately in its Emissions Reduction Pledge (dated 15 March 2017). Refer to CHW’s annual report for progress towards the zero emissions target by 2050.

While acknowledging the inherent uncertainty associated with the nature and timing of climate change impacts, this CCAP seeks to prepare CHW for climate change impacts already observed and those that will be experienced in the future.

OBJECTIVESThe overarching objective of this CCAP is to manage risks introduced by climate change and to ensure CHW continues to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders now and into the future. The CCAP provides support to staff, senior management and the Board of Directors in discharging their duty with due diligence. To achieve this, the CCAP establishes and supports the achievement of the following goals:

ADAPTATIONAdaptation is defined as the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate change and its effects (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC 2014).

Reduce vulnerability to the direct and indirect consequences of climate change

Build resilience to climate change impacts and extreme weather events

Innovate to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities presented by changes in our climate

Continuously grow our capacity and capability for adaptation

Support the implementation of the State Government Policy, including Water for Victoria and the Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Plan

UNCERTAINTY“Climate change involves complex interactions and changing likelihoods of diverse impacts.” (IPCC 2014)

Uncertainty surrounds the potential impacts from climate change demanding we build resilience to cope with future events and unanticipated change. In planning for the future, we must account for different climate change scenarios, as illustrated below.

Forecast global temperature change adapted from the IPCC Working Group II Summary for Policy Makers 2014.

CHW deals with uncertainty by adopting the concept of ‘adaptation pathways’ in its response, rather than specific, time bound actions. This flexible approach encourages the implementation of no-regret actions to deliver positive responses under a range of potential future outcomes. In response to actual and predicted climate change impacts, the flexibility afforded by a pathways approach will allow CHW to adjust its course and avoid any unintended outcomes.

RESILIENCEThe capacity of social, economic, and environmental systems to cope with a hazardous event, trend or disturbance, responding or reorganising in ways that maintain their essential function, identity and structure, whilst also maintaining the capacity for adaptation, learning and transformation (IPCC 2014).

to be adapted

1900-2

0

2

4

6

1950 2000 2050 2100

Glo

bal

mea

n te

mp

erat

ure

chan

ge

(°C

rel

ativ

e to

19

86

-20

05

)

Observed

RCP8.5

Overlap

RCP2.6

WHAT HAS INFORMED OUR PLAN?LET’S TALK WATERIn 2016, CHW embarked on an ambitious community engagement program titled Let’s Talk Water. The program engaged with the Central Highlands community at multiple levels including customers, stakeholders and community representatives.

Let’s Talk Water utilised multiple channels of engagement, including 24 visits to local communities and extensive use of online customer surveys. The program engaged over 1,000 customers in the assessment of current service standards and future requests in relation to water and wastewater services. Importantly, 86% of respondents believe CHW has a responsibility to take action on climate change.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTTo ensure CHW’s CCAP is reflective of the expectations of our communities, stakeholders and customers were invited to contribute their thoughts during the development of the plan.

Representatives from key sectors, including public health and government joined with members of CHW’s Customer Advisory Panel to share their experiences and ideas. This sharing of perspectives provided valuable insights into the broader implications of climate change and the role CHW can play on behalf of the community.

“Like most Australians, personal concerns regarding Climate Change are always with me.

Being associated with CHW as a customer representative, I have been privy, in a small way, to the work that is going on behind the scenes with climate change adaptation/mitigation as an underlying tenant. I find this work encouraging and economic opportunities abound … if only we look.”

Greg Andrews, Member of CHW Customer Advisory Panel

ADAPTIVE CAPACITYAs an important initial step in its adaptation journey, CHW undertook an assessment of its adaptive capacity. This ensures any actions and initiatives committed to under the CCAP are supported by a solid foundation and have the best chances of success.

Tailored measures of adaptive capacity have been identified based on CHW’s unique circumstances and the key factors needed for risk management strategies to be unencumbered.

ADAPTATION PLANNING METHODOLOGYIn developing its CCAP, CHW has followed a multi-faceted planning methodology. The methodology combines elements of the WSAA Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines, Value by Design expert facilitation and CHW’s Strategic Risk Management Framework.

VALUE BY DESIGNCHW staff were invited to contribute their perspectives on the topic of climate change impacts and vulnerability. These collective views and experiences were collected via an inclusive Value by Design workshop. Facilitated by Jacobs’ Global Technology Leader, Resilience and Climate Change, the workshop employed Value by Design principles, which are used globally by Jacobs to unpack complex issues, clarify objectives and maximise value.

The Value by Design experience highlighted areas of reliance and services that may be vulnerable to climate related threats.

KEY REFERENCESAs a state government owned essential service provider, CHW has important relationships with over 140,000 customers, eight local government areas, three catchment management authorities and five Registered Aboriginal Parties. As such, it is important that CHW’s plans and activities align with and support those of our stakeholders.

To ensure that it aligns to current best practice in the water sector and government policy, the following references have been used to guide the development of the CCAP.

• WSAA Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines

• IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5)

• Victorian Climate Change Adaption Plan 2017-2020

• Victoria’s Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan

• Climate Change Guidance Note for Directors and Executives

• Water for Victoria

• Victoria’s Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies

ADAPTIVE CAPACITYThe ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences (IPCC 2014).

VULNERABILITYThe propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected. Vulnerability encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity or susceptibility to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt (IPCC 2014).

Victoria's Climate Change Adaptation Plan

2017 - 2020

FacilitatedWorkshop

RiskAssessment

ClimateChangeImpact

Assessment

ClimateChangeImpacts

Opportunities

Stakeholders Management

Inputs & Outputs

CH

W C

limate C

hange Ad

aptation P

lan

Opportunities

Significant Risks

High Risks

Low Risks

CHW’s climate change adaptation planning methodology.

Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan

PROJECT REPORT

Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines February 2016

WSA 303 – 2016-v1.2

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

EXPERTISE

Review

Medium Risks

WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM?Climate change has long been recognised for its potential to drive adverse effects on the natural and built environment. For much of south east Australia, the millennium drought highlighted just how vulnerable natural systems are to changes in climate. In 2010, specialist consultant AECOM was engaged by CHW to undertake an assessment of climate change risks and to inform CHW’s actions and decision making. Based on this history, many of the important elements required for successful adaptation are already in place.

STRATEGIC RISK FRAMEWORKCHW’s Corporate Strategic Risk Framework identifies climate change as a significant threat. The framework recognises that failure to mitigate climate change, and activate adaption strategies to address extreme weather event variability, will adversely impact service delivery.

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENTCoinciding with the worst drought on record between 1996 – 2010, the Victorian Government and water corporations embarked on a major water resource augmentation and planning journey. Along with huge investments in water supply infrastructure, the water sector and all levels of government began producing long term-water resource strategies with the aim of securing future water resources.

The Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy and CHW’s Urban Water Strategy represent the contemporary water security strategies for both consumptive and environmental needs into the future.

These strategies will continue to be updated on 10 and 5 year cycles respectively to ensure the future security of our water resources.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHW’s Crisis and Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) is supported by a variety of subject specific plans, many of which relate directly to increased risk from climate change.

Additionally, as climate change impacts, such as heatwaves, are increasingly experienced, welfare considerations are critical. As part of CHW’s OH&S management system, significant controls are in place to protect staff health and safety, and these controls will continue to be enhanced as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTWith the release of the Victorian Government’s Our Environment Our Future in 2005, CHW committed to respond to the challenge of climate change and to maintain and restore our natural assets. Today, CHW’s Environmental Sustainability Policy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including the principle of ‘strengthening resilience to climate change’. The policy also commits CHW to undertaking a range of activities outlined in the organisation’s Sustainability Framework.

Amongst those activities, several are particularly relevant, reflecting new and existing initiatives connected with the preservation of values in a changing climate. Moving forward, these will align with CHW’s ongoing adaptation efforts.

Noteworthy elements of the Sustainability Framework (2019/20) commitments include:

• Development of a Climate Change Adaption Plan (CCAP)

• Implementation of the Ballarat Integrated Water Management Plan

• Development of a Biodiversity Plan

• Development of a River Health Plan

• Development of a Reconciliation Action Plan

• Completion of discharge to waterway risk assessments for the Yarrowee River and Burrumbeet Creek

• Implementation of the Maryborough Integrated Water Management Plan

Central Region

WaterSustainable

Strategy2055Action to

Urban Water Strategy 2017

A 50 year water outlook for our communities in the Central Highlands Region

Final V4

December 2017

02-1

3-C

HW

-05

BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS

ELECTRICITY DISRUPTION

FLOOD

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?The Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies in Victoria (DELWP, 2016a) have been utilised by CHW in the development of its Urban Water Strategy. These guidelines assist in understanding the impacts of low, medium and high climate change scenarios in water resource planning.

Separately, the Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Plan (DELWP, 2016b) and the Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (DELWP, 2018) highlight a broad range of impacts likely to be experienced in our region as a result of climate change.

Although difficult to predict the exact location and timing of impacts, our region can expect increased average temperatures, reduced rainfall and stream-flow runoff, harsher fire weather and more extreme weather events.

Future impacts of climate change (Source: Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2017-2020)

On a local scale, changes in climate will be experienced differently based upon location. Expected changes in rainfall, runoff, temperature and evaporation are shown below for the three major river basins in CHW’s district.

Changes in annual rainfall relative to the current climate baseline

River Basin

Average annual rainfall

2040 2065

Climate change scenario

Low Medium High Low Medium High

Avoca 358 mm 4.8% 3.8% 15.5% 6.9% 3.4% 20.6%

Barwon 650 mm 2.0% 3.0% 11.5% 1.2% 5.2% 19.6%

Moorabool 596 mm 2.0% 3.4% 11.6% 1.5% 5.9% 21.4%

Changes in average annual runoff relative to the current climate baseline across all seasons

River Basin

Average annual runoff

2040 2065

Climate change scenario

Low Medium High Low Medium High

Avoca 17 mm 22.8% -0.4% -29.1% 25.5% -8.8% -44.4%

Barwon 47 mm 16.1% -6.1% -33.1% -0.8% -21.6% -47.6%

Moorabool 58 mm 13.5% -8.0% -30.4% 5.5% -17.3% -45.6%

Median change in average daily temperature relative to current climate baseline

River Basin 2040 2065

Avoca 1.4°C 2.4°C

Barwon 1.1°C 2.1°C

Moorabool 1.2°C 2.2°C

Potential evapotranspiration change relative to current climate baseline

River Basin 2040 2065

Avoca 4.3% 7.1%

Barwon 4.0% 7.0%

Moorabool 4.5% 7.7%

Source: Adapted from Victoria’s Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplies, December 2016.

Low

2040

2065

Medium High

Percent change

100

50

20

10

5

2

-2

-5

-10

-20

-50

-100

2040 2065 PET % change

9.1 - 10.08.1 - 9.07.1 - 8.06.1 - 7.05.1 - 6.04.1 - 5.03.1 - 4.02.1 - 3.01.1 - 2.00.0 - 1.0

Low

2040

2065

Medium High

Percent change

100

50

20

10

5

2

-2

-5

-10

-20

-50

-100

CLIMATE CHANGE THREATS & OPPORTUNITIESClimate change is expected to threaten many of the inputs that CHW relies upon in order to meet customer and community needs. Examples of inputs that may be impacted by climate change include raw water availability, the reliability of electricity supplies and the cost and availability of materials. In turn, this may also impact on the diverse range of social, financial and environmental products and services delivered by CHW (in addition to the more obvious water and wastewater services). Examples of climate related risks arising from these threats are illustrated at right.

Changes in the climate system may also create opportunities. CHW’s climate change adaptation planning methodology encourages the identification of opportunities arising directly and indirectly from climate change.

The risk assessment process involves evaluation of both likelihood and consequences in order to determine the severity of threats and scale of opportunities.

In accordance with CHW’s corporate risk management framework, climate change threats and opportunities have been categorised as low, medium, significant and high. The number of low, medium, significant and high threats and opportunities are illustrated below.

Details of the ‘significant’ and ‘high’ climate related threats to CHW are shown below. ‘Medium’ and ‘low’ threats and opportunities will continue to be monitored through the risk assessment process as circumstances change and new information becomes available.

6 16 4 6

POTENTIAL FUTURE THREATS

Low

Medium

Significant

High

Significant

High13

POTENTIAL FUTUREOPPORTUNITIES

WATER SHORTAGES

WATER QUALITY DECLINE

IMPACT OF FIRE

FLOOD INUNDATION

MORE SEWERAGE SPILLS

LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY

HEATWAVESUNPLANNED EXPENSES

NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS

COLLABORATION

Significant and high climate related threats

Threat Description Residual Risk

Rating

Water shortage Natural surface water and groundwater systems yield less water due to reduced annual rainfall totals and less rain in winter and spring.

High

Decline of biodiversity

Increase in annual average temperature negatively effects the habitat of plants and animals leading to species decline and extinction. Loss of ecosystem services.

High

Public health High intensity and more frequent storm events cause surcharging of sewerage systems leading to sewage spills. High

Wildfire Longer and harsher fire seasons leading to assets, infrastructure and buildings being impacted by fire. High

Infrastructure limitations

Limitation of existing water supply systems to meet customer needs during longer periods of hot weather and due to reduced annual rainfall totals and less rain in winter and spring.

High

Water quality decline

Symptoms of climate change are conducive with increased occurrence and severity of algal blooms and rising salinity effecting the fit-for-purpose nature of water and recycled water products.

High

Shortage of environmental water

Reduced annual rainfall totals and less rain in winter and spring lead to less water for the environment and the cultural values it supports.

Significant

Flooding Inundation of assets due to high intensity and more frequent storm events. Significant

Wildfire Loss of commercial forests from fire due to longer and harsher fire seasons. Significant

Peak wastewater flows

River and creek values are negatively impacted by peak wastewater flows as a result of high intensity and more frequent storm events.

Significant

Significant and high climate related opportunities

Opportunity Description Rating

Environmental regeneration

Strategic intervention by CHW and its partners supports successful adaptation of biodiversity. High

Revenue Water sales increase due to higher customer demand driven by increased average temperature, reduced rainfall and more hot days.

High

Environmental water

Treated wastewater provides a reliable ongoing source of water for sustaining aquatic ecosystems. High

Increased demand for alternative water

Reduced annual rainfall totals and less rain in winter and spring drives increased demand for alternative sources of water, such as recycled water and stormwater.

Significant

CHW embraces a safety first culture which is underpinned by a commitment to zero injuries, both physical and psychological. As a result of this safety focus and the initiatives that it drives, the residual risk rating of staff and community wellbeing has been assessed as medium. Regardless, safety is paramount and remains an important element of this CCAP.

ADAPTATION PATHWAYSAdaptation pathways is a planning approach used to combat uncertainty. Pathways promote initiatives that are beneficial under a range of future scenarios. In the same way that scenario planning seeks to identify strategies that are robust under a broad range of potential futures, adaptation pathways promote strategic, flexible, no-regret actions and decisions that support our objectives.

CCAP adaptation pathways provide a focus on key areas of importance for managing threats and realising opportunities. Pathways and the initiatives within them will be continually reviewed and modified as necessary to ensure they remain relevant, effective and beneficial under the broadest potential future scenarios.

Initiatives related to each of the adaptation pathways are described in Appendix 1.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

WELLBEING

PLANNING AND STRATEGY

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATIONAND RESEARCH

ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

ASSET MANAGEMENT ANDINFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

ADAP

TATI

ON

PAT

HW

AYS

IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REVIEW

REFERENCES

Brooks N, Adger WN. 2004. Assessing and enhancing adaptive capacity. In Adaptation Policy Framework, ed. B Lim, pp. 165-81. New York: UN Dev. Programme.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP). (2019). Climate Change Guidance Note for directors and executives of water corporations and catchment management authorities. Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Government.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP). (2016a). Guidelines for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Water Supplied Victoria. Melbourne, Victorian Government. http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP). (2018). Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan. Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Government. Retrieved from http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP). (2016b). Victoria’s climate change adaptation plan 2017–2020. Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Government. Retrieved from http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP). (2016c). Water for Victoria. Melbourne, Vic: Victorian Government. Retrieved from http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au

IPCC, 2014: Summary for policymakers. In: Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Field, C.B., V.R. Barros, D.J. Dokken, K.J. Mach, M.D. Mastrandrea,T.E. Bilir, M. Chatterjee, K.L. Ebi, Y.O. Estrada, R.C. Genova, B. Girma, E.S. Kissel, A.N. Levy, S. MacCracken,P.R. Mastrandrea, and L.L. White (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 1-32.

Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). (2016). Climate Change Adaptation Guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.wsaa.asn.au

IMPLEMENTATION CHW’s Senior Management team is responsible for allocating accountabilities and time frames for the successful implementation of adaptation pathway initiatives. Existing performance planning and management systems will be used to progress initiatives, together with CHW’s compliance workflow system for ensuring the completion of high priority and recurring tasks.

MONITORING AND MEASURING SUCCESS Monitoring of the CCAP implementation will occur via established performance management and compliance business processes.

Success criteria Measure

Poor Good Excellent

Risk ratings A total of 10 or more high and significant risks

A total of between 1 and 9 high and significant risks

0 high and significant risks

Opportunity ratings 0 high and significant opportunities identified

A total of between 1 and 4 high and significant opportunities identified

A total of 5 or more high and significant opportunities identified

Adaptive capacity 1 or more adaptation prerequisites is assessed as absent or limited.

All adaptation prerequisites are assessed as partial or better.

All adaptation prerequisites are assessed as substantial or better.

REVIEW The CHW CCAP, including adaptive capacity assessment, risk threats and opportunities will be comprehensively reviewed within two (2) years of its endorsement to ensure that it remains strategically relevant and effective.

This review period aligns with the legislative requirement for the Victorian government to publish its Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Plan by 31 October 2021.

Interim updates will occur to reflect the emergence of external agency plans and material changes to key elements of the CCAP as may be required from time to time.

Adaptation pathway To achieve our adaptation objectives, we will…

WELLBEING

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Health and Safety• Public health

Ensure current and future impacts of climate change are considered in the context of OHS, including SOPs, PPE, policies and practices.

Work with public health and wellbeing agencies to identify and act on opportunities to reduce physical and physiological threats to staff and the community.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Water shortage• Decline of biodiversity• Wildfire• Flooding• Shortage of environmental water• Infrastructure limitiations

Opportunities addressed by this pathway:• Environmental water• Environmental regeneration• Increased demand for alternative water

Develop and implement a stakeholder enagement plan to identify and engage with key stakeholders that may influence CHW’s adaptation needs and those affected by CHW’s adaptation plans1.

Continue to work with water sector partners, including DELWP and Catchment Management Authorities to support the implementation of the Victorian Pilot Water Sector Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Utilise customer engagement channels, including the Customer Advisory Panel to share information and to maintain alignment between CHW’s adaptation efforts and customer expectations1.

Publicly report on progress with implementing this CCAP via CHW’s annual report and Sustainability Committee.

PLANNING AND STRATEGY

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Water shortage• Decline of biodiversity• Wildfire• Flooding• Shortage of environmental water• Infrastructure limitiations

Incorporate long term climate change considerations as a mandatory element during the development and review of all natural resource management plans and strategies1. In particular:• Biodiversity• River health• Land management• Forestry• Revegetation

Map and review CHW’s planning processes with the aim of ensuring that they1:• Are up-to-date• Include clear accountabilities• Consider long-term climate change• Are integrated

Contribute to the development of Sustainable Water Strategies and Long Term Water Resource Outlooks.

1 This action also supports an increase in CHW’s adaptive capacity.

APPENDIX 1: ADAPTATION ACTIONS

Adaptation pathway To achieve our adaptation objectives, we will…

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Water shortage• Decline of biodiversity• Wildfire• Flooding• Infrastructure limitiations• Water quality decline

Continue to develop the strategic partnership between CHW and Federation University and other research bodies, with an emphasis on maintaing an understanding of contemporary climate science.

Build our understanding of the impact of future climate change on terestrial and aquatic biodiversity values and use this knowledge of natural resource management priorities and investment decisions.

Undertake research into physical, chemical and biological water quality implications of climate change on drinking water, wastewater and alternative water sources.

Participate in state and regional risk and emergency management forums in order to maintain CHW’s knowledge of and preparedness for contemporary climate related risks.

Continue to contribute to the development of Long-Term Water Assessments coordinated by DELWP.

Review CHW’s environmental risk registers to increase understanding of individual risks1.

Include links between climate change, water and the environment in CHW’s education programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Decline of biodiversity• Shortage of environmental water

Opportunities addressed by this pathway:• Environmental water• Environmental regeneration

With climate change in focus, seek out opportunities to collaborate and partner with private land owners, public land managers and Catchment Management Authorities towards landscape scale environmental rehabilitation and regeneration.

Collaborate with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, Catchment Management Authorities and neighbouring water corporations to implement innovative and flexible ways to deliver mutually beneficial environmental water allocations.

Contribute to the development and review of Sustainable Water Strategies to ensure environmental water needs and opportunities are understood and met.

Ensure that we maintain an understanding of the impact of wastewater discharges on the values and beneficial uses of the receiving environment to inform operational and strategic business decisions.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Water shortage

Opportunities addressed by this pathway:• Increased demand for alternative water• Revenue

Promote the opportunities and benefits associated with alternative sources of water, including recycled water, groundwater and stormwater and explore new and non-traditional markets1.

Recognise the true value of alternative sources of water in commercial sales agreements now and into the future.

Preferentially seek out fit-for-purpose users of alternative water products that maximise commercial returns in addition to optimum environmental and social outcomes.

ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

Threats addressed by this pathway:• Public health• Wildfire• Flooding• Infrastructure limitiations• Peak wastewater flows

Work closely with our engineering services provider to ensure all new infrastructure designs take into account forecast climate change threats, including appropriate protection against peak demand, flooding, fire and temperature extremes1.

Ensure CHW’s Land Development Requirements for all new land developments include appropriate climate change protections1.

Include consideration of climate change impacts in CHW’s procurement processes to ensure all purchases of goods and services deliver the intended value under an expected future climate1.

1 This action also supports an increase in CHW’s adaptive capacity.

chw.net.au

Central Highlands Water7 Learmonth Rd Wendouree Vic 3355PO Box 152 Ballarat Vic 3353T 1800 061 514 F 03 5320 3299E customer.enquiries@chw.net.au C

HW

20-0

3-0

3