A draft version of the strategy, which aims to create a co-ordinated, regional response to the challenge, is now open for feedback.
Its main goals are to reduce the risks climate change poses to natural assets and communities, ready the environment and people, and maximise climate mitigation activities for water, agriculture and biodiversity.
Campaspe Shire, Gannawarra Shire and Greater Bendigo fall within the NCCMA’s catchment.
NCCMA executive manager Rohan Hogan said science was not sitting on the fence about climate change, and neither was the organisation.
“Between more intense rainfall, larger floods, higher temperatures and long dry periods, our communities are all too aware of what climate change can do,” he said.
“The landscapes we love, and we’ve grown up with, are changing, and it doesn’t take much to see it.”
According to the strategy, north central Victoria is at a “pivotal moment” due to climate change, with an increase in extreme rainfall events and fire activity already observed.
Overall rainfall has declined, droughts have become prolonged and more intense, and heatwaves are projected to become longer, more frequent and more intense.
Building on previous work, the updated draft strategy provides high-level guidance for those managing land, water and biodiversity across the region.
“The health of our catchments depends on all of us. A connected and empowered community is key to protecting our natural resources,” Mr Hogan said.
“This is a regional strategy, shaped by the voices and expertise of Traditional Owners, land managers, local councils, water authorities, partner agencies and community organisations.”
While the draft strategy isn’t a detailed plan for community-level action, it sets priority directions that will guide future planning and support local action.
The draft strategy is open for public consultation from November 1 to December 12, and feedback can be left by visiting nccma.vic.gov.au/climate-change/
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