Four councils in the southern region will renew their partnership to tackle climate change alongside the state government over the next five years.

Resilient South is a partnership between the Cities of Holdfast Bay, Marion, Mitcham and Onkaparinga, with the state government, aimed at strengthening resilience against climate change in the southern Adelaide region.

Operating since 2011, a new agreement has just been signed extending the partnership until 2029.

Local government acknowledges that human-induced climate change is occurring and that urgent, ambitious, and immediate action is required at all levels of government to address the climate crisis.

The goal of Resilient South is to work together to implement emissions reduction and climate change response planning, programs and actions.

This is reflected in the Regional Climate Action Plan (ReCAP) which was recently developed after extensive consultation with the community and adopted by all Resilient South partners.

Promoting climate resilient and low emissions development, enhancing green spaces and reducing council and community greenhouse gas emissions were among the top priorities residents flagged during public consultation.

The ReCAP contains 49 actions across four focal areas:

• Growing cooler, greener, biodiverse environments.
• Creating climate resilient neighbourhoods.
• Transitioning towards a low-carbon region.
• Reducing climate risk.

These actions are designed to be pragmatic and outcome-focused, highlighting areas where it makes sense to work together.

By working together Resilient South says it can more effectively manage networked infrastructure like roads and active transport routes, catchments and stormwater, and the network of parks and reserves.

Its flagship projects include:

• The Resilient Asset Management Program - leading the integration of climate risk into the management of $5B in community assets in the region.
• The Future Trees Project, assessing the vulnerability of public trees to climate and biosecurity threats, and making recommendations on how urban forests can be made more resilient.

“Our residents consistently tell us one of the most important things about living in Onkaparinga is the natural environment, describing a vision for a sustainable, connected, inclusive and green city,” says Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were.

“Our new action plan and renewed sector agreement represents a unique opportunity for councils to work closely with ministers to ensure planning reform prioritises sustainable and climate-resilient housing, and protects biodiversity and natural environments.”

Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says the state government is pleased to continue collaborating with local councils on climate change adaptation.

“This partnership is a collective commitment to ensure that southern Adelaide is preparing for and responding to climate change.

“Effective and well-informed adaptation to climate change is critical for our communities, environment and industries to remain safe, sustainable and prosperous into the future.”