From December 2013- June 2014, the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA SA) and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), along with project partners KPMG and RPS undertook a program of in-depth research and engagement designed to expand knowledge of the barriers to implementation of climate change adaptation actions in South Australia.

There is a plethora of existing research that identifies the broad areas where barriers to uptake of climate adaptation actions exist. The purpose of the research was to increase understanding of barriers from a regional/ local level in order to develop effective solutions.

The project team developed an approach to undertaking the research and engagement to achieve the goals of Phase One of the project- Research and Engagement. The outcomes have directly informed the activities currently being progressed in Phase Two of the project- Capacity Building.

The research identified opportunities where climate considerations can be effectively built into existing processes, without the need for onerous modifications or costly tools and resources. The research also highlighted specific barriers that are impeding current efforts to incorporate climate considerations into existing processes.

The presentation will describe the research methodology, research outcomes, and rationale for the approach we are now taking to build capacity across the State. It is expected that the outcomes of the project will be a combination of tools, methods and interventions, with the outputs also informing the policy direction of the LGA and DEWNR for the future of climate adaptation in South Australia.