Austroads has released a new framework for transport agencies to support mitigation plans and risk assessments related to climate change.
The Climate Change and Natural Hazards Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning Guidelines provide guidance and best practice examples that are applicable to all transport-related assets and services, including road, rail, aviation, maritime, buildings, utilities, active transport, bridges and tunnels.
Austroads Manager of the Environment and Sustainability Program, Joanne Vanselow, said, “Transport infrastructure and systems are typically designed to withstand local weather events based on historical records of climate.
“However, historical climate data is no longer a reliable predictor of future impacts due to climate change. Extreme weather events are projected to become more frequent and intense, increasing the vulnerability of transport networks and the communities they serve.
“Many organisations in the Australian and New Zealand transport sector have produced guidance documents to assist organisations to undertake climate and natural hazard risk assessments.
“Austroads recognised the need for an aligned approach in accordance with latest industry best practice and national, state and local policy. This led to the development of the Climate Change and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning Guidelines.”
The guidelines provide common guidance that can be used across Australia and New Zealand’s transport agencies. The guidance is intended to be flexible, guiding the application of both high-level and detailed risk assessments of physical and transition-related risks.
Download the guidelines here.
