“Tasmanian councils supporting climate-healthy and resilient communities” is a statewide project funded by a Tasmanian Government Healthy Focus Grant. Hosted by West Tamar Council the initiative was delivered by NTARC in partnership with UTAS Menzies and the Department of Health.

The project worked with councils and stakeholders to clarify roles in addressing climate impacts on health and wellbeing, and to develop a shared understanding and identify local responses that build resilience. It engaged the Environmental Health sector to explore their environmental and public health roles in climate solutions and leverage expertise for informed action.

Through the project 21 councils and over 100 stakeholders participated in 10 workshops statewide to identify priorities and actions. From over 400 coded insights, three system-wide themes emerged:

• Leadership and governance – Treat climate change as core business across all council functions.

• Healthy, climate-ready settlements – Invest in cooling greenspace, resilient housing, water security, and sustainable land use.

• Social resilience and equity – Inclusive decision-making and connected communities enhance recovery and safety.

The resulting reports: Shared Blueprint and accompanying Technical Report, aligns council strategic objectives with state climate and health roles and regulations setting out seven principles for action: collaboration, knowledge sharing, climate-smart urban design, nature protection, food system resilience, health-focused planning, and long-term commitment. The principles are translated into a roadmap for action supported by a framework for delivery by councils.

A warmer climate has significant consequences for the health and wellbeing of our communities. Councils, as the tier of government closest to communities, play a most significant role in supporting responses to background warming and intensification of extreme events, as well as transitional impacts. Councils are also critical sentinels and brokers, to other tiers of government and stakeholders, of local and textural needs. This project provides an evidence-based approach for all Tasmanian councils to work together to develop the practice to create and support climate healthy and resilient communities.

Mayor Christina Holmdahl says:
“Councils are intrinsically impacted by the effects of climate change - more so that any level of government in Australia. This blueprint will provide local government with the tools and partnerships required to protect community health and resilience now and for generations to come.”