Climate change is expected to increase the risk from natural hazards such as bushfire, floods, and extreme weather events and must be considered when planning for the future. Adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on rural communities and agriculture will be required.

Agriculture Victoria’s Agriculture and Climate Change Statement sets out the following:

“We are committed to a profitable and productive agriculture sector that takes ambitious action on climate change. We are working together to accelerate climate change solutions, including taking steps to:

• Understand and reduce our emissions
• Adapt to climate change risks
• Capture future opportunities”.

A number of issues have been identified, including:

• Greater Bendigo is already experiencing hotter temperatures, experiencing 4.2 days per year above 38 degrees. It is predicted that by 2050 Greater Bendigo can expect 16 days over 38 degrees.
• It is also predicted there will be hotter and longer fire seasons, with the number of high risk fire days increasing by 62%.
• More intense rainfall events are also predicted, but with less rainfall overall and in spring, which is a significant issue particularly for agriculture. The 2009 Rural Areas Strategy also stated that the average yearly rainfall in Greater Bendigo is expected to decline.
• With water becoming increasingly scarce, there will be increased pressure and less ability to carry out agricultural operations which require reliable supplies of water.
• Floodplains and flood affected areas are of high risk due to climate risk and changes in rainfall patterns (i.e. heavier downpours, larger events).
• The varying climate increasing risk and uncertainty in the agricultural cropping industry, the primary activity in the northern areas of Greater Bendigo.

A number of opportunities have been identified, including:

• Create a local planning policy which provides climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
• Consider the implications of climate change on productive agricultural areas and the importance of spatially identifying and reinforcing their purpose as essential farming areas.
• Identify the range of highest ‘at risk’ agricultural land use types and their relevant risks such as irrigation for hydroponic farming or intensive horticulture.
• Investigate best practice methods to ensure that agricultural enterprises within Greater Bendigo are climate change resilient.

A number of potential strategies have been identified, including:

• Direct development to locations with low risk of bushfire and other climate-related hazards, adhering to Clause 13.02-1S and Clause 71.02-3.
• Work with landowners to inform them of the evolving climate and manage and mitigate future risks to their agricultural operations.
• Identify areas throughout Greater Bendigo that have reliable access to irrigation.