Hansen’s Planning Responses to Climate Change project arose due to the disconnect between high level policy positions and statements on climate change and the day-to-day decisions that are being made. Key questions were investigated through a review of relevant legislation, policy and literature, followed by a series of workshops and interviews with key stakeholders, experts and practitioners. Engagement was run as a two-way conversation, allowing for stakeholders to freely express their thoughts on barriers and opportunities.

The project represented the first comprehensive assessment of the barriers and opportunities that are specifically available to drive improved planning responses in relation to climate change in Victoria – representing a comprehensive and rigorous approach to establishing not only the specific ways in which planning as a general practice intersects with climate change responses, but then consideration of barriers to relevant responses in practice. Importantly, the report also represents a new approach in bringing together considerations related to both mitigation and adaptation, which are frequently considered independently through studies of a similar nature.

The report is drafted to be accessible to a wide audience and recommendations have been framed so they have an ongoing relevance beyond any immediate use as a basis for advocacy. In this way the report represents a key resource for any planners across Victoria wishing to explore how their practice can contribute more to the delivery of a climate conscious planning system.