Media Release - NTARC Launch

NORTHERN COUNCILS TO LAUNCH NEW CLIMATE INITIATIVE

Northern Tasmania's eight councils have collaborated on, and jointly invested in, a new three-year climate resilience initiative, to be known as the Northern Tasmanian Alliance for Resilient Councils.

The NTARC comprises representatives from the Break O'Day, City of Launceston, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands and West Tamar Councils.

The NTARC's aim is to assist member councils to better understand and respond to the changing climate and a wide range of associated social, economic, cultural and environmental challenges.

The eight member councils have identified that in order to prepare for climate change there is a need to:

• Build capacity within councils to incorporate climate change considerations in their operational and strategic decision making;

• Work collaboratively across councils to harmonise responses and ensure consistent approaches are adopted to assess and adapt to climate risks and hazards;

• Work collaboratively with State Government to influence and inform State policies, processes and legislative instruments, such as the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, which affect Councils’ ability to adapt to climate change; and

• Share data, knowledge and other resources to ensure best practice and best evidence approaches to adaptation are applied.

Break O'Day Mayor Mick Tucker said the Northern Tasmanian Alliance for Resilient Councils was a first for Tasmania.

"This is the first time in our State that an entire region has come together strategically to attempt to tackle this complex and challenging issue," Cr Tucker said.

"The joint investment by all eight councils, brokered by their executive leadership, is unique in Tasmania. To effectively respond to the challenges facing our region requires meaningful cooperation and collaboration, sharing knowledge, expertise and resources, particularly as the impacts and effects cross municipal boundaries.”

"The Northern Tasmanian Alliance for Resilient Councils allows member councils to harmonise and standardise their responses to climate change, and to more effectively work with other levels of government and the wider Tasmanian community."