Table 4.1: Local government functions and possible climate change outcomes
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| Function | Affected assets or activities | Key climate influence | Possible effects | Section in Table 2 giving type/explanation of effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water supply and irrigation | Infrastructure | Reduced rainfall, extreme rainfall events, and increased temperature | Reduced security of supply (depending on water source) Contamination of water supply | See Rivers, Groundwater, Water Quality, Water Availability, Coastal Areas. (Note also rainfall effects in areas dependent on rain water.) |
| Wastewater | Infrastructure | Increased rainfall | More intense rainfall (extreme events) will cause more inflow and infiltration into wastewater network. Wet weather overflow events will increase in frequency and volume Longer dry spells will increase the likelihood of blockages and related dry weather overflows | See Drainage |
| Stormwater | Reticulation Stopbanks | Increased rainfall Sea level rise |
Increased frequency and/or volume of system flooding Increased peak flows in streams and related erosion Groundwater level changes Saltwater intrusion in coastal zones Changing flood plains and greater likelihood of damage to properties and infrastructure | See Rivers, Drainage, Coastal Areas |
| Roading | Road network and associated infrastructure (power, telecommunications, drainage) | Extreme rainfall events, extreme winds | Disruption due to flooding, landslides, fallen trees and lines Direct effects of wind exposure on heavy vehicles | See Drainage, Natural Hazards |
| Planning/ policy development | Management of development in the private sector Expansion of urban areas Infrastructure and communications planning | All | Inappropriate location of urban expansion areas Inadequate or inappropriate infrastructure, costly retrofitting of systems | See particularly Rivers, Groundwater, Drainage, Coastal Areas, Natural Hazards |
| Landcare | Rural land management | Changes in rainfall, wind, and temperature | Enhanced erosion Changes in type/distribution of pest species Increase fire risk Reduction in water availability for irrigation Changes in appropriate land use Changes in evapo-transpiration | See Water Availability, Erosion, Biodiversity, Biosecurity, Natural Hazards |
| Watercare | Management of watercourses/lakes/ wetlands | Changes in rainfall and temperature | More variation in water volumes possible Reduced water quality Sedimentation and weed growth Changes in type/distribution of pest species | See Rivers, Lakes, Wetlands, Water Quality, Drainage, Erosion, Biosecurity |
| Coastal management | Infrastructure Management of coastal development | Temperature changes leading to sea level changes Extreme storm events | Coastal erosion and flooding Disruption in roading, communications Loss of private property and community assets Effects on water quality | See Coastal Areas, Natural Hazards |
| Civil defence and emergency management | Emergency planning and response, and recovery operations | Extreme events | Greater risks to public safety, and resources needed to manage flood, rural fire, landslip, and storm events | See Natural Hazards |
| Biosecurity | Pest management | Temperature and rainfall changes | Changes in range of pest species | See Biosecurity, Biodiversity |
| Open space and community facilities management | Planning and management of parks, playing fields and urban open spaces | Temperature and rainfall changes Extreme wind and rainfall events | Changes/reduction in water availability Changes in biodiversity Changes in type/distribution of pest species Groundwater changes Saltwater intrusion in coastal zones Need for more shelter in urban spaces | See Groundwater, Drainage, Water Availability, Biodiversity, Coastal Areas |
| Transport | Management of public transport Provision of footpaths, cycleways etc | Changes in temperatures, wind and rainfall | Changed maintenance needs for public transport (road, rail) infrastructure Disruption due to extreme events | See Drainage, Natural Hazards |
| Waste management | Transfer stations and landfills | Changes in rainfall and temperature | Increased surface flooding risk Biosecurity changes Changes in ground water level and leaching | See Biosecurity, Natural Hazards |
