CLIMATE CHANGE — ADAPTATION
142. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
(1) Given the
acknowledged role of state government in climate change adaptation, what is the
state government doing to prepare the state for climate change?
(2) Is the
state government undertaking a risk and vulnerability assessment of critical
infrastructure, state-owned assets and vulnerable areas?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) Has the state
government commenced the WA weather and climate program to deliver improved
downscaled projections for WA, consistent with its election commitment?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
Hon HELEN
MORTON replied:
I thank the member for some notice
of the question.
(1) The state
government released ''Adapting to our Changing Climate'' in
October 2012. The strategy provides a policy framework for preparing the state
for climate change.
(2) State
agencies are responsible for assessing the risks to their critical
infrastructure including from climate change.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) No.
(5) The Western
Australian weather and climate program was not allocated funding in the 2013
state budget. In every budget, competing priorities are analysed and not every
project will be funded. The funding for the Western Australia weather and
climate program will be considered as a high priority for future budgets during
this term of government.