The workshop brought together local stakeholders, scientific researchers and policy makers, and consisted of both formal presentations and interactive break out groups to explore some of the challenges facing key vulnerable groups – older population, farming and Indigenous - in regional Victoria. The workshop aimed to identify and better understand the likely climate risks (amongst other drivers), to improve our understanding of the factors that increase vulnerability for each of these communities (in relation to human health), and to begin to map out effective adaptation strategies and how best to support the building of local adaptive capacity. Important outcomes of the think tank were to identify knowledge gaps and areas for further collaborative research, as well as highlighting how adaptation can be promoted through improved policy and practice. Indeed, an important additional function of the discussions was to encourage community input to local and State decision-making processes in a meaningful way.

Findings for policy

• improved vertical and horizontal integration of governance arrangements to ensure greater coherence of policy and effectiveness of implementation;
• a move away from a ‘silo-ed’ approach to climate change adaptation and greater crossdepartmental activity and support for adaptation;
• adaptation needs to be broader brush than being limited to health – a more comprehensive approach that deals with community well-being is needed;
• more careful consideration given to policies that may inadvertently lead to instances of maladaptation; and
• ensure effective participation through all phases of adaptation decision-making