Council continues to build on its climate action efforts and community resilience planning. Dr. Sharolyn Anderson recently joined our team in the new Principal Climate Change position, bringing her expertise to help lead our ongoing and new climate initiatives.
Climate considerations are now being systematically embedded across all council operations, from team structures and procedures to strategic plans. This approach ensures climate resilience is integrated into the organisation’s core functions—such as infrastructure planning and community services—rather than addressed separately.
The move aims to prepare Huon Valley communities for the impacts of climate change and drive meaningful action across the region.
Here are just some of the projects we are working on in this space:
Community storytelling
As part of a grant secured by the University of Tasmania, the Huon Valley Council recently partnered with the university to host an innovative storytelling workshop exploring how our region might navigate climate change in the years ahead. This groundbreaking approach brings together diverse community voices to explore potential scenarios and pathways forward.
The rich insights and narratives gathered will be shared publicly and used by council to guide future planning and the development of community services. By centring local knowledge and priorities, the council aims to ensure its climate adaptation strategies truly reflect the needs and aspirations of Huon Valley residents.
Award-winning climate game comes to Huon Valley
Council has partnered with acclaimed Amble Studios to bring five customised copies of The Adaptation Game (TAG) specifically designed for Huon Valley communities, thanks to grant funding.
This innovative board game, which recently won the National Resilience Award, uses storytelling and role-playing to help participants experience and respond to realistic climate change scenarios over the next decade.
Initially, council staff will use the game to improve their understanding of climate impacts before it is made available to local residents.
Community events featuring TAG are scheduled for the coming months, offering an interactive and accessible way for residents to engage with climate adaptation planning.
Home energy solutions
Recognising that climate action starts at home, Council is working collaboratively with other councils across the region to develop and deliver home energy reduction toolkits. These resources will provide practical products and information to help individual households reduce their energy consumption and costs.
By pooling resources with neighbouring councils, we’re creating more comprehensive and cost-effective solutions for our communities while building regional networks.
Building a resilient future together
These initiatives represent the continuation of our approach to climate action in the Huon Valley. By combining community engagement, innovative tools, regional collaboration, and systemic change, we’re on the way to building a more resilient and prepared community for the challenges and opportunities ahead.