In Yarra Ranges, we are experiencing more frequent and severe bushfires and intense rainfall events, leading to flash flooding.

• Yarra Ranges has experienced the second highest incidence of natural disasters receiving disaster recovery funding, of all local governments in Australia since 2006/07.
• These include the recent June 2021 storm, and severe weather and flooding events in October 2022, December 2023 and January 2024.
• By 2030, nearly 40% of properties in Yarra Ranges are expected to be at medium to high risk of climate change impacts, with impacts concentrated in the Yarra Valley and the Hills.

• Support community adaptation to climate change impacts including extreme weather events.
• Strengthen the food system so households can afford, access and prepare healthy food at all times.
• Foster neighbourhoods that have good connections and support each other in emergencies.
• Ensure residents have the information they need on how to access emergency support services.

• Council’s Environment Strategy and Liveable Climate Plan focus on environmental sustainability, including climate mitigation and adaptation.
• Council’s Nature Plan 2024–2034 enhances natural environments to mitigate climate impacts.
• Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy promotes sustainable transport options to reduce emissions.
• Council’s Tree Canopy Strategy 2024–2034 increases urban tree canopy for climate resilience.
• The Firesticks Project is resourced by dedicated Firesticks Coordinators and seeks to share the wisdom and connection with the environment and cultures that cultural burning brings.
• Council’s Economic Development Strategy promotes a sustainable local economy.
• Yarra Ranges Regional Museum won the National AMaGA Award for Community Connection, for the exhibition Hard Place/Good Place which highlighted the stories of young people in the Yarra Ranges impacted by the 2021 storm event.