The research approach included a targeted review of existing practice in planning for climate change adaptation in Australia and internationally; an analysis of Australian coastal and planning legislation and policy; a survey of coastal local government areas in non metropolitan coastal areas (February – July 2011); and two expert “round tables” comprising coastal policy makers, scientists, lawyers, local

councillors, and planners (held on 29 March 2011).

The results of the survey and round table discussions reveal widespread stakeholder acknowledgement of the significant progress undertaken in Australian coastal and climate change policy since late 2008, catalysed by the House of Representatives Inquiry into climate change impacts in coastal areas (Australian Government 2010), and extended by the ongoing release of data associated with the First

Pass National Assessment of climate change impacts to coastal Australia (Department of Climate Change 2009). However, significant levels of concern regarding the adequacy of existing Commonwealth and state legislation and policy for addressing climate change in coastal areas persist. The audit of local adaptation planning practice show that some local government areas are well underway towards

progressing holistic climate change adaptation strategies spanning multiple sectors of local responsibility, but others have neither engaged, nor anticipate engaging in, adaptation planning activities. Of those areas that have commenced adaptation planning, most strategies and commitments

will require additional resourcing and external expertise to implement in the future.