Established in 2005 the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies has released its sixth annual report for 2011. The Centre’s major research themes include adaptation to climate change, understanding and managing biodiversity, marine reserves, fisheries biology, genomics, conservation planning, social studies, and governance and policy.

This report was prepared for the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, published in September 2010. This document has reviewed a large range of knowledge about the marine habitats, organisms and processes within the coastal waters of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (HCRCMA) region. The results of these studies will help to fill some of the gaps identified during the review process.

Aimed at industry and government or anyone with an interest in primary industries natural resource management, this publication is a guide to the practical application of social science and best practice management.

“Social science research has the potential to improve resource management outcomes in a range of ways for industry, government and, most importantly, the community at large.” p.10

The report analysing the extent to which existing regulatory regimes support action by major infrastructure sectors in adapting to climate change. The report investigates regulation of infrastructure sectors including electricity, transport and telecommunications. It also examines the ability of planning regimes, environmental impact assessment and government procurement processes to take into account risks arising from climate change. The report, The Role of Regulation in Facilitating or Constraining Adaptation to Climate Change for Australian Infrastructure, was developed by Maddocks Solicitors for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE).

The report will supplement work being undertaken by the Productivity Commission in its current inquiry into regulatory and policy barriers to climate change adaptation.

“It is important that regulations in Australia allow companies to adapt effectively to climate change,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus.

View the report online.

In October and November 2010, the Marine Adaptation Network held a series of focused strategy (‘roundtable’) meetings with key marine stakeholders across Australia to assess the concerns and needs of industry, government, and non-government organisations (NGOs) in attempting to reduce and manage the risks associated with climate change impacts on the marine environment and various marine sectors. View the REPORT (3.87 MB) of focused strategy meetings with marine biodiversity and resources stakeholders across six states and the Northern Territory.