The Climate Change Adaptation Plan identifies the priority actions and adaptation pathways that will help local government, communities and businesses adapt to climate-related risks across short, medium and long-term time frames. The Plan also describes a Northern Adelaide Green Industries Program to promote recognition of the region’s green industry capabilities, support South Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, and boost local jobs.

The accompanying discussion paper Climate Change and the Adaptive Economy describes how a range of strategies are being implemented to both adapt to the coming changes and generate industry and employment opportunities.

For the Northern Adelaide region in 2070 and under a high-emissions scenario:

• Annual rainfall is projected to decline by about 11 percent
• Rainfall intensity could increase by 16 per cent
• Annual maximum temperatures are projected to increase by 2.3°C
• Annual minimum temperatures could increase by 2°C
• Extreme heat days per year (35°C or higher) could increase by 76 per cent to 82 per cent (up to 44 days)

The City of Playford is taking action to reduce its environmental impact and energy costs through a range of initiatives, including improved energy efficiency, increased use of solar power, and the integration of battery storage to better manage and store renewable energy.

Key initiatives:

• Partnership with Department of Energy and Mining to install a community battery in Elizabeth Park
• Installation of almost 1MW of solar panels across 12 buildings, including the Civic Centre, Playford Operations Centre, Aquadome and others.
• Changed all lighting to LED at the Playford Operations Centre and Civic Centres, and changed the way the power systems run
• Upgraded street lighting in pedestrian areas to 14W LED, saving almost $250,000 annually