Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said that the Morrison Government's $210 million Australian Climate Service initiative will strengthen Australia's position as a world leader in anticipating and adapting to the impacts of changing climate.
The funding announced today as part of next week's Federal Budget will see the Australian Climate Service commence operations from July 1.
"Australian Climate Service will bring together our best scientists to help us better anticipate, manage and adapt to climate impacts now and for the generations to come," Minister Ley said.
"We do face more extreme weather events due to changing climate and this is about being prepared, and being able to take steps to make our communities more resilient.
"By bringing together critical data from the nation's key climate research institutions, the Australian Climate Service will not only help save lives and money through a more informed emergency response, it will inform long-term planning for infrastructure, housing and basic services like power, telecommunications, and water.
"It will help provide an environmental road map in our planning for infrastructure, housing and basic services like power, telecommunications, and water.
"It will help shape the way we build communities and interact with our local environments by underpinning Australia's future adaptation strategies, including the new National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy announced in January.
"The collaboration between the Bureau of Meteorology, the CSIRO, ABS and Geoscience Australia is a key starting point that will build and be informed by a growing range of sources.
"It will be further complemented by the Morrison Government's investments in adaptation and resilience through initiatives such as the National Environmental Science Program and Great Barrier Reef Restoration and Adaptation initiatives.
"We will be looking to share our expertise on climate information through the international Adaptation Action Coalition."
