Our work › Current projects
Climate Communication
Supporting councils to communicate essential climate information
For:
Council officers and elected officials
Output:
A practical guide
for communicating climate risk to communities
Partner:
Monash Climate Communication Hub
Status:
In progress
The challenge
Councils are often the first place communities turn for information about climate risks such as flooding, heat and coastal erosion. Communicating that risk clearly is hard: the science is complex, community understanding varies, and staff need support to get the message right.
What we’re doing
SECCCA is working with the Monash Climate Communication Hub to develop a practical communication guide grounded in how councils actually operate.
-
Council survey.
Member council officers and elected officials were surveyed on council roles and responsibilities, how councils communicate climate risk, how well communities understand it, and staff experiences.
-
Follow-up interviews
Survey participants who volunteered are taking part in short interviews to add depth and real examples.
-
A practical guide
The findings will shape a guide to help councils support their communities to understand, plan for and respond to current and future climate risks.
Who's guiding the project
The project is a partnership between SECCCA and the Monash Climate Communication Hub. The research has been deemed low risk by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID 52293).
What councils get
A practical guide built from member councils' own experience
Clearer ways to explain climate risk to residents and businesses
Support for staff who field community questions about climate hazards
Consistent messaging across councils in the region
Why it matters for communities
When communities understand the climate risks where they live, they can plan, prepare and respond. Clear, consistent information from councils builds trust and helps people act early.
Progress
Spring 2026 Survey of member council officers and elected officials
14 October 2026 Survey closes
Now Follow-up interviews under way
Next Practical communication guide developed
Resources
The communication guide will be published here once it's complete.
For councils
Get involved
Council officers interested in the guide or in testing early drafts can contact the SECCCA team