Adaptation work in Victoria is progressing rapidly with funding from the State Government to support local governments released in rounds over the last couple of years. A shift towards regional collaboration between councils is emerging with incentives included in funding applications. There are many benefits to working this way, with the context specific nature of adaptation (both regional impacts and cumulative consequences at local level), knowledge sharing opportunities and similarities in form and function between local governments.

By sharing the lessons learned from two Victorian Government funding regional projects: Barwon South-West Councils and Gippsland Councils, Loop and Arup have observed some key areas of focus and benefits for the regional approach. These include:

• Where the rubber hits the road: championing assets managers
• Supporting the most vulnerable: community service champions
• The regional business case – impacts shared are impacts halved
• Presenting to executive – what, how and why
• Level of engagement – officers, managers and executive – where is best?
• Promotion and regional sharing of knowledge

Lessons from this presentation can be applied to local governments in other States, promoting collaboration and holding potential for a reduction in resource intensiveness for State Governments.