Most of the Australian debate on climate change focuses on the national picture whether on our targets or how we respond through adaptation.

This is despite our past experience and that of countries such as the USA and Canada which demonstrate the role that sub national and city governments can play in developing effective policies and programmes.

Five years ago, coincidently or not with the Carbon price, most States retreated from previous policies despite the fact that the Premiers' had been the original sponsors of Professor Garnaut's Report. A number decided that even the subject of 'climate change' was not to be considered and that existing policies on emissions and adaptation would be abandoned or changed. Policies relating to native vegetation were also impacted.

However more recently States Governments have shown a renewed interest in what they can aim for and achieve, the need for for better planning for resilience, the impacts on regions and industries within their boundaries, and the role vegetation policy will play in the future.

This paper is aimed at updating our knowledge of State actions and performance, describing opportunities for national and regional best or better practice and borrowing from international examples of what can be achieved. A sample question may be whether Australia needs 7 or 8 different policies on issues such as sea level rise or native vegetation protection/removal.