Using participatory visual methods for information exchange about climate risk in canal estate communities

Kilometres of high value residential real estate have been created through the development of canal estates in the coastal zone of Southeast Queensland since the 1970s. Many of these are open to tidal influence in estuaries affected by the combined effects of climate change: sea level rise, storm surge, and severe weather events. This research assesses the effectiveness of multiple participatory visual methods for information exchange about climate change risk and reduction of the “gap” between knowledge and adaptive climate change action. Visual methods used in the research, and that will be illustrated during the presentation, include community digital mapping of vulnerable areas linked with resident-derived photos, as well as 3-D scenes based on local interpretation of climate change scenarios. This research identifies the residents’ perceptions and understanding of vulnerability to climate change, and their interest in possible adaptation approaches. This research is of benefit to State and local governments, the property market, and communities in communicating about climate change in coastal areas in general and in considering responses to the long term impacts of climate change in canal estates in particular