Summary
This project aimed to develop a climate data resource to support strategic planning and risk management for the forestry and wood products sector in the Murray Region. The goal was to help the Forestry Hub understand how climate change may affect plantation areas now and, in the future, particularly through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, drought, and bushfire risk.
The project used a data-driven approach. It compiled and standardised historical climate observations from the past 50 years and combined them with future climate projections from CSIRO-aligned models. The analysis examined 13 key climate variables, including heat, frost, rainfall, and extreme weather, and mapped likely changes for 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090 under different emissions scenarios.
Historical climate observations are drawn from the SILO Long Paddock dataset, which is based on Bureau of Meteorology data. The report explained the data sources, modelling frameworks, baseline period (1981–2010), and methods used to present current and projected climate conditions for the Hub region.
This report is a sub element of the Project ‘Risk Management (Climate Change) for Plantation Establishment in the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH)’.
Acknowledgement of funding
This report was commissioned by the Murray Region Forestry Hub with funding from the Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Disclaimer
Reports prepared for Regional Forestry Hubs, and any recommendations contained in the reports, are provided as received by the Hub and are not endorsed positions of the Hub. They do not constitute Australian Government policy.
