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This brief addresses key challenges to effectively adapting Australia to a variable and changing climate, providing high-level policy advice designed for use by policy makers at Commonwealth and State level. It deals with the challenges of adaptation for local governments. It highlights the following policy implications: (i) provide clarity on roles and responsibilities for adaptation planning across all levels of government; (ii) promote a shared approach and long-term commitment to manage the impacts of climate change; (iii) understand legal liabilities for past and future decisions; (vi) provide sustained, long-term financial support for adaptation planning; (v) support climate change adaptation mainstreaming in local governments; (vi) provide tools, frameworks and information to support adaptation decision-making; and (vii) development and monitoring of organizational and community capacity to adapt.