Australia: Heatwave plan for Victoria

This document is a shared resource to coordinate an integrated response to heatwaves in Victoria and provides a clear understanding of the actions and systems in place to support at-risk groups in a heatwave. Rising temperatures and greater numbers of more intense periods of heat are forecast to be a part of Victoria's climate. As demonstrated in the January 2009 heatwave in Victoria, heatwaves can exacerbate existing medical conditions and cause heat-related illness, which may be fatal. There is no single agency that has complete responsibility for building, maintaining and protecting the health of at-risk populations in a heatwave. As such, it is important that individuals, government and the broader community work together to reduce the health impacts associated with heatwaves and provide support to those most vulnerable in the community.