The realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires local governments globally to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their policy and practice. In the case of the Hunter Valley Region of Australia, a key sustainable development issue is climate change-induced flooding. The localization and mainstreaming of SDG 13 on climate action can support tangible municipal climate actions in the Region. However, while it is acknowledged that SDG localization is needed to address sustainable development challenges, there is a gap in research and practice to guide local government attempts at SDG localization. This research analyzes literature on SDG localization to understand strategies, challenges and gaps that can inform localization approaches for the Hunter Valley. An analysis of the literature revealed that the implementation of SDG 13 at the local government level is a sparsely researched area, and in practice, efforts to implement SDG 13 have not been publicly communicated. Research-based recommendations for SDG 13 localization are presented to highlight the potential of integrating SDGs into pre-existing local policy so that the SDGs and their targets can support climate action and decrease disaster risk of future floods in Hunter Valley communities.

Australia has recently experienced a series of disasters that destroyed many homes and displaced many people. Different approaches to post-disaster shelter have been implemented in the wake of these events, including accommodation provided in hotels, caravan parks, social housing or ‘temporary villages’ using shipping containers and modular prefabricated dwellings (pods). While these initiatives have some positive outcomes, a range of problems are also evident, particularly the protracted nature of the displacement. For people without adequate insurance, or with limited options for relocation, and in an environment of housing shortages, access to permanent housing becomes uncertain and the makeshift solutions can have severe consequences. Given the increases in the frequency and magnitude of emergencies and disasters, living in such places is untenable. Further, the development of new building regulations such as the Bushfire Attack Level ratings to minimise disaster risk adds to costs and can impede access to permanent housing. There are few studies on shelter after disasters in Australia and this points to the need for in-depth research that can inform policy and practice.