Steve Walker was one city councillor wary of communicating false hope to the public ahead of the council drafting its 2025-34 long-term plan.
"The spend for that resilience may never happen," he said.
"We need to be honest about what will truly be done."
Kevin Gilbert was among other councillors to pick up on the transparency theme.
The council might end up being "uncomfortably honest", he said.
The comments came during a forum yesterday with community board representatives.
Subjects traversed ranged from erosion and flood protection to expectations about roadside vegetation maintenance service levels.
Concerning climate adaptation, the council has had a strong focus on working out what should be done in low-lying South Dunedin, which has been vulnerable to surface flooding.
It is set to consider what approach should be taken to adaptation for the city more broadly, including rural areas and coastal settlements.
Climate and city growth general manager Scott MacLean said the council was looking at a strategic approach for city-wide adaptation.
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board member Andy Barratt said Dunedin would want to ensure it was not cut off from the north on a regular basis.
Dunedin was left isolated by surface flooding on roads earlier this month and a slip at Maia disrupted the water supply.
Cr Mandy Mayhem said the West Harbour Community Board remained concerned about plans to close the Cedar Creek and Rossville dams.
Strath Taieri Community Board member Robin Thomas said forestry was a fraught subject within discussion about climate change, because of its impact on rural communities.
Otago Peninsula Community Board chairman Paul Pope sought reassurance a reduced level of service for roadside vegetation management would not lead to long-term problems with weeds and ecological issues.
Mr MacLean said the council still had obligations to manage pests.
Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said it was a priority to keep sight lines clear for motorists.
