THE largest national climate program for local government welcomed 35 new councils from across Australia last month, however no Limestone Coast councils were represented.
As part of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership, 70 local councils have vowed to tackle climate change in their own backyards.
Over 250 towns and cities are listed as members of the partnership – representing 7.5 million people.
To join the partnership, councils must be nominated online.
Any resident who believes their community is “leading the way” or taking action to tackle climate change can nominate their local council.
Climate Councillor and international climate scientist Professor Will Steffen said local governments had the opportunity to be part of Australia’s climate solution.
“As the tier of government that is closest to the community, local councils have the power to genuinely transform the way we generate and use energy,” Mr Steffen said.
“It is clear Australians support climate action from their council and we’re calling on all local governments to join the groundswell of climate action spreading across the country.”
A “coalition of the willing” made up of mayors, councillors and communities committed to a sustainable, non-polluting energy future, the partnership is collecting nominations.
Participants receive access to a national knowledge hub to help with emissions reductions projects, analytics tools to help track emissions and energy and costs savings.
Councils are “buddied” with other participating councils to share knowledge.
Visit www.citiespowerpartnership.org.au to nominate a Limestone Coast council to join the program.
