Local Government climate action

The local governments across the Cradle Coast region are increasingly becoming aware of the significant risks of climate change, and being proactive in reducing their own emissions. Just last month the West Coast Council committed to being the second council in our region, alongside Devonport City Council, to sign up to the Cities Power Partnership.

The Cities Power Partnership gives local government the tools, connections and momentum to shift to a zero emissions future.

Central Coast Council and Waratah Wynyard Council both now have comprehensive plans to tackle climate change through their Central Coast Council Climate Change Strategy 2019 and their Integrated Council Environment Plan May 2020. Climate change is an immense challenge for all levels of government, but its impacts are felt most acutely at the local level. A report just released by the Climate Council, Neighbourhood Issue: Climate Costs and Risks to Councils shows that worsening extreme weather, driven by climate change, is compounding costs for councils. This includes mounting damage to council-owned assets, rising insurance premiums and increasing liability risks. The report also identifies there are big opportunities for councils when they have the resources to act on climate change. Beyond benefits to the community, action can create local jobs and result in long-term savings.

Past inaction and inertia in the climate system mean that climate impacts will continue to worsen over the next two to three decades, (even if global greenhouse gas emissions plummet over the same time period), and then could level off. However, if we fail to cut emissions rapidly and steeply within the next decade impacts will escalate steeply post-2040.

If we want communities to stay secure, prosperous and resilient then we need all levels of government to put the right actions and policies in place. This is an opportunity to improve the lives of all Australians.