The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s Climate Change Bill 2022, and highlighted the importance of local government in combating climate change.
ALGA President Linda Scott, said the bill would support councils in their ongoing work to reduce carbon emissions by providing greater guidance and clarity on minimum standards.
The ALGA will also lobby for a partnership fund of $200 million to further support local government efforts in emissions reduction.
“ALGA is calling for a Local Government Climate Response Partnership Fund of $200 million over four years that will help councils minimise the impacts of climate change and achieve climate neutrality as soon as practicable,” Cr Scott said.
“Councils are committed to reducing Australia’s emissions, but with a dedicated federal funding stream could do even more, delivering local solutions to this national challenge.”
Cr Scott highlighted the broad commitment of councils toward reducing emissions as evidence of their important contribution to Australia’s net-zero ambitions.
“The 2021 Australian Local Government Climate Review found that more than 70 percent of responding councils have set or are planning ambitious emissions reduction targets for their own operations, while 80 percent have set or are investigating emissions reduction targets across their entire community,” Cr Scott said.
“Meeting these targets will make a significant contribution to reducing our emissions at a national level.”
“By setting a clear and transparent national minimum standard, this Bill will support more councils to develop and implement their own local plans.”
