The Australian Local Government Association has welcomed the first National Climate Change Partnership (NCCP), which sets out how governments will work together to address emissions and climate impacts.
Endorsed by energy and climate ministers, the NCCP recognises partnership with local government as critical in achieving national climate goals, stating that local government contributions to climate action are nationally significant.
ALGA President, Mayor Matt Burnett, said, “We are pleased that climate and energy ministers recognise that local governments play key roles in reducing emissions and incorporating climate considerations into how we plan, build and live.”
“Future-proofing communities from the changing climate continues to be a national priority, and Australia’s councils are leading the way by investing heavily in climate resilience solutions,” Mayor Burnett said.
ALGA’s research shows that Australia’s councils are already delivering more than $400 million per year in projects to prepare their communities for the changing climate needs and will invest about $2 billion in adaptation over the next five years.
“We are calling for an Adaptation Fund that councils can rely on, so they can scale up their projects and protect their communities. Enabling local investments supports the resilience of our infrastructure, health system and natural environment to climate impacts across our nation.”
Ministers have also committed to working with councils where decisions affect local communities.
“Local councils are key enablers. Additional resourcing would boost our capacity to help navigate community negotiations for long-term benefits from renewable energy projects,” Mayor Burnett said.
