Western Australian local council representatives have gathered to discuss collaborating to achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets across the state, with over 40 local government representatives in attendance.
The Discovering Collaborative Opportunities forum brought together representatives from regions including Perth and South West Western Australia, in an open-forum discussion aimed at creating a sustainable future for Western Australia, held on the 23 November 2021.
Hosted by the Cities Power Partnership and supported by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA), outcomes from the virtual session informed a series of future events to ensure councils are collaborating to scale impact and create a prosperous future for their communities.
WALGA President Mayor, Tracey Roberts, said, “There is a genuine appetite in the local government sector to lead the way on zero emissions and the shift to renewable energy is a giant step in the right direction.”
The forum covered topics including: renewable energy, clean technology and electric vehicles.
Councils in attendance were:
- Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
- City of Albany
- City of Armadale
- Town of Bassendean
- City of Bayswater
- City of Bunbury
- City of Canning
- Shire of Capel
- City of Cockburn
- Town of Cottesloe
- Shire of Dowerin
- Town of East Fremantle
- Shire of Esperance
- City of Gosnells
- City of Greater Geraldton
- City of Joondalup
- City of Karratha
- Town of Mosman Park
- Shire of Murray
- Shire of Mundaring
- Shire of Northam
- City of Perth
- City of Rockingham
- Shire of Shark Bay
- City of Stirling
- City of Swan
- City of Subiaco
- Shire of Trayning
- Town of Victoria Park
- City of Vincent
- City of Wanneroo
- Shire of Wyalkatchem
Town of Bassendean Deputy Mayor, Renee McLennan, said the forum couldn’t come at a better time, as people were wanting to look to the future and seize the opportunities available right now in renewable energy generation and sustainable transport.
“Bassendean is already embracing renewable energy, sustainable transport and providing community education, but more can be done,” Deputy Mayor McLennan said.
Deputy Mayor McLennan said the event’s goal was to focus on how Western Australian councils can work together to ensure they are best placed to enjoy benefits like new jobs, lower electricity bills and improved resilience of homes and communities.
Ray Wills, futurist and Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia, said towns, cities and local governments are a critical part of Australia’s climate solution and are delivering substantial emissions cuts.
“Just last month, 51 councils across Western Australia participated in a landmark agreement negotiated by WALGA enabling them to make the switch to source 100 per cent renewable energy. The potential for cities and regions to pool their resources and invest in affordable, reliable clean energy is enormous,” Mr Wills said.
“This forum is about creating an open discussion between local governments who are well placed to take advantage of solutions like solar and batteries, clean manufacturing and zero emissions vehicles.”
