After 12 years of supporting ICLEI Oceania’s Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) program, the Federal Government has announced it will cease funding at the end of this financial year.
However ICLEI is urging councils to continue jointly working on their significant reduction activities.
This decision is an outcome of the Australian Government’s strategic review of its climate change programs (Wilkins Review) conducted in 2008.
Regretfully, this means that ICLEI Oceania will end its CCP milestone support program and projects on 30 June 2009.
The cessation of CCP funding does not affect ICLEI Oceania’s other programs.
ICLEI Oceania is inviting councils to work with it on exciting new approaches to sustainability:
- Safe and Healthy Communities: focusing on Local Government’s
role in managing alcohol and other drugs - Adaptive and Resilient Cities: developing a systematic approach
to building adaptive capacity to climate change - Integrated Sustainability Services: working with sustainability
reporting, integrated systems and aligned internal processes.
CCP commenced in Australia as a pilot program on World Environment Day, 5 June 1997, with 29 Local Government participants. Twelve years on, there are 238 councils taking part in the program, representing over 84 per cent of the Australian population.
ICLEI Oceania is making immediate plans to ensure these councils will be in the best possible position to continue their climate change mitigation work, with the least possible interruption.
“I am extremely proud of the results we have achieved with Australian Local Governments through CCP,” said ICLEI Oceania’s CEO, Wayne Wescott. “CCP builds Local Government’s capacity to reduce its impact on climate.
“Australian councils have shown true leadership over the past 12 years, taking action long before climate change featured prominently in the national consciousness.
“Since we began reporting emission reductions in 1998–1999, CCP councils have saved over 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gases and approximately $95 million dollars through reduced energy costs.
“Through CCP, Australian councils have gained an international reputation for the solid, systematic and innovative work that they have done over this period of time.”
ICLEI Oceania’s climate work with Local Government will continue through a new CCP Partners Program, which will provide high level political and management support to build upon the experience, practical case studies, assistance materials and national and international relationships developed over the last decade.
“We recognise the commitment and investment all
238 CCP Australia councils have made to reduce their council and community greenhouse gas emissions, and commend them for their pioneering work in addressing the challenges of climate change,” Wayne Wescott said. “We look forward to continuing, and building upon, our relationship with local councils to assist their ongoing efforts in this crucial area.”
For further information contact Wayne Westcott at ICLEI Oceania on (03) 9639 8688.
