Recognition of Local Government as a key stakeholder on the State Greenhouse Council has been welcomed by the President of the Western Australian Municipal Association, Councillor Ken Pech. Initially membership of Western Australia’s State Greenhouse Council, did not include Local Government.
“We commend the Environment Minister for responding quickly to our concerns and her acknowledgement that the planning of the State’s Greenhouse policy requires the involvement of Local Government,” Ken Pech said. “The Western Australian Municipal Association is keen to work cooperatively with all stakeholders on the State Greenhouse Council to ensure sound and integrated outcomes that balance environmental, social and economic considerations.
“The importance of Local Government as a major player in reducing Greenhouse gas emissions, and its involvement in any policy development, is critical to Australia successfully responding to the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change.”
Increasing the ability of Local Government to respond to the Kyoto Protocol is an important outcome being sought by the Western Australian Municipal Association from the State Greenhouse Council.
According to the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), Local Government can directly influence the activities and end uses of energy and thereby reduce national Greenhouse gas emissions. Collectively, local responses have an enormous potential to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions.
