In this, our first edition for 2003, we feature some of the key issues raised at the National General Assembly of Local Government, staged in Alice Springs last November. A number of articles cover the issue of environmental management. It is a well known fact that Local Government spends in excess of $20 billion per annum on a range of environmental initiatives, not least of which are actions to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Australian Councils are receiving growing international recognition for their efforts to address climate change. But to continue their endeavours in this field, Councils are now urging that a major successful initiative – the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) campaign – continues. Current Federal Government funding for CCP is set to end in June this year and, to date, funding has not been renewed. CCP is a joint initiative involving the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), the Federal Government and Australian Local Government.
It is estimated that half of all greenhouse emissions in Australia can be influenced by Local Government initiatives. Currently, CCP funding through the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) has facilitated action in 164 municipalities across Australia, representing 66 percent of the nation’s population. It has demonstrated what can be achieved when Federal and Local Governments work collaboratively.
This campaign has produced practical actions that cut greenhouse gas emissions, by giving Councils expert advice and a structured program for setting and meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets. However, it is feared that without continued funding for CCP’s expert backing, many Local Governments will struggle to maintain effective nationwide action for greenhouse emission reductions.
As a result, numerous Councils have written to Federal MPs and the Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, urging that they support continued funding for this program. Similarly, ICLEI is urging further funding. It rightly argues that in the first five years of the program, it has successfully engaged Local Government in the greenhouse debate by demonstrating the business case for greenhouse action. Through their participation in CCP, Local Governments have actively contributed to reducing greenhouse emissions while at the same time addressing a range of economic and liveability issues that confront all local communities.
From reducing waste, choosing green power and energy efficiency through to improving air quality and reducing traffic congestion, these greenhouse actions are delivering substantial social, environmental and financial benefits for localities across Australia. CCP Councils are investing significant funds and efforts into greenhouse gas abatement projects and the ‘CCP Australia Program Report 2002’ provides a strong case for continued support of CCP as a means of meeting Australia’s ongoing national and international commitments to greenhouse reduction.
Given new funding pressures created by recent International tension, ICLEI and CCP Councils are urging the Federal Cabinet to continue its support for this important program. They seek a funding commitment from the Federal Government for a further five years as per the current arrangement in place with the Australian Greenhouse Office to support Councils in the program, encourage further recruitment and accelerate further abatement through CCP Plus – the next step that assists Councils which have completed the CCP five milestones. It is hoped that this will not become another case where cash strapped Councils are left to their own devices to carry on this vital work.
