The Western Australia Government has set a state-wide target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in just over 30 years.
The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) welcomed the announcement of the 2050 target.
WALGA President, Cr Lynne Craigie said local governments have long been calling for the State to set an emissions reduction target, forming a key priority outlined in the sector-endorsed WALGA Climate Change Policy Statement.
“Local Governments have acknowledged that we are in a climate emergency, and urgent action is needed by all levels of government to meet Australia’s Paris Commitments and avoid the dangerous aspects of climate change.
“Climate change is a significant issue for local governments, in that it cuts across almost all aspects of their operations and responsibilities.
“In fact, the impacts of climate change are already being felt in Western Australia, with rising sea levels, longer fire seasons, more extreme fire danger days and a clear drying trend in the State’s south.
“The sector is heartened by this announcement, together with the release of the Assessment of Coastal Erosion Hotspots report earlier this month.
“We look forward to contributing to the development of a State-wide climate change policy, as the practical means for planning a credible emissions reduction pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.”
