Mayors Demand Real Climate Action, More Support For Renewables

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15 Mayors from councils across Australia have urged the Federal Government (whoever it is next) to make tackling climate change a top priority.

Three major actions have been demanded by the mayors:

• A strong national science-based climate policy and a commitment to rapidly transition Australia to 100% clean energy
• Support the rapid phase out of fossil fuel subsidies
• Provide long-term finance to support implementation of clean energy and sustainable transport solutions; including rooftop solar power, battery storage, electric vehicle charging stations, public and active transport infrastructure in council and community areas.

“In order to effectively prepare our towns and cities for a changing climate we need more resources and targeted policy from the Federal Government supporting local clean energy and climate solutions to safeguard the future of our communities,” said Cr Amanda McClaren, Mayor of Strathbogie Shire in regional Victoria.

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said that by stoking fear and ignoring the science, federal parliamentarians are distracting voters from the urgent need for coordinated, global action to slash emissions and a shift to renewable energy.

The full statement and list of signatories can be viewed here.

All the mayors who signed the statement are members of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP). The CPP boasts a membership of more than 100 councils from across the country (just under 20% of all councils in Australia) that collectively represent close to 11 million Australians.

About The Cities Power Partnership

The CPP, which was launched mid 2017, involves member councils selecting 5 key actions from the CPP partnership pledge ranging from renewable energy and energy efficiency to transport and advocacy commitments. For example, in the case of the Strathbogie Shire it has committed to:

• Encouraging local businesses and residents to install solar power.
• Set renewable energy and emissions targets.
• Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures.
• Provide educational/support resources in relation to renewables.
• Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles. 

Councils have been heavy lifters when it comes to solar power uptake. Many have also played an important role in community solar bulk buy programs; in some cases enabling households to pay off systems through their rates over a ten-year period.

Alix Pearce, who was previously director of the Cities Power Partnership, said last year councils were “local heroes”, stepping up and getting the job done.

“From supporting local schools to save thousands on their power bills through solar energy through to developing Australia’s largest floating solar farm, Cities Power Partnership councils are leading the way with practical local climate solutions.”

Councils interested in joining the Cities Power Partnership can find more information here.