Local governments in the carbon neutral space

Transcription

1 RMIT: Carbon Neutral Communities Forum Local governments in the carbon neutral space Mike Hill Director, Accord 22 nd February 2010

2 This presentation covers: WHY are local governments so active on climate change / sustainability? WHAT is happening on the carbon neutrality front? WHERE can we find out more?

3 more than roads, rates and rubbish Maternal & Child Health, Fire Prevention Planning, Public Libraries, Playgroups, Strategic Planning, Kerbside Waste & Recycling Collections, Domestic Animal Control, Vaccination & Immunisation, Stormwater Drainage Systems, Pest Plant & Animal Control, Meals on Wheels, Preschools & Kindergartens, Animal Pounds, Landfill Depots, Assisted Transport, Statutory Land Use Planning, Toy Libraries, Sports & Recreation Reserves, Domestic Wastewater Management, Public Parking, Coastal and Wetlands Management, Road & Footpath Maintenance Environmental Education, Art Galleries, Disability Support, In-home Personal Care, Conservation Incentive Schemes, Food Safety Inspections, Litter Management, Building Approvals, Festivals & Events, Open Space Network, Counselling & Family Support, Street Lighting, Family Day Care, Parks & Gardens, Street Cleaning, Youth Centres, Beach Cleaning, Emergency Management, Heritage Advisory and the list could go on! Nina Rogers: MAV 2009

4 Local government climate change programs and policies Mitigation emissions reduction goals for council and for community some councils aiming to become Carbon Neutral renewable energy policies, eco-display projects, community education sustainable design / built form through building and planning approvals sustainable public street lighting green purchasing understanding implications of carbon trading advocacy to other levels of government Adaptation understanding the projected impacts of climate change, the risk that these present to council operations and to community, and development of adaptation plans

5 Local government contribution to environmental management As statutory and strategic planners, community leaders, educators, guardians of public health and managers of public land, local governments make an active and significant contribution to the improved management of Victoria s environmental resources The 2008 MAV Environmental Management Survey showed that Victorian local government priorities are reflective of the environmental challenges facing Australia, ie. growing awareness of climate change and ongoing drought and water scarcity

6 Snapshot of LG involvement 94% of Councils have at least ONE FTE internally funded staff member working on environmental issues 42% have a Councillor portfolio 48% have an Advisory Committee

7 Priority issues for Councils TOP FIFTEEN priority issues reported by Councils GHG reduction (7) (9) (71%) 2. Waterways and wetlands 3. Water consumption management 4. Stormwater management 5. Water quality 6. Resource recovery and waste management (60%) 7. Council sustainability 8. Sustainable / renewable energy (57%) 9. Environmental and strategic planning 10. Community engagement and education 11. Native / remnant vegetation 12. Litter prevention and management 13. Roadside conservation 14. Pest plants 15. Climate change adaptation (52%)

8 Emerging roles Developing / expanding / new environmental roles for councils include: community environment education energy efficiency & distributed generation use of statutory planning system for environmental management social impacts of climate change climate change adaptation

9 Why are local governments so active - the drivers becoming core business very quickly indeed local political expectations / rising community concern demonstrating community leadership accessing funding programs responsible asset (including public land / natural resources) management risk reduction meeting statutory obligations (minimal really) building healthy, vibrant and resilient communities strategic support for local industry advocacy at all levels cost savings from efficiencies and reduced exposure

10 Building capacity 93% of local governments report constraining factors 77% limited resources 59% limited staff The Accord aims to assist local governments overcome some of these constraints Environment/Sustainability Strategies At the commencement of the Accord, resource and capacity constraints meant that few councils in Victoria s rural areas had environmental strategies in place, whereas a significant proportion of metropolitan councils had developed environmental strategies. Environment Strategies provide a starting point and allow councils to identify issues and priorities for action.

11 A bit more about The Accord The Accord is a partnership program between the Victorian State Government and local governments which aims to progress local, regional and state-wide environmental sustainability initiatives. The Accord s principles include: build a shared understanding establish shared local goals and priorities pursue alignment and cooperation in service delivery improve procedures for regular, effective evaluation and review develop long term strategic resource allocation and funding

12 Accord funded projects A few examples of Accord funded projects that relate to carbon neutral communities: Darebin, Banyule, NAGA member councils and NAGA - Sustainable Public Lighting Stages 1 and 2 Buloke Shire Council, CVGA members councils and CSIRO Reaching for Renewables project City of Yarra, NAGA and NAGA member councils Towards Zero Net Emissions Manningham City Council Progress Sustainable Buildings in LG environment / sustainability strategy funding for low capacity rural councils

13 Accord funded projects cont 1. Towards Zero Net Emissions (TZNE) Project City of Yarra, NAGA and NAGA member councils TZNE outlines a comprehensive set of strategies and actions spanning key sectors across northern metropolitan Melbourne. It provides a framework by which zero net emissions can be realised. Final report released in Reaching for Renewables Buloke Shire Council, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance member councils and CSIRO This strategic work enlists the help of CSIRO to identify current and future renewable energy opportunities for four central Victorian councils for community and institutions to utilise.

14 Where to find out about it MAV / Accord: VLGA: ICLEI: Council sites (eg): Sustainability Victoria: MEFL (Moreland Energy Foundation): NAGA (Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action): Department of Sustainability and Environment: Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance: