A State-wide target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in just over 30 years has support from WA Councils as a priority action of the Local Government sector’s Climate Change Policy.
The WA Local Government Association welcomed the announcement of the target by State Government, to be achieved by 2050.
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,” Cr Craigie said.
“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.
Cr Craigie said many Local Governments were already implementing climate change adaption and emission reduction activities.
“Local Governments have been the most proactive level of government on this issue to date, with many already pursuing activities and policies to achieve emissions reductions and responses to the impacts of climate change,” she said.
“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.”