The impacts of climate change are being felt across Western Australia. WALGA’s 2024-25 State Budget Submission sought funding for a number of critical initiatives to support the transition to net zero and manage the impacts of climate change, with a focus on support for Local Governments to restore their urban tree canopy, manage the impacts of coastal erosion and collaborate on climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Overview
The Budget contained a range of climate-related initiatives largely centred on decarbonisation and the transition to renewable energy. Some of the key measures announced included:
- An additional $2.7 million over the forward estimates for priority research projects into the impact of climate change on WA’s water resources.
- An additional $850,000 over 2024-25 and 2025/26 for Stage 3 of the Climate Science Initiative to develop a mid-range climate change projection scenario and to extend funding for data storage and research partnerships utilised to produce climate change projections for Western Australia
- An additional $5.2 million to address the higher-than-expected uptake of rebates for the purchase of eligible electric vehicles.
- Synergy will invest $25.7 million over 2023-24 to 2027-28 on additional asset maintenance requirements, and feasibility studies on potential new renewable generation projects, including wind monitoring equipment.
$2.9 million was provided in 2024-25 to develop the Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy, aimed at raising awareness and identifying policy measures to enhance tree canopy and green spaces. However, no additional funds have been allocated to the Urban Greening Grant program.
The Budget did not allocate any additional funding for the CoastWA program, with the current 5-year program still expected to end at the end of 2025-26.
The Regional Climate Alliances Program also failed to receive further funding.
WALGA Comment
While the focus on decarbonisation is important, the Budget has missed the opportunity to invest in climate change adaptation and mitigation programs that have proven benefits for local communities and the environment.
WALGA is disappointed that no further funding was provided for the Urban Greening Grant Program beyond 2024-25. Funding certainty is necessary to support appropriate planning by Local Government, and the nursery industry to support the Government’s aims of getting more trees in the ground in areas most at need.
The failure to extend the CoastWA program beyond its existing five years will also limit Local Government’s ability to plan for and manage future erosion and inundation hazards and put at risk key coastal infrastructure.
It is disappointing that the Government has not seen fit to continue the Regional Climate Alliance Program, despite a review showing the benefits of the program in promoting collaboration and delivering climate change adaptation and mitigation activities at the local level.
