News Alert |

Climate Council Network Membership

The City of Ballarat has nominated to join the Australian Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP).

Council will also select five actions from the 40-action CPP program guide and commit to delivering them in a selected time frame.

The CPP is the largest local government climate program in Australia, and membership will build Ballarat’s profile as a green city and sustainability leader.

The CPP aligns with existing works already being undertaken, including the City of Ballarat Carbon Neutrality and 100% Renewables Action Plan.

The Australian Climate Council is the largest climate science and climate communication organisation in Australia, producing more than 100 scientific reports and providing ministerial advice.

Key membership benefits include:

Connects council with reputable climate change science Buddy program with other cities Access to visiting domestic and international experts Join a united voice on action Providing strength in advocacy work by Council and by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance on behalf of councils across central and northern Victoria

There is no cost involved in membership, but Council must make a pledge towards five actions, nominate a facilitator to liaise with the Climate Council, expert advisors, buddy councils and council work colleagues, and provide progress reports to the Climate Council every six months.

Many of the 40 CPP guide actions are already in progress by Council, including:

Ensuring Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles Providing Council resources to educate and support renewable energy uptake, such as by hiring an internal renewable energy support officer Encouraging local businesses and residents to take up solar PV, battery storage and solar hot water heating Identifying waste to energy opportunities Implementing landfill gas methane flaring or capture for electricity generation Encouraging sustainable transport use Attending events, such as the Community Energy Congress or the Cities Power Partnership Summit.

The CPP currently has more than 70-member councils, representing eight million Australians.

Mayor Cr Samantha McIntosh said the City of Ballarat was committed to taking action on climate change mitigation.

“The City of Ballarat has already celebrated many clean energy successes and we are determined to further accelerate our uptake of renewable energy sources and reduce our carbon emissions,” Cr McIntosh said.

“It is the environmentally responsible way forward for our municipality.”