Climate action PhD scholarship position open

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River is set to sponsor a South West-based PhD student to investigate climate change responses and help the Shire maintain its position as a climate leader, with a scholarship opportunity via Edith Cowan University (ECU) now open.

Late last year, the Augusta Margaret River Shire Council voted to appoint a PhD student from ECU over three-years to research and report on opportunities for mainstreaming responses to climate change.   The project outcome is to determine changes that need to be made throughout the local government organisation in order to transition to a zero-carbon future and adapt to a changing climate.   ECU is now seeking Expressions of Interest for the position, with applications set to close on 15 March 2021.

Manager Planning and Development Services Matt Cuthbert said the student would build on research already undertaken in other areas and would explore ways to implement climate action into day-to-day Shire activities.

“The Shire is dedicated to leading the charge on climate change and this will provide a great opportunity for a local PhD student to examine the issues and opportunities present in our region,” he said.

The move will help the Shire fulfil one of the Corporate Business Plan 2020-24’s KPIs, which is to “maintain the Shire as a leader in climate change mitigation and adaptation improving our scores across the ten WA Local Government Area climate excellence categories”.

Mr Cuthbert said to achieve this goal, it would require an examination of all local government areas including waste, vehicle fleets, civic buildings, procurement, investment and more.

"The PhD student will be working on this alongside Shire staff allowing for two-way communication, but with the added benefit of being able to provide independent research and reports," he said.

"This avenue makes for a cost-effective alternative to appointing a full-time employee or outsourcing the work, while also providing great opportunity for a local student."   For more details about the project and to apply visit https://www.ecu.edu.au/scholarships/details/mainstreaming-climate-change-in-local-government-to-achieve-a-zero-carbon-future-and-adapt-to-a-changing-climate

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