A GROUP of councils across the south-eastern suburbs of Victoria are calling for more ambitious climate change action from the federal government.
The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance is a coalition of nine councils – Frankston, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, Port Phillip, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Cardinia, and Bass Coast. The group launched its policy platform last week.
SECCCA wants to see a commitment to net zero by 2040 or earlier, and a 67 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030. The federal government has committed to an emissions reduction target of 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050.
Bass Coast Shire mayor Michael Whelan is the chair of SECCCA. He says that the federal government must do more to help prevent climate change at a local level.
“Action on climate change is front of mind for residents living in the SECCCA region. The community is asking us to take action locally as well as nationally but we can’t do this alone,” Whelan said. “Our priorities are aimed at supporting low carbon electric vehicle and active transport – creating greener, cooler and more liveable cities and helping our communities adapt to climate change. Getting these things right in our communities will help both state and federal government to achieve their emissions targets much sooner, which is what everyone is seeking.
“Local government is best-placed to help our communities address climate change, while building resilience and preparing for future impacts. We are calling on the Victorian and Australian governments to take action and assist us in this task.”
SECCCA is asking for $20 million for local electric vehicle charging infrastructure, $20 million for local “active transport”, $20 million for a gas transition fund, and $10 million for a “community resilience fund” for climate change adaption projects.
The federal government’s Climate Change Bill 2022 passed the House of Representatives earlier this month. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the legislation “records the government’s ambition to take the country forward on climate action – and it reflects our determination to bring people with us.”
Dunkley MP Peta Murphy said that the federal government’s emission reduction targets are “ambitious but realistic and are supported by Australia’s states and territories, business, industry, unions, environmental and community groups.”
“I am part of a group of MPs who pushed to make sure that these targets are a floor not a ceiling. I will continue to advocate for practical initiatives like the community battery we will deliver in Carrum Downs that will reduce emissions and support renewable energy locally,” she said.