Australian Local Government Net Zero Ambition

Home , City of Sydney, Fairfield City Council, Sutherland Shire, The Hills Shire

Acknowledgements We would like to thank Bernie Cotter (ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability), Nicki Colls (Beyond Zero Emissions) and Tracie Armstrong (Cities Power Partnership) for kindly reviewing this report. We also thank the councils listed for reviewing and providing feedback on information about their climate commitments and actions.

This report is part of a series of Net Zero Momentum Tracker[1] assessments focusing on sectors within the Australian economy. Net Zero Momentum Tracker is an initiative that demonstrates progress towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. It brings together and evaluates climate action commitments made by Australian businesses, governments and other organisations.

Achieving net zero emissions prior to 2050 is a key element of the Paris Climate Agreement[3] to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to strive for 1.5 degrees.

Local governments are helping Australia’s citizens and businesses

cut their emissions to zero

As the level of government closest to the Local governments can reduce emissions in community, Australia’s 530 councils can two ways: directly through their operations influence individuals, households and and indirectly through their influence on businesses to reduce their emissions and communities. Activities or sources owned or adapt to climate change[4, 5]. controlled by local governments – such as waste management and government owned This report assesses emissions reduction buildings, facilities, infrastructure and vehicles commitments and activities of 57 Australian – create ‘operational emissions’. All other councils, evaluating the extent to which they emissions produced within a local government are on target to achieve net zero greenhouse area from sources such as buildings, gas emissions by 2050. The councils chosen transport, waste, land use and industry result are responsible for the largest local in ‘community emissions’. government areas1 by population, collectively covering 52 per cent of Australia’s Typically, community emissions represent population[6, 7]. almost all (99 per cent) of the emissions from a local government area[9]. Australian councils are responsible for urban planning, land use and building approvals, To be aligned to net zero by 2050, a local waste management and the provision of government should have a stated target to be community infrastructure and services[5]. That net zero or carbon neutral by or before 2050 makes them among Australia’s most for both their operational and community significant infrastructure owners and emissions. This target needs be supported by managers, with collective responsibility for interim emissions reduction targets and plans. over $380 billion in infrastructure and land[8]. Our analysis found all of the local Councils can collectively deliver a substantial governments assessed are taking steps to reduction in Australia’s greenhouse gas reduce their operational or community emissions. By providing facilities and emissions and many have net zero by 2050 infrastructure; incorporating sustainability targets or aspirations. criteria into planning approvals; and implementing programs to change behaviour, We found that 58 per cent of the local councils can encourage uptake of renewable governments assessed have a target to reach energy, minimise the use of fossil fuelled net zero operational emissions by 2050, or transportation, limit emissions from landfill and have made emissions reduction commitments encourage greater energy efficiency in homes compatible with this goal. These 33 councils – and businesses[9, 10]. four of which are already carbon neutral – represent 31 per cent of the Australian population.

1 A Local Government Area is a geographical administrative division that a local government is responsible for. 3 Thirty-seven per cent of the local governments Of the 57 governments assessed, Moreland assessed – representing 21 per cent of the City Council, Northern Beaches Council and Australian population – have a target, the ACT have targets to reach net zero by or aspiration or have made emissions reduction before 2050, with supporting interim commitments aligned with net zero emissions emissions reduction targets that address both by or before 2050 for all or the majority of their operational and community emissions. community emissions. Local government action to address climate Of the capital city councils, Sydney, change can benefit both councils and the Melbourne and Brisbane are already carbon communities they serve. For example, it can neutral for their operational emissions. reduce energy costs while providing a healthy, Adelaide and Darwin city councils, and the resilient and liveable environment. In addition, Australian Capital Territory Legislative by setting ambitious net zero emissions Assembly (which has local government targets for operational and community authority for Canberra) each have a goal of emissions compatible with the Paris Climate becoming carbon neutral for their operations Agreement, Australian local governments can by 2020, 2030 and 2040 respectively. The build momentum for a nationwide transition to City of Adelaide, City of Sydney and City of net zero emissions. Melbourne also have a net zero by 2050 target or aspiration for their community emissions. Canberra’s community emissions are included in the ACT’s legislated target to be net zero by 2045.

Local government momentum towards net zero emissions

5 Given their authority and influence, local governments can implement a variety of INFLUENCE measures that could collectively result in a Local governments have significant reduction in Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Specific examples include[5, significant influence on 9, 10]: Australia’s emissions • Reducing the emissions from local There are over 530 local governing bodies in government owned and managed Australia[11]. Local governments are often infrastructure, facilities and services by: referred to as ‘councils’, but have a variety of o procuring energy from renewable other designations, which include ‘city’, sources or installing on-site renewable ‘borough’, ‘shire’ and ‘municipality’[12]. Local energy generation government forms one tier in Australia’s three o phasing out gas- and diesel-powered levels of government, alongside Australia’s facilities and appliances through federal government and the eight state and electrification territory governments[4]. o installing energy efficient lighting, The scope of local government authority is heating and air conditioning in defined by state and territory acts of buildings parliament. Typically, it includes responsibility o installing energy efficient street lighting for urban planning, land use and building and transport infrastructure 2 approvals , infrastructure (including local o encouraging active and public roads, footpaths, cycle routes, signage and transport use through events and lighting), waste management, community initiatives, construction of cycle routes, buildings and facilities (such as libraries, pedestrianisation and congestion recreational facilities and parks) and charging community services (such as childcare and o implementing electric vehicle charging aged care)[5]. Councils are among Australia’s infrastructure and encouraging electric most significant infrastructure owners and vehicle use managers, with collective responsibility for more than $380 billion in infrastructure assets o supporting vehicle sharing schemes and land[8]. o transitioning local government owned and managed vehicles to low-carbon As the level of government closest to the options community, local governments can directly influence people, households and businesses. o encouraging appropriate practices They are also closely connected to community among local government staff through issues and needs[12]. Councils are often on education, procedural changes, the front line of responding to climate change sustainability-linked performance consequences, such as more frequent and criteria and behaviour change extreme weather events, sea level rise and initiatives. bushfires [10]. • Diverting organic waste and recycling from landfill Australian local governments therefore perform an important role in helping their • Incorporating strict sustainability criteria communities to mitigate and adapt to climate into strategic and statutory planning change. processes and ensuring that urban

2 Australian councils are responsible for town activities or developments that can occur within planning and building approvals. Within state different areas of a municipality, which require planning laws, councils typically develop local planning or building permits issued by the council. planning schemes. These schemes define specific 6 development minimises car own actions and in collaboration with other dependency[13] councils and organisations. For instance, the • Providing funding and support for City of Melbourne, City of Port Phillip, City of construction of large-scale renewable Yarra and Moreland City Council have energy facilities partnered with corporate, government, cultural and academic organisations through the • Encouraging and facilitating renewable Melbourne Renewable Energy Project to energy use within the community through support construction of the Crowlands Wind information, subsidies, bulk-buy schemes Farm, which will provide renewable energy for (to secure discounts for domestic solar the initiative’s fourteen participants[14]. photovoltaic systems, solar hot water and energy storage equipment) and support for The influence of local government action can community-owned renewable energy also extend to other levels of government. generation initiatives Councils can act as incubators: trialling and • Encouraging behaviours and action to refining emissions reduction policies, address climate change through behaviour initiatives and innovations prior to their change programs, education and support deployment at a state or national level[15]. for both citizens and businesses. In addition, some councils have lobbied state governments for more ambitious climate In addition to influencing emissions within their action. All states and territories have now local government area, councils can have a made a net zero by 2050 commitment. [16, much broader impact, through both their 17].

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL, STATE AND TERRITORY COMMITMENTS All eight Australian state and territory governments have committed to, or have stated aspirations to have net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. These commitments and aspirations are summarised below.

7 development[21]. Between 1997 and 2008, 233 Australian councils, representing over GLOBAL AND NATIONAL CONTEXT 80 per cent of the Australian population, Local governments took part in ICLEI’s Cities for Climate Protection program[22]. It is estimated that worldwide are active in this program helped councils and supporting climate goals community members in Australia to avoid 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide Estimates indicate that worldwide action to emissions and save $95 million in energy reduce emissions from urban areas could costs. Twelve of the 57 councils assessed deliver 70 per cent of the abatement required by our analysis are ICLEI members. to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement • C40 Cities, a global network of 94 cities goals[18]. Globally, state, regional and local with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas governments have taken strong action to emissions to achieve the Paris Agreement address climate change and have led efforts goals, improving air quality and addressing to mitigate emissions[9, 10]. At the Paris climate change risks[23]. C40 Cities climate talks in 2015 more than a thousand facilitates collaborative action between its representatives from cities, regions and local members, conducts research to help cities governments came together at the Climate prioritise climate initiatives and supports Summit for Local Leaders. This culminated in programmes addressing areas including the Paris City Hall Declaration, a commitment finance, diplomacy, business and to support the goals of the Paris Climate innovation, energy and inclusive climate Agreement and transition to 100 per cent action. The City of Melbourne and the City renewable energy[19]. of Sydney are both C40 members. Global organisations and programs that • The Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance support local government action to address (CNCA), a global coalition of cities climate change include: committed to reducing greenhouse gas • The Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM), emissions by 80 to 100 per cent by 2050 or a coalition of over 10,000 cities from 139 sooner. To be eligible for membership, counties, which currently has an Australian cities must have a community-wide carbon membership of 26 local authorities[20]. neutrality goal with a supporting This initiative provides knowledge, data, implementation plan and dedicated budget tools and technical support to its members and staff for its delivery. The City of and helps them secure investment to Adelaide, City of Melbourne and City of accelerate the transition to a net zero Sydney are CNCA members. economy. GCoM members are required to • The Climate Emergency Declaration measure, set targets and develop action movement, an initiative that has gained plans to reduce community emissions. recent prominence advocating for national, GCoM claims that the commitments of its state and local governments to increase members could collectively reduce global the momentum of climate action [24]. It carbon dioxide emissions by ‘1.3 billion campaigns for governments to declare a tons [1.18 billion tonnes]’ per year. ‘climate emergency’ and thereby commit to Fourteen of the 57 councils assessed by mobilising resources ‘at sufficient scale and our analysis are members of GCoM. speed to protect civilisation, the economy, • ICLEI - Local Governments for people, species, and ecosystems’. This Sustainability (ICLEI), a global network of campaign began in Australia, and in 2016 over 1,750 local governments that Darebin City Council was the first local facilitates knowledge exchange and council to declare a climate emergency. collaboration between its members and Subsequently over 1,100 jurisdictions and advocates for policy change at a sub- local governments in 23 countries have national level to support sustainable declared a climate emergency, including 60 8 in Australia[25]. Seventeen of the 57 highest accolade recognises organisations councils assessed in our analysis have that can demonstrate practices that declared a climate emergency. achieve ‘net zero impact on the environment’[29]. Twenty-eight local In addition to these global initiatives, there are governments in New South Wales are several Australian climate action programs members of, or have been acknowledged and organisations working with local by, the initiative, six of which were included governments and communities to support the in our analysis. transition to net zero emissions, including: • Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), an • The Cities Power Partnership (CPP), a independent research organisation that local government climate network run by provides guidance and tools for community the Climate Council of Australia[26]. CPP groups and councils through its Zero has a membership of over 115 councils, Carbon Communities program [30]. This that make five climate action pledges includes an online tool that profiles related to either renewable energy, energy community emissions for every council in efficiency, transport or collaboration and Australia. BZE also conducts research to influence. The CPP facilitates collaboration assess Australian council emissions between local governments and provides reduction actions and the associated members with information and tools to barriers and opportunities. track emissions, energy and cost savings.

Thirty-one of the councils assessed are members of the CPP. • Take2, a pledge initiative led by the ANALYSIS Victorian Government[27]. It provides a platform for individuals and organisations The Net Zero Momentum Tracker assessed commit to actions to address climate the pledges, commitments and activities of the change. Over 60 Australian councils, local governments responsible for Australia’s government and community organisations 57 largest local government areas by have taken a Take2 pledge, of which 15 population[6]. The collective population of were assessed in our analysis. these local government areas constitutes 52 per cent of the Australian population. Tables 4 • The Coalition for Community Energy and 5 in the Appendix list these local (C4CE), founded to support and promote governments and details the sources and the emerging community energy sector in information used for each to conduct this Australia[28]. Community energy initiatives analysis. are renewable energy generation projects managed and fully or partially funded by Local government emissions reduction citizen investors. C4CE provides tools and commitments and targets either have an advice for community energy groups and operational or community focus, depending on advocates for greater support for the emissions sources they address[9]: community energy from state and local • Local government operational emissions governments. In addition to community (also known as ‘council’, ‘internal’ or energy groups, C4CE’s 86 members ‘corporate emissions’) are emissions include non-profit organisations, resulting from sources owned or controlled educational institutions and government by the local government, or that are a bodies. The City of Melbourne is a C4CE consequence of local government member. activities. Sources include local • The New South Wales Government’s government owned buildings and facilities, Sustainability Advantage Program. This traffic infrastructure and street lighting, initiative acknowledges businesses and local government vehicles, and waste local government organisations that have disposal activities. acted to operate more sustainably. Its 9 • Community emissions (also known as a significant proportion,3 but not all, of ‘municipal’, ‘community-wide’ or ‘city-wide its emissions. Alternatively, it has a emissions’) are emissions produced within comprehensive fully-aligned net zero the geographical boundaries of a local target, but its supporting emissions government area from sources other than reduction target is aspirational. local government operations. Examples ■ Aligned aspiration/pathway: The local include emissions from residential and government does not have a target to commercial property, transport, waste, achieve net zero emissions or become industry, agriculture and land use. carbon neutral by or before 2050 but has an interim emissions reduction Australian local government community target aligned with this goal. emissions are far more significant than their Alternatively, the local government has operational emissions, usually representing an aspirational commitment to achieve almost all (99 per cent) of the emissions from net zero emissions or become carbon a local government area[9]. neutral by or before 2050. A local government would also be rated with Australian local this ambition if it is already net zero or carbon neutral but has not committed to government net zero remain so and does not have a supporting emissions reduction target ambition aligned with eliminating avoidable Table 1 provides an indication of net zero emissions by or before 2050. ambition for each of the 57 councils assessed. ▲ Partially aligned: The local The assessment of net zero ambition is based government is aligned to net zero on consideration of each local government’s emissions or carbon neutrality for a stated targets and aspirations, the alignment small proportion4 of its emissions. of these targets and aspirations with achieving ● Not aligned: The local government has net zero emissions by or before 2050, and any made a commitment, pledge or is supporting emissions reduction activities or undertaking activities that will reduce its initiatives. emissions but not in alignment with net The table provides an indication of net zero zero before 2050, or the alignment is ambition for operational emissions, community unclear due to insufficient information. emissions and an overall assessment that o No emissions reduction targets or combines the two. Table 6 in the Appendix activities: The local government has provides supporting detail for this assessment. not disclosed any information regarding The criteria used to assess net zero ambition emissions reduction targets, are: commitments or activities. ★ Fully aligned: The local government Our assessment found that all of the 57 local has a target to achieve net zero governments considered are taking steps to emissions or become carbon neutral by reduce their operational and/or community or before 2050. Alternatively, the local emissions. Of the local governments government is already carbon neutral assessed, Moreland City Council in Victoria, and has committed to remain so. In Northern Beaches Council in NSW and the both cases the local government also ACT Legislative Assembly (which has state has interim emissions reduction targets and local government accountability over aligned with mitigating avoidable emissions by or before 2050. Canberra), have a fully aligned net zero by 2050 target that addresses both operational Closely aligned: The local government ☆ and community emissions. is fully aligned to net zero emissions or carbon neutrality (as defined above) for

3 For the assessment of overall ambition, the targets assessed 4 For the assessment of overall ambition, the targets assessed considered to encapsulate a “significant proportion” of considered to encapsulate a “small proportion” of emissions emissions address both operational and community emissions predominantly focus on operational emissions only. with some minor exclusions. 10 Over half (58 per cent) of the local not yet have a fully aligned net-zero-by governments assessed (representing 31 per 2050 target for their operational emissions. cent of the Australian population) have a net- Alternatively, they are already net zero or zero-by-2050 target or aspiration for their carbon neutral but have not committed to operational emissions, or have made remain so into the future, which is the case emissions reduction commitments that align for the City of Sydney. with this goal. Several of these local governments aim to achieve net zero • One (two per cent) is partially aligned, operational emissions well before 2050. Of the since it has made a net-zero-by-2050 state capital city councils, City of Sydney, City commitment for a small proportion of its of Melbourne and Brisbane City Council are operational emissions (Blacktown City already operating carbon neutral, City of Council). Adelaide has a goal of becoming carbon • Twenty-two (39 per cent) are not aligned, neutral by 2020, and Darwin City Council is since they have made no net-zero-before- aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The ACT Legislative Assembly, which has local 2050 commitments for their operational government authority over the City of emissions but are taking steps that will Canberra, has a goal of becoming carbon reduce these emissions. neutral for its operations by 2040. • One (two per cent) has no disclosed Just over one-third (37 per cent) of the 57 emissions reduction targets or activities local governments assessed (representing 21 for its operational emissions (Townsville per cent of the Australian population) have a City Council). target, aspiration or have made emissions In terms of community emissions: reduction commitments aligned with net zero emissions by or before 2050 for all or most of • Five (nine per cent) of the 57 governments their community emissions. Since considered have a fully aligned net-zero- community emissions represent almost all of by-2050 target supported by an interim the emissions produced within a local emissions reduction target (Northern government area, this indicates that Beaches Council, Moreland City Council, approximately two-thirds (63 per cent) of the City of Adelaide, City of Sydney and the local governments assessed have yet to make ACT Legislative Assembly). a net-zero-by-2050 commitment that addresses most of the emissions produced • Two (four per cent) have a target that is within their area of responsibility. Of the state closely aligned to net-zero-by-2050 (Cities capital city councils, the City of Adelaide, City of Melbourne and Newcastle), since they of Sydney and City of Melbourne have a net- have fully aligned net-zero-by-2050 targets, zero-before-2050 target or aspiration for their but their supporting emissions reduction community emissions. Canberra is included in targets are aspirational. the ACT’s legislated target to be net zero by 2045. • Fourteen (24 per cent) do not have a fully aligned net-zero-by-2050 target for their In terms of local government operational community emissions but have expressed emissions: an aspiration to achieve this goal or have • Eleven (19 per cent) of the local made aligned emissions reduction governments assessed have a fully commitments. aligned net-zero-by-2050 target supported • Thirty-five (61 per cent) are not aligned, by an interim emissions reduction target. since they have made no net-zero-before Two of these (City of Melbourne and 2050 commitments for their community Moreland City Council) state that they are emissions but are taking steps that will already carbon neutral. reduce these emissions. • Twenty-two (39 per cent) have expressed • One (two per cent) has no disclosed an aspiration to achieve net zero emissions reduction targets or activities emissions by 2050 or have made aligned for its community emissions (Cumberland emissions reduction commitments, but do Council). 11 Given the above, in terms of overall net zero • Fourteen (25 per cent) do not have a fully ambition: aligned net-zero-by-2050 target that • Three (five per cent) of the 57 governments addresses both their operational and considered have fully aligned net-zero-by- community emissions, but have expressed 2050 targets that address both operational an aspiration to achieve this goal or have and community emissions (Moreland City made aligned interim emissions reduction Council, Northern Beaches Council and the commitments without a net zero and the ACT Legislative Assembly, which commitment. has both state and local government • Thirteen (23 per cent) are partially accountability). aligned, since they have made net-zero- • Four (seven per cent) have targets closely by2050 commitments for a small proportion aligned to net zero by 2050 (cities of of their overall emissions. One of these Adelaide, Melbourne, Newcastle and (City of Casey) has a net-zero-before-2050 Sydney), since they have a fully aligned net target for its operational emissions zero target supported by an interim (typically a small proportion of emissions emissions reduction target that addresses from a local government area) but not for all their community emissions but not their its community emissions. operational emissions or encapsulates • Twenty-three (40 per cent) are not most, but not all of their community aligned, since they have made no net- emissions. Alternatively, as is the case for zero-before-2050 commitments for either the cities of Melbourne and Newcastle, their operational or community emissions they have a comprehensive, fully aligned but are taking steps that will reduce their net zero target but their supporting emissions. emissions reduction targets are aspirational.

12 TABLE 1: ASSESSMENT OF NET ZERO AMBITION The governments listed are those responsible for Australia’s 57 largest local government areas by population, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics[6]. The table groups the local governments by overall net zero ambition and then orders them by population within each group. This assessment of ambition is informed by Table 6 (included in the Appendix).

Already Operational Community Overall net operating Population emissions net emissions net Government zero ambition carbon 2018 zero ambition zero ambition neutral? ACT Legislative No 420,960 ★ ★ ★ Assembly Northern Beaches No 271,278 ★ ★ ★ Council ★ ★ ★ Yes 181,725 Moreland City Council

☆ ■ ★ Yes 240,229 City of Sydney ☆ ★ ☆ Yes 169,961 City of Melbourne ☆ ■ ☆ No 164,104 City of Newcastle ☆ ■ ★ No 24,794 Adelaide City Council

■ ■ ■ Yes 1,231,605 Brisbane City Council ■ ▲ ■ No 366,534 Blacktown City Council ■ ★ ■ No 255,322 Wyndham City Council ■ ★ ■ No 252,217 City of Greater Geelong City of Parramatta ■ ■ No 251,311 ★ Council ■ ■ ■ No 216,071 Wollongong City Council Lake Macquarie City ■ ■ ■ No 204,914 Council ■ ■ ■ No 198,024 Inner West Council ■ ■ ■ No 181,289 City of Boroondara ■ ★ ■ No 176,196 Whitehorse City Council Mornington Peninsula ■ ■ ■ No 165,822 Shire Kingston City Council ■ ■ No 163,431 ★ (VIC) ■ ★ ■ No 161,609 Darebin City Council ■ ■ ■ No 27,762 City of Perth

▲ ■ ● No 342,047 Central Coast Council ▲ ★ ● No 340,419 City of Casey ▲ ■ ● No 326,615 Logan City Council ▲ ■ ● No 319,922 Sunshine Coast Council ▲ ■ ● No 213,638 Ipswich City Council ▲ ■ ● No 209,210 Penrith City Council ▲ ■ ● No 208,714 Brimbank City Council City of Greater ▲ ■ ● No 166,094 Dandenong ▲ ■ ● No 165,525 Cairns Regional Council ▲ ■ ● No 158,411 Georges River Council ▲ ■ ● No 158,173 Yarra Ranges Council ▲ ■ ● No 84,613 City of Darwin ▲ ■ ● No 53,684 City of Hobart

● ● ● No 606,774 Gold Coast Council

13 Already Operational Community Overall net operating Population emissions net emissions net Government zero ambition carbon 2018 zero ambition zero ambition neutral? Moreton Bay Regional ● ● ● No 459,585 Council Canterbury Bankstown ● ● ● No 373,931 City Council ● ● o No 236,893 Cumberland Council ● ● ● No 229,213 Sutherland Shire ● ● ● No 224,394 Hume City Council ● ● ● No 223,322 City of Whittlesea ● ● ● No 223,304 Liverpool City Council ● ● ● No 220,249 City of Stirling ● ● ● No 210,612 Fairfield City Council ● ● ● No 203,679 City of Wanneroo ● ● ● No 200,077 Monash Council ● o ● No 194,072 Townsville City Council ● ● ● No 174,378 Bayside Council ● ● ● No 172,473 The Hills Shire Council ● ● ● No 171,489 City of Onkaparinga Campbelltown City ● ● ● No 168,139 Council Toowoomba Regional ● ● ● No 167,657 Council ● ● ● No 163,203 Knox City Council ● ● ● No 160,031 City of Joondalup ● ● ● No 156,863 Redland City Council Wagga Wagga City ● ● ● No 64,820 Council ● ● ● No 29,998 City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

★ Fully aligned The local government has a target to achieve net zero emissions or become carbon neutral by or before 2050. Alternatively, the local government is already carbon neutral and has committed to remain so. In both cases the local government also has interim emissions reduction targets aligned with mitigating avoidable emissions by or before 2050. ☆ Closely aligned The local government is fully aligned to net zero emissions or carbon neutrality (as defined above) for a significant proportion, but not all, of its emissions. Alternatively, it has a comprehensive, fully aligned net zero target but its supporting emissions reduction target is aspirational. ■ Aligned aspiration/ The local government does not have a target to achieve net zero emissions or become pathway carbon neutral by or before 2050 but has an interim emissions reduction target aligned with this goal. Alternatively, the local government has an aspirational commitment to achieve net zero emissions or become carbon neutral by or before 2050. A local government would also be rated with this ambition if it is already net zero or carbon neutral but has not committed to remain so and/or does not have an emissions reduction target aligned with mitigating avoidable emissions by or before 2050. ▲ Partially aligned The local government is aligned to net zero emissions or carbon neutrality for a small proportion of their emissions. ● Not aligned The local government has made a commitment, pledge or is undertaking activities that will reduce its emissions but not in alignment with net zero before 2050, or the alignment is unclear due to insufficient information. o No emissions The local government has not disclosed any information regarding emissions reduction reduction targets or targets, commitments or activities. activities

14 ☆ Activities to reduce emissions supported by a detailed strategy or

target. Australian local ■ Activities without a detailed strategy or government climate target that will reduce emissions. o Generic expression of intent or no commitments and information. activities Tables 2 and 3 present an assessment of local government emissions reduction commitments and activities. This assessment specifically focuses on energy conservation5, renewable energy use, fuel switching6 and emissions mitigation through non-energy measures (such as offsetting). Table 2 is an assessment of commitments and activities to reduce local government operational emissions. Table 3 focuses on commitments and activities to reduce community emissions. The criteria used for this assessment are: ★ Specific target that aligns with net zero emissions before 2050. For example: • Energy conservation: commitment equivalent to one of the EP100 pathways or similar[31]. • Renewable energy: commitment to use 100% renewable energy. • Electrification/fuel switching: 100% shift to electrification and/or non- emitting fuels. • Non-energy: Offsetting of unavoidable emissions only.

5 Energy conservation in the context of local 6 Fuel switching in the context of local governments governments include steps to encourage active transport includes electrification of buildings and facilities, and (transport involving physical activity such as cycling and initiatives to encourage use of non-fossil fuelled walking) to avoid use of motorised transport options. motorised transportation. 15 TABLE 2: ASSESSMENT OF OPERATIONAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION COMMITMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

This assessment of local government operational emissions reduction activities and initiatives is informed by the pledges and commitments summarised in Table 5. This assessment specifically focuses on energy conservation, renewable energy use, fuel switching and emissions mitigation through non-energy measures (such as offsetting).

Total reported Energy Renewable Electrification/ Non-energy Government emissions conservation Electricity fuel switching targets (tCO2e)7 ACT Legislative - Assembly ☆ ★ ★ ★ Adelaide City Council - ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Bayside Council - ■ ■ o o Blacktown City Council 39,492 ☆ ★ ☆ o Brimbank City Council 19,850 ☆ ☆ ■ ■ Brisbane City Council 635,352 ☆ ☆ ■ ★ Cairns Regional Council 33,960 ☆ ☆ ■ ☆ Campbelltown City - ■ ■ o ■ Council Canterbury Bankstown - ■ ■ ■ City Council ☆ Central Coast Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Boroondara 23,397 ☆ ■ ■ ☆ City of Casey 53,576 ■ ☆ ■ ★ City of Darwin 10,881 ■ ■ ■ o City of Greater 11,635 ■ ■ ■ ■ Dandenong City of Greater Geelong 23,135 ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ City of Hobart 19,723 ■ ■ ■ ☆ City of Joondalup 15,982 ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder 59,394 o ■ o o City of Melbourne 35,914 ■ ★ ☆ ★ City of Newcastle 61,563 ■ ★ ■ ■ City of Onkaparinga 9,369 ■ ■ o ■ City of Parramatta 9,600 ■ ■ Council ☆ ☆ City of Perth 10,479 ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Stirling 24,806 ■ ■ ■ o City of Sydney 39,566 ■ ★ ☆ ★ City of Wanneroo - ■ ■ ■ o City of Whittlesea 29,026 ■ ■ ■ ■ Cumberland Council - ■ ■ o o Darebin City Council 8,540 ☆ ☆ ■ o Fairfield City Council - ■ ■ o o Georges River Council - ■ ★ o o Gold Coast Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Hume City Council 66,500 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Inner West Council 21,826 ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Ipswich City Council - ■ o ■ ■

7The emissions data sources for each council are provided in Table 4. 16 Total reported Energy Renewable Electrification/ Non-energy Government emissions conservation Electricity fuel switching targets (tCO2e)7 Kingston City Council 18,600 ■ ■ (VIC) ☆ ★ Knox City Council 5,257 ■ ■ ■ ☆ Lake Macquarie City 14,330 ■ ■ ■ Council ☆ Liverpool City Council 8,999 ■ ■ o o Logan City Council 141,538 ■ ■ ■ ★ Monash Council 25,786 ■ ■ ■ ■ Moreland City Council 20,485 ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ Moreton Bay Regional - ■ ■ o ■ Council Mornington Peninsula 9,524 ■ Shire ☆ ☆ ★ Northern Beaches - ■ ■ ■ Council ☆ Penrith City Council 25,379 ■ ■ ■ o Redland City Council 13,578 ■ ■ ■ ■ Sunshine Coast Council 206,303 ■ ★ ■ ■ Sutherland Shire - ■ ■ ■ ■ The Hills Shire Council 13,061 ■ ■ ■ ■ Toowoomba Regional - ■ o o o Council Townsville City Council 120,000 o o o o Wagga Wagga City - ■ ■ ■ o Council Whitehorse City Council 29,026 ■ ■ ■ ■ Wollongong City Council - ■ ■ o ■ Wyndham City Council 24,752 ☆ ☆ ☆ ★ Yarra Ranges Council - ☆ ☆ ■ ■

★ Specific target that aligns with net zero emissions before 2050. For example: • Energy conservation: commitment equivalent to one of the EP100 pathways or similar. • Renewable energy: commitment to use 100% renewable energy. • Electrification/fuel switching: 100% shift to electrification and/or non-emitting fuels. • Non-energy: Offsetting of unavoidable emissions only. ☆ Activities to reduce emissions supported by a detailed strategy or target. ■ Activities without a detailed strategy or target that will reduce emissions. o Generic expression of intent or no information.

17 TABLE 3: ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY EMISSIONS REDUCTION COMMITMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

This assessment of community emissions reduction activities and initiatives is informed by the pledges and commitments summarised in Table 5. This assessment specifically focuses on energy conservation, renewable energy use, fuel switching, and emissions mitigation through non-energy measures (such as offsetting).

Reported Energy Renewable Electrification/ Non-energy Government emissions conservation Electricity fuel switching targets (tCO2e)8 ACT Legislative Assembly 3,916,100 ☆ ★ ☆ ☆ Adelaide City Council 976,151 ☆ ★ ★ ★ Bayside Council - ■ ■ o ■ Blacktown City Council - o o o ■ Brimbank City Council - ☆ ☆ ■ ■ Brisbane City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Cairns Regional Council - ■ ■ o ■ Campbelltown City Council - ■ ■ o ■ Canterbury Bankstown City - ■ ■ ■ ■ Council Central Coast Council - o ■ o ■ City of Boroondara - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Casey - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Darwin - ■ ■ o ■ City of Greater Dandenong - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Greater Geelong 4,559,000 ■ ■ ■ ★ City of Hobart - ■ ■ ■ ☆ City of Joondalup - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder - ■ o o o City of Melbourne 5,049,262 ☆ ★ ★ ★ City of Newcastle 3,420,000 ■ ☆ ■ ■ City of Onkaparinga - ■ ■ o ■ City of Parramatta Council 2,792,966 ■ ☆ ■ ■ City of Perth - ■ ■ ■ ■ City of Stirling - ■ ■ o ■ City of Sydney 4,633,498 ☆ ☆ ☆ ■ City of Wanneroo - ■ o o ■ City of Whittlesea 2,373,000 ■ ■ ■ ■ Cumberland Council - o o o ■ Darebin City Council 1,155,000 ■ ■ ■ ■ Fairfield City Council - o o ■ ■ Georges River Council - ■ ■ o o Approx. 9 million Gold Coast Council ■ ■ ■ ■ tonnes Hume City Council - ■ ☆ ■ ■ Inner West Council 1,133,695 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Ipswich City Council - o ■ ■ ■ Kingston City Council (VIC) 1,610,000 ■ ■ o ■

8 The emissions data sources for each council are provided in Table 4. 18 Reported Energy Renewable Electrification/ Non-energy Government emissions conservation Electricity fuel switching targets (tCO2e)8 Knox City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Lake Macquarie City Council 4,549,837 ■ ■ ■ ■ Liverpool City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Logan City Council - o ■ o o Monash Council - ■ ■ o ■ Moreland City Council - ☆ ★ ☆ ☆ Moreton Bay Regional - ■ ■ ■ ■ Council Mornington Peninsula Shire 2,092,094 ■ ■ ■ ☆ Almost 2 million Northern Beaches Council ■ ■ ■ ■ tonnes Penrith City Council - o ■ o ■ Redland City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Sunshine Coast Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Sutherland Shire - ■ o ■ ■ The Hills Shire Council - ■ o ■ ■ Toowoomba Regional - o o ■ ■ Council Townsville City Council - o ■ o o Wagga Wagga City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Whitehorse City Council - ■ ■ ■ ■ Wollongong City Council - o ■ o o Wyndham City Council 3,605,230 ■ ☆ ■ ☆ Yarra Ranges Council - ■ ■ ■ o

19 CITY OF ADELAIDE The City of Adelaide aims to be the world’s Case studies first carbon neutral city[36]. It is partnering

with local and global industry, and offering community incentives to realise this transition. CITY OF SYDNEY The council has undertaken emissions The City of Sydney covers only 26 square reduction pathway analysis, and determined kilometres of land, but is home to over that the city can reduce emissions by 65 per 240,000 residents. Due to the high proportion cent, from 2007 levels, by 2025. It plans to of medium and high density dwellings in the offset remaining emissions to achieve carbon area, it is also one of Australia’s fastest neutrality. growing local government areas in terms of In 2016, the City of Adelaide partnered with population[32]. The city aspires to be the State Government of South Australia to recognised as a global environmental leader. publish its five year ‘Carbon Neutral Adelaide’ Its operations have been certified carbon action plan. The plan identified five priority neutral since 2011, and the council has a net- emissions reduction pathways: energy zero-by-2050 target for its local government efficient buildings, zero emissions transport, area[33]. This community emissions target is 100 per cent renewable energy, reducing supported by an interim target: a 70 per cent emissions from waste and water and offsetting reduction on 2006 emission levels by 2030. carbon emissions. These pathways are being The council’s vision for the transition is facilitated through: articulated through environmental strategies upgrades to council buildings and and detailed plans, which focus on energy, • infrastructure water, waste, transport and urban greening. The council has already started taking action • state government building efficiency to achieve its community emissions reduction incentives goals. The City of Sydney encourages and • investment in public transport, electric facilitates net zero construction and retrofitting vehicle infrastructure and vehicle sharing of residential apartment buildings. It delivers schemes energy efficiency programs and grants for • incentives for installation of residential and residents and businesses, factors low carbon commercial rooftop solar criteria into planning controls and is investing $10 million to accelerate the uptake of • expanding waste collection and recycling renewable energy[34]. services and infrastructure In recognition of the strong collaboration • encouraging use of National Carbon Offset required from all levels of government, the Standard recognised programs for private sector and the community to achieve businesses and events. its local area goals, the City of Sydney has By acting as a leader in the adoption of convened an external reference group. It environmental initiatives and projects, the City consists of representatives from peak bodies, of Adelaide hopes to attract investment, state government departments and utilities, generate opportunities for local business and who provide advice to support the even pave the way for new industries in its development of the council’s environmental area. strategies and action plans. The council has also established a ‘citizen jury’ consisting of fifty citizens that live, work or visit the area, who were selected at random for ongoing consultation on a range of issues including sustainability, housing and land use[35].

20 WYNDHAM CITY COUNCIL Wyndham City Council falls within one of Next steps Melbourne’s designated growth corridors, and has a projected population forecast of over 240,000 by 2036. Despite rapid growth, a high This report shows that Australian local commuter population and increasing governments are reducing emissions from development, the council aims to significantly their council operations and across their reduce community emissions[37]. communities. Emissions from electricity consumption Local government action to address climate currently constitute over 80 per cent of change can provide benefits both for councils Wyndham’s community emissions. The and the communities they serve, through council is aiming for net zero emissions from reduced energy costs, sustainable investment electricity use by 2040. To achieve this goal and employment opportunities and the the council plans to help the community provision of a healthy, resilient and liveable reduce energy use and switch to environment[39]. renewables[38]. Proposals include: The next step for Australian local • a community bulk buy program to provide governments is to set net-zero-by-2050 discounted solar panels, battery storage targets, supported by interim emissions and energy efficient appliances, reduction targets and strategies that address • grants and support for community energy both council operations and community projects, emissions. • education programs to inform the By setting ambitious net zero emissions community and businesses about energy targets that align operational and community bill reduction and solar power, emissions with the goals of the Paris Climate • access to solar and energy efficiency Agreement, Australian local governments can, experts, through their example and influence on citizens, businesses, states, territories and the • planning scheme amendments and new federal government, help to build momentum guidelines for home builders to facilitate to achieve the transition to net zero emissions solar power installation and energy efficiency improvements. nationwide. To address other sources of community emissions, the council has implemented parking incentives and installed charge points to increase the uptake of electric vehicles. It has also launched a Green Money App, which rewards residents for making healthy, sustainable choices, such as walking, cycling and saving energy, with discounted movie tickets, coffee vouchers and similar incentives.

21 Appendix

COMPANIES AND DATA

The local governments considered by this Table 4 lists these councils, the states or analysis include all Australian state and territories in which they are located and data territory capital city councils, councils that sources consulted. Table 5 summarises the meet the reporting threshold under the information used to inform the analysis. In National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting addition to published pledges and targets that Act 2007[40] (City of Wagga Wagga and City support a pathway to net zero emissions, the of Kalgoorlie -Boulder) and the largest analysis considered other commitments and councils in Australia in terms of population[6, initiatives that could reduce emissions. 7]. Collectively, the councils analysed represent around 52 per cent of Australia’s total population.

TABLE 4: GOVERNMENTS AND DATA CONSIDERED BY THE ANALYSIS Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019-25 GCoM ACT Zero Emissions Government ACT Climate Change Climate Legislative ACT 420,960 Framework Strategy 2019-25 Emergency Assembly ACT website - Leading the CDP 2018-19 CPP transition to a zero emissions future City of Adelaide 16-20 Strategic Plan GCoM Carbon Neutral Adelaide Climate Carbon Neutral Adelaide City Foundation Report SA 24,794 Emergency Action Plan Council Carbon Neutral Adelaide Action CPP CDP 2018-19 Plan 2016-2021 CNCA Shared Vision Statement 2019 Adelaide City Council website Bayside CPP NSW 174,378 Bayside Council Website Council TAKE2 Annual Report 2018-19 Responding to Climate Change- Council Policy Responding to Climate Change Blacktown City Strategy Annual Report 2018- NSW 366,534 CPP Council Environment Sustainability 19 Framework Our Blacktown 2036-Community Strategic Plan

Greenhouse Reduction Strategy Climate 2013-2023 Greenhouse Brimbank City VIC 208,714 Emergency Brimbank City Council website Reduction Strategy Council Climate Change Adaptation 2013-2024 (Revised) Framework 2017-2022 Brisbane City Brisbane. Clean, Green and Carbon Neutral QLD 1,231,605 CPP Council Sustainable 2017-2031 Council website

22 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives

Brisbane Vision 2031 Carbon Neutral Council Website

State of the Environment Report 2018 Cairns Regional Council Website Cairns State of the Energy and Emissions Regional QLD 165,525 CPP Environment Report Management Policy [2018] Council 2018

Cairns Regional Council Climate Change Strategy 2010-2015

Sustainability Strategy

Campbelltown NSW 168,139 Campbelltown City Council City Council website State of the environment report 2015-16 Annual Report 2018/2019 Environment Website Community Strategic Plan - Canterbury Climate CBCity 2028 Bankstown NSW 373,931 Emergency Delivery Program 2018-2021 City Council CPP Operational Plan 2019-2020 Meeting minutes 2019

Central Coast Council. CCP 2018 Council Meeting 2019 Climate Community Strategic Plan 2018- Central Coast NSW 342,047 Emergency 2028 Council CPP Operational Plan 2019-20 Central Coast Council Website

Our Low Carbon Future Strategy City of CPP Our Low Carbon VIC 181,289 - Action Plan Update 2017-2020 Boroondara TAKE2 Future Strategy City of Boroondara website Emissions Management Plan 2018-2022 StreetsAhead. Integrated Emissions CPP Transport Strategy City of Casey VIC 340,419 Management Plan TAKE2 Sustainability Plan 2018-2022 Rethink Your Waste! City of Casey Waste Management Strategy 2016 – 2022 Darwin 2030 - City for People. City of Colour. Strategic Plan.

Climate Climate Change Action Plan Climate Change City of Darwin NT 84,613 Emergency 2011-2020 Action Plan 2011- CPP Have your say [2018]- City of 2020 Darwin City of Darwin website

Annual Report 2018-19 Annual Sustainability Report 2017-18 City of Greater CPP Annual Sustainability VIC 166,094 State of the Environment Report Dandenong TAKE2 Report 2017-18 2014-15 Greater Dandenong Sustainability Strategy 2016–2030

23 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives City of Greater Dandenong Website Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2017-2020 Zero Carbon City of Greater VIC 252,217 Low Carbon Growth Plan for Emissions Strategy Geelong Greater Geelong 2015 Update 2017-2020 Greater Geelong website City of Hobart Climate Summary 1999–2019 Energy Savings Action Plan 2018- 20 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and City of Hobart GCoM Energy Use 2017/18 Managing Hobart’s Climate City of Hobart Managing Hobart’s City of Hobart TAS 53,684 Carbon Footprint - Emergency Carbon Footprint -Background Background paper paper 2017 2017 City of Hobart. Capital City Strategic Plan 2019–29 Waste Management Strategy 2015-2030 Environment Website City of Joondalup website Joondalup 2022-Strategic City of Community Plan 2012-2022 Annual Report 2018- WA 160,031 GCoM Joondalup Climate Change Strategy 2014- 2019 2019 Annual Report 2018-2019 City of City of Kalgoorlie –Boulder NGER 2017-2018 Kalgoorlie - WA 29,998 CPP website Boulder Climate Change Mitigation GCoM Climate Strategy 2050 Emergency Emissions Reduction Plan 2016- Climate Change City of TAKE2 2021 Mitigation Strategy VIC 169,961 Melbourne C4CE Council Plan, Goal 1 – A city 2050 C40 cares for its environment CDP 2018-19 CNCA Transport Strategy 2030 Melbourne City Council website Community Strategic Plan: Newcastle 2030 GCoM Newcastle 2020. Carbon and Newcastle 2020. City of Climate Water Management Action Plan Carbon and Water NSW 164,104 Newcastle Emergency Annual Report 2018-19 Management Action CPP City of Newcastle website Plan Newcastle Transport Strategy 2016 City of Onkaparinga website Greenhouse Gas Accounting Greenhouse Gas City of Summary 2017/18 SA 171,489 CPP Accounting Summary Onkaparinga Climate Ready Onkaparinga 2019 2017/18 Climate Change Snapshot 2019 Waste and recycling 2017-2021 Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2017-18 Progress Report Environmental City of Environmental Sustainability Sustainability Parramatta NSW 251,311 CPP Strategy 2017 Strategy 2017-18 Council Environmental Sustainability Progress Report Strategy website Environment Strategy Perth City Council Sustainability website Environment City of Perth WA 27,762 GCoM Towards an energy resilient city Strategy Environmental Snapshot- July 2017

24 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives Annual Report 2018-19 Climate Change Adaptation Plan Corporate Business Plan 2018- Annual Report 2018- City of Stirling WA 220,249 2022 19 Strategic Community Plan 2018 - 2028 City of Stirling website Green Environmental Sustainability Progress Report GCoM (January to June 2019) Climate Environmental Action Plan 2016- Environmental Action Emergency 2021 City of Sydney NSW 240,229 Plan 2016-2021 CPP City of Sydney Website CDP 2018-19 C40 Sustainable Sydney 2030 CNCA Community Strategic Plan 2017– 2021

Energy Reduction Plan 2017-2020 Local Environmental Strategy 2019 City of Climate Change Adaptation and WA 203,679 Wanneroo Mitigation Strategy 2016-2020 Annual Report 2017-18 Strategic Community Plan 2017/2018 to 2026/2027

Corporate Greenhouse Gas Corporate Emissions Report 2014-2015 Greenhouse Gas Environmental Indicators Report Emissions Report City of VIC 223,322 TAKE2 2016 2014-2015 Whittlesea Environmental Sustainability Environmental Strategy 2012-2022 and Progress Sustainability Summary 2012-2016 Strategy 2012-2022 Environmental Management Cumberland NSW 236,893 CPP Framework 2019 Council Cumberland Council Website GCoM Annual Report 2018-19

Darebin City Climate Climate Emergency Plan 2017- VIC 161,609 Climate Emergency Council Emergency 2022 Plan 2017-2022 TAKE2 Darebin City Council website Fairfield Website Integrated Transport Strategy Action Plan 2011 Fairfield City 2017/18-2020/21 Delivery NSW 210,612 Council Program Fairfield City Plan 2012-2022 2016-2026 Fairfield City Plan 2019-2020 Operational Plan Annual Report 2017-2018 Georges River website Georges River Delivery plan and operational plan NSW 158,411 CPP Council 2018-2019 Council Meeting Minutes 25/11/2019 Gold Coast 2022 Gold Coast 2020 Bringing the City Vision to life Gold Coast Our Natural City Strategy Gold Coast Climate QLD 606,774 Council Gold Coast Council website Change Website Gold Coast City Transport Strategy 2031 Solid waste strategy 2014-2024

25 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives Hume City Council Greenhouse Hume City Sustainability Report VIC 224,394 TAKE2 Action Plan 2018-2022 Council 2019 Sustainability Report 2019 Inner West website - Our Energy Pathway to a Carbon Future Neutral Council Climate Climate and Renewables Strategy Inner West (2018) NSW 198,024 Emergency Pathway to zero emissions (2019) Council Inner West Pathway CPP Pathway to a Carbon Neutral to Zero Emissions Council (2018) (2019) Our Inner West 2036 City of Ipswich Sustainability Strategy 2019 Ipswich City City of Ipswich Nature QLD 213,638 CPP Council Conservation Strategy 2015 Ipswich City Council. Making it Happen Climate Change Strategy 2018- Kingston City 2025 Climate Change VIC 163,431 TAKE2 Council (VIC) Kingston City Council website Strategy 2018-2025 Annual Report 2018-2019 Know Climate Change Response Plan 2012-2022 Knox City VIC 163,203 Know Community and Council Council Plan 2017-2021 Knox Annual Report 2018-19 Lake Macquarie City: State of the Environment Report 2018-2019 Environmental Sustainability Lake Macquarie City: Action Plan 2014-2023 Lake State of the

Macquarie NSW 204,914 Environment Report

City Council 2018-2019 Energy resilience plan. Strategies

for an energy resilient future Lake Macquarie City Council website Annual Report 2018-2019 Liverpool City Council Energy Management Plan 2012 Liverpool City Council Liverpool City State for the Environment (Annual NSW 223,304 Energy Management Council Report 2015-16) Plan 2012 Delivery Program 2017-2021 & Operational Plan 2019-2020 Liverpool City Council Website Carbon Reduction Strategy and Carbon Reduction Logan City QLD 326,615 CPP Action Plan Strategy and Action Council Logan City Council website Plan Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2016-2026 Environmental Monash CPP VIC 200,077 Annual Report 2018-19 Sustainability Council TAKE2 Council meetings minutes 2019 Strategy 2016-2026 Monash Council website

Zero Carbon Moreland Action Plan 2020/21-2024/25 Zero Carbon Evolution – Refresh Corporate Carbon GCoM to 2020 Reduction Plan 2015- Climate Moreland City Zero Carbon Moreland 2040 2020 VIC 181,725 Emergency Council Framework Zero Carbon CPP Corporate Carbon Reduction Moreland Action Plan TAKE2 Plan: On track to zero carbon 2020/21-2024/25 2015-2020 Moreland City Council website

26 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives Annual Report 2018/19 Moreton Bay MBRC Planning Scheme Regional QLD 459,585 Roadmap for a changing climate Council 2013-2016 Carbon Neutral Policy 2016 Our Peninsula 2021: Council Plan Energy and 2017-2021 Greenhouse GCoM Climate Change Community Management Mornington Climate Engagement Strategy Improvement Plan Peninsula VIC 165,822 Emergency Mornington Peninsula Shire

Shire CPP Website Climate Change TAKE2 Annual Report 2018-19 Community Energy and Greenhouse Engagement Strategy Management Improvement Plan 2013 Protect. Create. Live Northern Beaches Environment and Protect. Create. Live Climate Change Strategy 2040 Climate Northern Beaches Northern Community Strategic Plan 2018- Emergency Environment and Beaches NSW 271,278 2028 CPP Climate Change Council Northern Beaches Council TAKE2 Strategy 2040 Website

Delivery Program 2019-2023

Penrith City GCoM Annual Report 2018-19 Penrith Annual NSW 209,210 Council CPP Sustainability Strategy 2015-21 Report 2018/19 Redland City Council Corporate Plan 2018-23 Redland 2030 Community Plan Redland City Annual Report 2018-2019 Annual Report 2018- QLD 156,863 Council Green Living Policy 2025 19 Staff passenger vehicle fleet policy Redland City Council website

Organisational Organisational Environmental Environmental Sustainability Benchmarking Sunshine Sustainability QLD 319,922 CPP Annual Report 2018–2019 Coast Council Benchmarking Environment and Liveability Annual Report 2018– Strategy 2017 - PART A, B and C 2019 Sunshine Coast Council website

Our commitment to the community 2019. Delivery Plan 2017-2021 Sutherland NSW 229,213 and Operational Plan 2019-2020. Shire Our Community Plan Environment and Sustainability Report 2011/2012 Annual Report 2018-19 Annual Report 2017-18

The Hills Shire Annual Report 2018- NSW 172,473 2012-2017 State of the Council 19 Environment Report The Hills Shire - Awsolar case study 2015 Toowoomba Region Corporate Toowoomba Plan 2019-2024 Regional QLD 167,657 Annual Report 2018-19 Council Toowoomba Regional Council Website Environmental Policy (Current Greenhouse Audit & Townsville QLD 194,072 version reviewed 2018) Energy Cost City Council Townsville City Council Website Reduction Plan

27 Pledge Population Emissions data Government State Platforms and Other sources 2018 sources Initiatives Greenhouse Audit & Energy Cost Reduction Plan Annual Report 2018/2019 Annual Report 2016/2017

Community Strategic Plan 2040 Wagga Wagga Wagga Wagga Local NSW 64,820 CPP NGER 2017-2018 City Council Environmental Plan 2010 City of Wagga Wagga - Environment Website Annual Report to the Community 2010/11 Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2011 Whitehorse City Council Corporate Whitehorse Sustainability Strategy 2016 – Greenhouse Gas VIC 176,196 TAKE2 City Council 2022 Emissions Report Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report Whitehorse City Council website Annual Report 2017-18 Environmental Sustainability GCoM Strategy 2014 - 2022 Wollongong Climate Emissions reduction target - NSW 216,071 City Council Emergency Global Covenant of Mayors 2019 Our Wollongong 2028 Community Strategic Plan Wollongong City Council website Environment and Sustainability Strategy 2016-2040 GCoM Greenhouse Action Wyndham City Smart City Implementation Plan VIC 255,322 CPP Plan 2018-2021 Council 2019 TAKE2 CDP 2018-19 Greenhouse Action Plan 2018- 2021 Adapting to a changing climate Climate Yarra Ranges and energy future strategy VIC 158,173 Emergency Council Environment Strategy 2015-2025 CPP Yarra Ranges website

PLEDGES AND COMMITMENTS

TABLE 5: GENERAL EMISSIONS-REDUCTION COMMITMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target ACT Legislative Zero emissions from Shift to high efficiency, all-electric and climate-wise The ACT has committed Expand the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme. Assembly Government operations by Government buildings and facilities. to reducing emissions Encourage the use of smart financing by medium and 2040. By 2020–21 the Government will source all its (from 1990 levels) by: large businesses and organisations to support energy Reduce emissions from electricity from renewable sources - 40% by 2020 efficiency improvements and zero emissions vehicle Government operations by Transition to a zero emissions Government - 50-60% by 2025 fleets. more than 33% by 2025 passenger vehicle fleet and a zero emissions bus - 65-75% by 2030 Be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2020. (from 2020 levels). fleet (where fit for purpose). - 90-95% by 2040 Explore approaches to promoting active travel and public The Government will invest a “social cost of -100% (net zero transport use. carbon” equivalent to emissions from its emissions) by 2045. The ACT landfill at Mugga Lane is fitted with a facility operations into new emission reduction initiatives. that captures the methane and uses it to generate electricity. Goals: reduce waste generation and emissions from waste treatment Adelaide City Zero net carbon emissions Improve building standards to perform better. Accredited carbon Drive investment that improves energy efficiency in the Council by 2020 (aim to be certified Change streetlights to LED lights. neutral by 2025 or city. by NCOS). Installation of solar panels on the council’s earlier. Aim to switch to 100% renewable electricity for the city buildings with aim to switch to 100% renewable Reduce emissions by through large-scale generation and storage throughout energy by 2020. 35% by 2020 (from 2007 the state as well as encourage the uptake of household Invest in electric fleet vehicles, charged on baseline). solar. renewable energy by 2020. Offset remaining Work towards zero-emissions transport. Eliminate plastic straws from public events and emissions. Improve waste management for the community. divert waste from landfill through increased recycling. Bayside Council Introduction of energy efficiency programs and Partner in the development of the Our Energy Future promotion of renewable energy. program to promote tips to save energy, install solar power or obtain home energy assessments. Aspiration to divert at least 85% of waste to landfill by 2030. Blacktown City Achieve net-zero emissions Energy efficiency upgrades for council assets and Will work with the Improve household waste diversion from landfill. Council from electricity, fuel and gas street lights. community to achieve Estimate potential for residential solar in the community. use by 2030. Installation of on-site solar PV. the NSW aspirational Investigate strategies to bring transport fuel targets of net zero emissions to net zero. emissions by 2050. Improve fuel efficiency of the fleet and support the transition to electric vehicles running on renewable energy. Brimbank City Reduce emissions by 50% Upgrade buildings and street lights energy Delivery of residential energy efficiency and solar PV Council below 2011 levels by efficiency. programs. 2022/2023. Implementation of renewable energy generation Prioritisation of active transport and low-carbon solutions on council sites. – support the uptake of electric vehicles.

29 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Increase waste diversion from landfill to reduce Investigate community renewable energy solutions. waste emissions. Brisbane City Carbon neutral since 2016 Energy efficiency and renewable energy Average household Energy efficiency education programs tailored to specific Council (NCOS certified). investments. emissions from energy, age groups. Purchase renewable electricity for operations and transport and waste will Investigate resource recovery and renewable energy explore low-carbon solutions for vehicle fleet. reach 6 tCO2-e per year precinct project. Purchases carbon offsets for remaining emissions. by 2031. Facilitate electric vehicle infrastructure. Reduce emissions from landfill through better waste management. Cairns Regional Reduce Council’s 2007/08 Reduce emissions through energy and fuel Funding pool for community-led projects that deliver Council greenhouse gas emission efficiency, renewable energy installations and sustainability initiatives. levels by 50% by 2020. landfill gas management. Funded solar PV installations in the community. Active transport initiatives. Campbelltown City Energy efficiency and HVAC upgrades in council Council facilities. Solar power projects. High rate of waste diversion from landfill. Canterbury- Minimise energy consumption through energy Support households and community to save energy and Bankstown City efficiency upgrades and LED replacements in reduce emissions: discounted energy efficient lighting, Council buildings. solar PV rebates and accredited green power Deal signed to guarantee 20% of electricity purchases. purchased is from renewable sources and aiming Advance the development of a large scale solar to achieve at least 30% by 2021 microgrid in the City by 2021. Introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet. Promotion of active and public transport. Increased recycling. Aim to reduce amount of waste to landfill.

Central Coast Enable energy efficient development and Support investments in renewable energy projects. Council incorporate energy standards in planning. Provide waste education programs. Replace street lighting with LED lighting. Installation of solar power systems on council assets. Include electric vehicles into the council’s fleet. Electricity generation through the combustion of landfill gas. City of Boroondara Reduce emissions by 30- Investment in low emissions technologies, energy Support community Support households for energy efficiency upgrades and 40% below 2007/2008 levels efficiency upgrades for buildings and streetlights. emissions abatement of solar PV installations. by 2020. Investment in on-site generation by installing solar at least 50,000 tCO2-e Advocate for low-emissions transport in the community. PV on council buildings. by 2020. Increase vehicle efficiency in fleet and offset emissions. City of Casey Aim to be carbon neutral in Improvement in energy efficiency through building Promote sustainable transport and provide better 2040, certified by NCOS. retrofits. infrastructure. Reduce emissions by 15% Aim to purchase 20% renewable electricity by Investigate partnerships for large-scale renewable from 2015 levels by 2021. 2021. energy projects. Improve fleet fuel efficiency and increase ratio of Provide educational programs for waste minimisation. electric vehicles. City of Darwin Council aims to have net Encourage energy efficiency features in buildings Advocate for increased use and development of public zero emissions by 2030. and public lighting designs. transport.

30 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Explore feasibility of renewable power for council’s Support energy efficiency increases throughout use. community buildings. Develop a GreenFleet policy to minimise Implementation of the Darwin Renewable Energy Facility emissions from fuel and increase uptake of electric to generate power from landfill gas to feed on city grid. vehicles. City of Greater Reduce Council’s emissions Reduce 20% energy consumption of council Aspiration for a 10% Support the community in reducing energy consumption Dandenong from street lighting, buildings assets, including buildings and street lightning, emission reduction in through energy efficiency initiatives. and facilities by at least 20% through energy efficiency. community emissions by Increase solar capacity. by 2020 (2007/08 baseline). Installation of low-carbon and renewable energy 2020 (24.5 kgCO2 per Encourage low-carbon transportation modes such as technologies. household per day public transport and electric vehicles. Reduce emissions from fleet. baseline). Work with community to reduce waste to landfill and Reduce waste to landfill. increase recycling. City of Greater Target to be a Zero Carbon Energy efficiency upgrades in buildings and street Aim to become carbon Support energy efficiency measures and renewable Geelong Council. lights. neutral city-region by energy installations to reduce emissions. Reduce emissions from Installation of rooftop solar on energy consuming 2047. Install electric vehicle charging stations. buildings and fleet by 50% facilities. Purchase offsets for remaining emissions. by 2020, 75% by 2035 and Improve fuel efficiency for fleet vehicles. 100% by 2050 from 2014 Offset remaining emissions levels. City of Hobart Reduce emissions by 17% Reduce energy use through energy efficiency Coordination of Regional Climate Change Group’s from 2010 levels by 2020 measures on buildings and streetlights. Southern Tasmanian home energy bulk. and reduce energy use by Increase renewable energy use. Capture of landfill gas to power the community. 35% by 2020 on 2010 Support uptake of electric vehicles in the council Installation of electric vehicle charging stations. levels. fleet. Implement waste reduction programs. Zero waste to landfill by 2030.

City of Joondalup Energy efficiency upgrades in buildings, use Delivery of energy efficiency and recycling education alternative fuels and solar photovoltaic installations programs. to reduce emissions. Public and active transport improvements in the city. Offsetting 100% of fleet emissions by purchasing Provide waste reduction educational programs. carbon offsets. Increase waste diversion from landfill. City of Kalgoorlie - Solar PV systems installed on council’s buildings. Sustainability education provided to the community Boulder including energy efficiency measures. City of Melbourne Carbon neutral since 2012 Energy efficiency upgrades of buildings and Municipal target of zero Develop zero emissions buildings and precincts. (NCOS certified). streetlights. net emissions by 2050. Accelerate energy efficiency programs. Reduce emissions by Powered by 100% renewable electricity. Preferred approach is to Zero emissions transport. 17,524 tCO2-e by 2020-21 Carbon neutral vehicle fleet through initiatives reduce emissions Reduce impact of waste. (SBT) or 4.5% per annum. including fuel efficiency and zero emissions according to the Businesses and organisations in Melbourne to reduce vehicles. assessed Significant and offset emissions. Offset remaining emissions. Action Scenario. City of Newcastle Aim for a 30% reduction in Energy efficiency upgrades in buildings and Aim for a 30% reduction Encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy carbon footprint by 2020 streetlights. in per capita carbon programs. from 2008 levels. 100% renewable electricity (from January 2020). emissions below 2008 Increase solar PV coverage on buildings. Decrease usage of fossil-based fuels. levels by 2020. 100% of public schools to have onsite renewable energy Reduce waste to landfill. Net zero emissions by at generation. least 2050 Upgrade and extend walking and cycling paths. Encourage low-carbon transport.

31 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Improve waste minimisation and recycling practices. City of Onkaparinga Reduce operational emissions through the Provide educational programs on energy efficiency and installation of solar panels and energy efficient waste management. initiatives in buildings and street lighting. Installing solar panels on community buildings. Offsetting emissions from waste with carbon credits purchased by Solo Resource Recovery.

City of Parramatta Carbon neutrality by 2022. Implementation of energy efficient street lighting. Reduce emissions by Advocate and support for energy efficiency and Council Reduce emissions by 60% Source energy from renewables where possible. 60% from 2015 levels by renewable energy in households. from 2015 levels by 2038. Include hybrid vehicles in the council fleet with 2038. 50% of electricity demand to be met by renewables by goal to reduce fleet emissions by 20% by 2038. 2038 through regional renewable energy programs. 90% diversion rate for council waste. Aim for 10% of trips made with active transport by 2030. Review planning and development to promote low- carbon transport. Increase diversion from landfill. City of Perth Aspiration to become carbon Energy efficiency projects on buildings and Achieve 30% reduction Support commercial office tenants to improve energy neutral. streetlights. in citywide emissions by efficiency and mange waste. Reduce emissions by 30% Aim to source 25% of the City’s energy from 2030. Source 20% of city-wide energy use from renewables by from 2011 levels by 2030 renewable sources by 2030. 2030. and by 20% by 2020. Offsets carpark emissions. Include electric car charging stations and solar panels in car parks. Increase waste diversion from landfill. City of Stirling Reduce fleet emissions by Implement energy efficiency upgrades. Living Green Program educating on energy efficient and 25 per cent by 2020 Increase solar generation. renewable energy uptake. (2013/14 baseline). Invest in fuel efficient vehicles and use alternative Reduce impact of waste. fuels. Advocate for public transport. City of Sydney Certified carbon neutral Energy efficiency initiatives. Reduce emissions by Local area emissions reduced as a result of energy since 2007. Power all City-owned properties with renewable 70% from 2006 levels by efficiency initiatives. Reduce emissions by 44% energy from July 2020. 2030 and reach net zero 50% of electricity demand met by renewable sources by by 2021 and 70% by 2030 Zero increase in fleet emissions by end June 2021 emissions by 2050. 2030. (based on 2006 levels). (2014 baseline). Promoting active and public transport solutions. Address resource recovery of waste. Increase recycling and recovery rates of waste across Offset of unavoidable emissions. the community. City of Wanneroo Energy efficiency initiatives to be implemented Seek alternatives to improve energy efficiency. across the City’s facilities. Improve waste education. Solar PV installation projects. Review the City’s light fleet vehicles for optimisation. City of Whittlesea Implement energy efficiency and renewable Facilitate sustainable built environment in the City. energy initiatives. Encourage the use of renewable energy. Develop a plan to reduce emissions from Implement initiatives to improve public transport. buildings, street lighting, fuel emissions and waste. Provide waste management services that minimise Increase fuel efficient vehicles in fleet. emissions. Purchase offsets. Increase recycling. Cumberland Council Lighting upgrade to LED lights. Improve household waste and recycling. Undertaking programs to reduce energy use across the council facilities.

32 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Installation of solar power on many facilities. Darebin City Council Goal to become carbon Increase energy efficiency and implement solar PV Aspirational target Deliver programs to increase access to LED installation neutral by 2020. in the council’s buildings. aiming for net zero and renewable energy for businesses. A 45% emissions reduction Incorporate environmentally sustainable design emissions by 2020. Target: 36,000 kW of solar power generation by 2021. by 2022 from a 2006/07 (ESD) in Building Policy. Reduce waste to landfill. baseline. Increase fleet efficiency and incorporate hybrid and electric vehicles. Fairfield City Council Energy efficiency retrofits, HVAC upgrade, Support recycling practices and waste reduction through increase of LED lighting and solar power use. educational programs. Promotion of alternate fuels and hybrid vehicles. Advocate for public transport improvements. Georges River Net zero carbon emissions 100% renewable target by 2023. Encourage residents to implement renewable energy Council by 2025 or as soon as Energy efficiency upgrades in the council’s through the Energy Future Program. practicable. buildings. Energy saving programs. Gold Coast Council Introduce sustainable building design and Implement active transport network plans. renewable electricity generation. Investigate solar generation opportunities. Hybrid vehicles in the council’s fleet Encourage public transport. Reduce emissions from waste and increase Expand waste reduction programs. recycling.

Hume City Council New facilities’ emissions to be at least 25% below Support energy efficiency and renewable energy for the the modelled emissions of the National community. Construction Code. Programs to reduce waste and support sustainable Reduction in energy use through energy efficiency transport modes. measures to upgrade lighting and optimisation. Solar installs on buildings and 10% Green Power purchase for all council buildings to reach at least 1.2 MW solar generation by 2021/22. Increase ratio of emissions efficient fleet vehicles to 20% by 2020. Implement gas capture and use for at least 75% of emissions from landfill. Inner West Council Goal to become carbon Goal to become 100% renewable by 2025. Aspiration for net zero By 2036, 100% of schools have solar power generation neutral by 2025. Implement an energy efficiency program to reduce emissions Inner West. and solar PV capacity in the community is 20 times emissions. By 2036, community greater than in 2017. Deliver a low or zero emissions fleet. emissions are 75% less Set high performance standards for buildings. Offsets purchased to meet council’s residual than in 2017. Identify and develop standards for net zero precincts. footprint. Encourage low-carbon transport and active transport. Reduce waste to landfill. Aspiration for a zero waste community. Ipswich City Council Goal to become a carbon Energy efficiency upgrades to LED lights for street Increase the use of renewable energy in the community. neutral organisation by lighting. Support active and public transport modes. 2021. Reduce fleet emissions. Promote the establishment of a bio-diesel plant in the Increase recycling. area. Improve waste diversion from landfill.

Kingston City Aim to achieve zero net Support community to Development of Environmentally Sustainable local Council (VIC) emissions by 2050. Implement energy efficiency upgrades at council’s reduce emissions by planning policy to ensure energy efficiency Reduce emissions by 30% facilities. 20% by 2025. requirements. by 2020. Increase number of residential solar PV.

33 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Aim to be 100% powered by renewable energy by Reduce emissions from waste management and 2050. increased recycling. Switch to clean fuels. Purchase offsets for unavoidable emissions.

Knox City Council Lighting upgrades in major facilities. Reduce energy consumption in houses and increase Installation of solar panels on council assets. renewable energy use. Encourage staff to use low-carbon transport. Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles. Methane capture at landfill sites. Reduce waste. Offset emissions. Lake Macquarie City Reduce emissions by 3% Implement energy efficiency and renewable City-wide 45% per capita Promotion of solar PV. Council per year (2008 baseline). energy projects in council’s sites. emissions reduction by Support active transport. Offset remaining emissions. 2023. Continued waste diversion from landfill. Include sustainable vehicles in the council’s fleet. Increase use of public transport by 10%.

Liverpool City Undertaking energy efficiency and renewable Encourage energy efficiency, sustainable transport and Council energy capacity measures. renewable energy use in the community. Assist in waste reduction at home, Logan City Council Goal to be carbon neutral Upgrade buildings to best-practice energy Support tenants to install community-funded solar PV (NCOS certified) by 2022. efficiency measures. systems. Investigate feasibility of solar PV on-site. Encourage household solar. Upgrade minimum fuel efficiency requirements. Offset unavoidable emissions. Monash Council Energy efficiency upgrades in council’s facilities Supporting businesses to implement energy efficiency and street lighting. and renewable energy projects through the Improved fuel efficiency of fleet. Environmental Upgrade Finance program. Solar panels installations. Education programs to reduce waste. Aims to reduce waste and build capacity on Providing solar bulk buy and advising community on the sustainable waste practices. uptake of renewable energy.

Moreland City Carbon neutral since 2012 Improve energy efficiency in buildings and street Zero carbon’ community Residential retrofits and solar saver programs. Council (NCOS certified). lights. by 2040. Advocate for active or zero emissions transport. Exceed 22% reduction by Solar PV installation. Guide the community to Promote circular economy with zero waste. 2020 (on 2011 levels). Purchase of 2 electric vehicles per year. a 22% emissions Offset residual emissions. reduction on 2011 levels by 2020. Moreton Bay Landfill gas management projects. Cut the region’s carbon Improve energy efficiency in neighbourhoods. Regional Council Implement energy efficiency measures and footprint by a third by Encourage active transport and develop public transport. renewable energy sources to reduce emissions. 2021. Increase local provision of renewable energy. Reduce amount of waste to landfill. Mornington Achieve carbon neutrality of Increase energy efficiency across assets. Reduce community Support community to reduce emissions. Peninsula Shire council by 2021 Include zero emissions vehicles in fleet. emissions by 2.9% Improvement of energy efficiency and generation of local Offset all remaining emissions. annually. renewable energy. Support low-emissions and active transport. Reduce waste. Increase carbon storage through land-use planning.

34 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Northern Beaches Net zero emissions by 2045. Energy efficiency upgrades throughout council Net zero emissions by Support installation of solar power. Council Reduce carbon emissions facilities and streetlights. 2050. Explore and invest in low-carbon technologies. by 60% by 2040. Divert 85% of waste from landfill by 2040. Reduce carbon Increase accessibility to public transport, facilitate active Power all suitable sites by renewable electricity by emissions by more than transport and use of electric vehicles. 2030. half by 2040. Divert 85% of waste from landfill by 2040 Increase share of electric vehicles in fleet. Reduce the rate of waste generation per person by 2040.

Penrith City Council Reduce emissions by 40% Lighting and air conditioning upgrades. Investigate ways to support the community in the uptake from 2010/11 levels by Installation of solar panels and LED street lighting. of sustainable technologies. 2030. Purchase Greenpower. Community educational programs involving waste. 10% of the council’s electricity supplied from low carbon sources by 2030. Redland City Consider energy efficiency measures and Aim for energy conservation and efficiency, renewable Council renewable energy sources to reduce emissions. energy use and alternative energy generation activities Select staff fleet that contributes to emissions are implemented in the community. reductions. Support sustainable building design through education programs. Increase active and public transport. Reduce waste and increase recycling. Sunshine Coast Be a zero-net emissions Renewable electricity generation offsets the Community is low- Increase community understanding of sustainable living Council organisation by 2041. council’s electricity generation. carbon by 2041. practices with a focus on transport and energy consumption. Strategic network of electric vehicles charging points. Improve waste management to transform it into a resource. Sutherland Shire Invest in energy efficiency plans. Incorporate energy efficiency and sustainable building Installation of solar PV. techniques in new developments. Use of alternative fuels in fleet. Foster community groups interested in renewable Review waste disposal process. energy generation. Waste education. The Hills Shire Increased lighting efficiency across council Key focus on community education for energy Council facilities. management. Installation of solar generation. Increase of footpaths and cycling lanes. New waste collection vehicles. Toowoomba Investigate and implement more effective systems Provide a safe walking, cycling and public transport. Regional Council to improve energy consumption. Improve waste management. Townsville City Major solar farm project in Townsville’s Upper Ross. Council

Wagga Wagga City Lighting retrofits and energy conservation Implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and Council measures for council operations. recycling projects. Solar PV installations planned to triple in the coming years. Whitehorse City Be carbon neutral by 2022. Upgrade streetlights to LED technology. Reduce emissions by Increase take up of renewable energy through rebates Council Reduce emissions by 45% Increase solar PV building coverage. 30% from 1996 levels by and community energy. from 2002 levels by 2022. Improve selection criteria for fleet vehicles. 2020. Engage with community to undertake energy audits. Offset emissions. Encourage sustainable modes of transport.

35 Operational emissions Community emissions Government Operational activities Community activities target target Reduce waste to landfill. Wollongong City Aspirational emissions Improve energy efficiency in highest energy using Net Zero emissions by Support development of renewable energy products. Council reduction target of zero facilities. 2050. emissions by 2030. Move to renewable and clean fuels and energy generation. Landfill gas extraction and power generation project. Wyndham City Be carbon neutral by 2040 Increase buildings efficiency and carbon neutrality. Zero net emissions from Promote energy efficient housing design and grid Council (NCOS certified). Improve fleet efficiency and increase number of electricity use by 2040. connected solar panels. Reduce emissions by 12% low-carbon vehicles. Avoid at least 55,000 Run energy efficient technology bulk buys for the from 2014 levels by 2020 Investigate a power purchase agreement of tCO2-e by 2020 from community. and by 95% by 2040. renewable power for at least 25% of energy residential and business Increase residential solar coverage. needs. sectors. Capture 75% of landfill gas at Refuse Disposal Facility Purchase local offsets for remaining emissions. for energy generation. Yarra Ranges Reduce emissions by 30% Increase in solar panels and energy efficiency Promote sustainable building design. Council from 2000 levels by 2020. coverage for buildings. Partnered with other Councils to deliver affordable Introduction of electric vehicles to the fleet. household solar systems to residents. Advocate for sustainable transport options.

ASSESSMENT OF EMISSIONS REDUCTION AMBITION

Table 6 details the assessment of pledges and commitments summarised in emissions reduction ambition for each of Table 5. the local governments considered by the analysis. This assessment considers The assessment is based on the following emissions-reduction commitments and criteria: activities for the councils’ operational and community emissions. It is informed by the

Emissions reductions Indicates whether a council is undertaking activities that will reduce its activities? emissions (Yes/No). Emissions reduction Indicates whether a council has defined an emissions reduction target target (Target), has expressed an emissions reduction aspiration (Aspiration), or no information can be found regarding an emissions reduction target or aspiration (No). Net zero target A council has defined a net zero by or before 2050 target (Target), has expressed this goal as an aspiration (Aspiration), has a net zero by or before 2050 target or aspiration that does not cover all of its emissions (Partial), or no information can be found regarding an emissions reduction target or aspiration (No).

Based on the above criteria, each council’s emissions reduction ambition was assessed as follows: The local government has a target to achieve net zero emissions or become carbon neutral by or before 2050. Alternatively, the local Fully aligned net government is already carbon neutral and has committed to remain ★ zero target so. In both cases the local government also has interim emissions reduction targets aligned with mitigating avoidable emissions by or before 2050. The local government is fully aligned to net zero emissions or carbon neutrality (as defined above) for a significant proportion, but not all, of Closely aligned its emissions. Alternatively, it has a comprehensive, fully aligned net ☆ net zero target zero target but its supporting emissions reduction target is aspirational. The local government does not have a target to achieve net zero emissions or become carbon neutral by or before 2050 but has an interim emissions reduction target aligned with this goal. Alternatively, the local government has an aspirational commitment Aligned ■ to achieve net zero emissions or become carbon neutral by or before aspiration/pathway 2050. A local government would also be rated with this ambition if it is already net zero or carbon neutral but has not committed to remain so and/or does not have an emissions reduction target aligned with mitigating avoidable emissions by or before 2050. Partially aligned The local government is aligned to net zero emissions or carbon ▲ net zero target neutrality for a small proportion of their emissions. The local government has made a commitment, pledge or is undertaking activities that will reduce its emissions but not in ● Not aligned alignment with net zero before 2050, or the alignment is unclear due to insufficient information. No emissions The local government has not disclosed any information regarding o reduction targets emissions reduction targets, commitments or activities. or activities

37 TABLE 6: ASSESSMENT OF EMISSIONS-REDUCTION AMBITION

Operational emissions Community emissions

Overall Operational Community Emissions Emissions Net zero Emissions Emissions Net zero Government net zero net zero net zero reduction reduction target/ reduction reduction target/ ambition ambition ambition activities? target commitment activities? target commitment

ACT Legislative ★ ★ ★ Yes Target Target Yes Target Target Assembly ★ ★ ★ Moreland City Council Yes Target Target Yes Target Target

Northern Beaches ★ ★ ★ Yes Target Target Yes Target Target Council ☆ Adelaide City Council ■ ★ Yes No Target Yes Target Target

☆ ☆ City of Melbourne ★ Yes Target Target Yes Aspiration Target

☆ ☆ City of Newcastle ■ Yes Aspiration No Yes Aspiration Target

☆ City of Sydney ■ ★ Yes Target No Yes Target Target

Blacktown City ■ ■ ▲ Yes No Partial Yes No Aspiration Council ■ ■ Brisbane City Council ■ Yes No Target Yes Target No

■ ■ City of Boroondara ■ Yes Target No Yes Target No

City of Greater ■ ■ Yes Target Target Yes No Target Geelong ★ City of Parramatta ■ ■ Yes Target Target Yes Target No Council ★ ■ ■ City of Perth ■ Yes Target Aspiration Yes Target No

■ ■ Darebin City Council ★ Yes Yes Yes Yes No Aspiration

38 Operational emissions Community emissions

Kingston City Council ■ ■ Yes Target Target Yes Target No (VIC) ★ Lake Macquarie City ■ ■ ■ Yes Target No Yes Target No Council Mornington Peninsula ■ ■ ■ Yes No Target Yes Target Aspiration Shire Whitehorse City ■ ■ Yes Target Target Yes Target No Council ★ Wollongong City ■ ■ ■ Yes No Aspiration Yes No Target Council Wyndham City ■ ■ Yes Target Target Yes Partial Partial Council ★ Brimbank City ▲ ■ ● Yes Target No Yes No No Council Cairns Regional ▲ ■ ● Yes Target No Yes No No Council ▲ ■ ● Central Coast Council Yes No No Yes No No ▲ ● City of Casey ★ Yes Target Target Yes No No ▲ ■ ● City of Darwin Yes No Target Yes No No

City of Greater ▲ ■ ● Yes Target No Yes Aspiration No Dandenong ▲ ■ ● City of Hobart Yes Target No Yes No No

Georges River ▲ ■ ● Yes No Target Yes No No Council

39 Operational emissions Community emissions

▲ ■ ● Logan City Council Yes No Target Yes No No

▲ ■ ● Penrith City Council Yes Target No Yes No No

Sunshine Coast ▲ ■ ● Yes No Target Yes No No Council ▲ ■ ● Yarra Ranges Council Yes Target No Yes No No ● ● ● Bayside Council Yes No No Yes No No

Campbelltown City ● ● ● Yes No No Yes No No Council Canterbury ● ● ● Bankstown City Yes No No Yes No No Council ● ● ● City of Joondalup Yes No No Yes No No

City of Kalgoorlie - ● ● ● Yes No No Yes No No Boulder ● ● ● City of Onkaparinga Yes No No Yes No No ● ● ● City of Stirling Yes Not aligned No Yes No No

● ● ● City of Wanneroo Yes No No Yes No No

● ● ● City of Whittlesea Yes No No Yes No No ● Cumberland Council ● o Yes No No No No No

40 Operational emissions Community emissions

● ● ● Hume City Council Yes No No Yes No No ● ● ● Knox City Council Yes No No Yes No No

● ● ● Liverpool City Council Yes No No Yes No No ● ● ● Monash Council Yes No No Yes No No

Moreton Bay ● ● ● Yes No No Yes Aspiration No Regional Council ● ● ● Redland City Council Yes No No Yes No No ● ● ● Sutherland Shire Yes No No Yes No No

The Hills Shire ● ● ● Yes No No Yes No No Council Toowoomba Regional ● ● ● Yes No No Yes No No Council Townsville City ● ● o No No No Yes No No Council Wagga Wagga City ● ● ● Yes No No Yes No No Council

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