As the national debate rages on our Federal Government’s ongoing failure to set a binding renewables target, local governments across the country have been getting on with the job of tackling climate change – and Queanbeyan-Palerang is no exception.
But we may be missing a valuable opportunity to promote and accelerate the great work happening locally to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The Climate Council recently launched a new program to support local governments to reduce emissions and transition to clean energy, the Cities Power Partnership. Our neighbours across the border in the ACT were one of the first to sign up to the program as has Yass Valley which provides an invaluable opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing with like-minded councils finding innovative climate change solutions. So, where is Queanbeyan-Palerang? The council has been formally invited to take part in the Cities Power Partnership program, but is yet to commit.
As a farmer in the district I know that there is a lot being done at a local level to encourage the transition to renewable energy. The council recently approved the former Palerang Council’s solar panel installation program, which is delivering annual savings of over $30,000 in electricity costs. As electricity costs skyrocket, renewable energy is the sensible way forward for local residents, financially as well as environmentally. Local governments will play a leading role in Australia’s move to a renewable future. A commitment to the Cities Power Partnership program would signal our council’s willingness to be leaders around the crucial issue of climate change.
Robert Purves, Bungendore
