2023

Climate Summit for

Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

September 6-8, 2023 | RMIT Storey Hall, Melbourne

The premier climate and clean energy event for local government leaders

Local councils are at the forefront of climate impacts – fires, heatwaves, drought and floods. They are also at the forefront of local climate solutions. From putting solar on rooftops and rolling out electric vehicle charging stations, councils are making huge inroads accelerating action on climate change and creating healthy and resilient communities.

The Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government will bring together elected officials, chief executives and senior decision makers from councils across the country to identify key opportunities, inform practical actions, and inspire innovative climate action.

If you are a mayor, councillor, executive, manager or senior team leader at any Australian local governments and you are looking to embed climate action in council operations and capitalise on the clean energy economy, this event is not to be missed!

2.5 days

of learning, discussing + networking

Special EV event

To kick off the Summit on Day 1

Awards dinner

Climate Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday, September 7

What to expect

Hear from leading councils and climate experts through best-practice keynote presentations, interactive panels, solutions-focused workshops and roundtables.

There will also be ample opportunity to network with other council leaders, as well leading clean energy businesses in our exhibition space.

Conference attendees in discussion at their table

Prof Lesley Hughes presenting at a Summit

Two women with nametags sitting together at a Summit event dinner

Speaker standing at a lecturn at a recent CPP event

Program
and Events

Plenaries and Panels

Learn from energy and climate industry thought leaders both on the main stage and in breakout rooms. Hear from fellow CEOs and elected officials.

Meet Climate Experts

This is your chance to spend face to face time with experienced climate scientists and other experts from the Climate Council.

Awards Gala Dinner

The 5th Annual Cities Power Partnership Climate Award winners will be announced at an awards gala dinner on Thursday, September 7.

Electric vehicle showcase + networking

Local council leaders will witness in action the diversifying range of vehicles that are rapidly making up local government fleets across the country. The opportunity to test drive some of the latest EV models will also be available (subject to conditions and weather permitting).

View the Program

Program Topics

Communications and influence

Mayors, councillors and executives are instrumental in shifting the climate change narrative. At the Summit, you’ll hear the latest advice on nailing your climate change communications from experts at the Climate Media Centre.

Energy transformation

With the climate change tide changing in Australia, councils must look forward and plan for energy transformation to electrification and renewables. In regional Australia, this can mean whole-community transitions. Hear from those currently tackling this transformation.

Multi-level governance

Addressing the challenges of climate change at the necessary speed and scale requires a more inclusive, adaptive, and innovative response across all levels of government.

Clean transport

Transport is the 3rd largest source of emissions in Australia. Clean transport initiatives (public and active transport, and EVs) should be on every council’s radar. Learn which projects bring down emissions fastest, which will kickstart community attitude changes, and more.

Local Government’s role

Local governments have it within their reach to meet and beat Paris Agreement emissions reduction targets. Explore the most effective ways councils and their communities can dramatically reduce emissions.

Risk and accountability

There are grave risks to councils who are not acting aggressively enough in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. From insurance issues to financial risks to communicating with residents on council action, hear how to begin or extend your approach.