WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COUNCILS HAVE called on the State Government to commit to renewable energy target of 50% by 2030 and an 100% emissions reduction target by 2050 at a forum held in Perth on Thursday (30 May).
21 councils from across the state at the forum, hosted by the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership, identified the lack of a state-level renewable energy and emissions target as a major barrier to local work to tackle climate change, and have urged the state to step up its ambition.
Dr Brad Pettitt, Mayor of Fremantle, said that now is the time for Western Australia to seize the opportunity to move forward on renewable energy.
“I’m really excited to see that the lead has been taken by local governments to advocate for a target that matches the climate science if we are going to have a sustainable future for this planet,” he said.
“These targets are ambitious but entirely doable with the right political leadership and investment decisions over the next decade.”
“Western Australia has lagged in this space for the last decade but now is the time for the state government to step up to work with local government to realise our state’s potential as a renewable energy powerhouse and realise the opportunities for jobs and investment that go with it.”
CLIMATE TARGETS THAT COUNCILS ARE CALLING FOR
21 councils from across Western Australia have called for:
- 50% state-wide renewable energy target by 2030
- 65% state-wide emissions reduction target by 2030
- 100% emissions reduction target by 2050
Councillor Naomi Godden from Augusta Margaret River said that community needs the State Government to set a courageous target that matches current climate science to slam the brakes on the climate crisis.
“The Western Australian government is currently developing its climate policy and we are calling on the McGowan government to be bold, courageous and true to the science by committing to ambitious emissions reduction target and renewable energy targets.”
“Local governments and our communities are on the frontline of the climate crisis. The community in Augusta-Margaret River is already experiencing reduced rainfall and increased risk of fire causing great concern amongst residents. Our most vulnerable community members are most at risk such as low-income earners and independent farmers.
“We need leadership for urgent action by our state government and we feel these are the minimum targets that will get us there.”
Cities Power Partnership Acting Director Tracie Armstrong said that local governments were ready to go with renewables but a state target is crucial to support their work on climate change.
“The councils we spoke to today are primed and ready to tackle climate change, but without a state renewable energy and emissions reduction target it’s difficult for them to attract the investment and support they need to get these projects underway,” she said.
“With a courageous state clean energy target that matches the climate science, Western Australia could swiftly become a renewables leader.”
LIST OF COUNCILS ATTENDING THE FORUM
City of Albany
City of Armadale
Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Town of Bassendean
City of Bayswater
City of Belmont
Town of Cambridge
City of Canning
City of Cockburn
Shire of Chittering
Shire of Donnybrook Balingup
City of Fremantle
City of Gosnells
City of Melville
Mundaring Shire Council
Shire of Northam
City of Rockingham
City of Subiaco
City of Swan
Victoria Park Town Council
The City of Vincent
ENDS
For more information about the Cities Power Partnership please contact Cities Power Partnership media advisor at 0487 003 872 or cppmedia@climatecouncil.org.au
