Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

City of Joondalup's climate and sustainability commitments

City of Joondalup is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Traditional Owners Whadjuk People
  • Member since 2022
  • Population 159,806

Our journey

What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability

The City recognises the need to reduce emissions and support our communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change and is exploring ways to accelerate our action. In 2016, Joondalup was recognised internationally as being one of the first local governments to adopt a Climate Change Strategy that combined adaptation and mitigation targets and initiatives.

Since adoption of the Strategy in 2014, actions undertaken as part of the City’s Climate Change Strategy have resulted in the following achievements:

  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 31% in 2020/21 compared to the baseline year in 2012/13
  • Through the City’s Renewable Energy Project, 299 t CO2-e were saved in 2021-22 and 349,051 kWh of solar energy was generated
  • Solar PV systems installed on 18 City buildings
  • The City installed solar battery storage systems at two City buildings in 2018-19
  • Upgrading street lighting to LEDs through the Joondalup City Centre Lighting Program and facility upgrades
  • Joined a Power Purchase Agreement with 50 other WA local governments to purchase renewable energy, including the purchase of 25% of the City’s contestable electricity supply in year 2 and 50% in year 3 of the contract
  • Monitoring shoreline movements over time through the City’s Coastal Monitoring Program
  • Implementing an annual Sand Bypassing Program from Sorrento Beach to Hillarys Beac
  • Purchasing carbon offsets to offset 100% of the City’s fleet emissions.
    Installation of a geothermal bore at Craigie Leisure Centre in 2006, resulting in 14,000 tonnes of CO2 savings over 15 years.
    Construction and upgrade of Coastal Shared Paths across the City to increase active travel
  • Planted more than 2,800 trees across the City as part of the City’s Leafy City Program and the Winter Urban Tree Planting program in 2021/22

What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability

The City is developing a new Climate Change Plan 2023-2033 to support emissions reductions in City operations and community emissions and build the capacity of the City and our community to adapt to climate change impacts.
Street lighting is the City’s biggest source of emissions and the City is investigating options to transition the City’s street lighting to LED and smart lighting.

The City is seeking funding for underground power to allow for more tree canopy coverage, battery storage and expanding the City’s bicycle network.

What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership

The City values collaboration with other local governments to share knowledge and expertise, deliver joint projects and harness the experience of officers and Councillors across Australia in leading climate action. The City’s community is feeling the impacts of climate change and the City will participate in events, webinars, online platforms and networking opportunities to share information and learn from other local governments.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Use council resources to support the uptake of renewable energy
Energy Efficiency
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Sustainable Transport
Encourage sustainable transport use such as public transport, walking and cycling through council transport planning and design.
Work Together and Influence
Set city-level renewable energy or emissions reduction targets.

In the news

Media Release

Western Australian councils work together for a renewable future

23 Nov 2021
More than 40 council representatives will gather to discuss opportunities to work together to achieve emissions reduction across WA.

Join now and be part of the groundswell of local governments and communities across Australia tackling climate change.