Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

South Gippsland Shire Council's climate and sustainability commitments

South Gippsland Shire Council is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Traditional Owners Bunurong and Gunaikurnai People
  • Member since 2021
  • Population 30,455

Our journey

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

South Gippsland Shire Council has a long and proud history of working towards increasing sustainability across Council operations and the broader community. In 2013 Council established their Revolving Sustainability Fund dedicated to reducing emissions from Council operations. Since this time South Gippsland Shire has installed over 100kW of solar PV, implemented lighting and building envelope upgrades in numerous Council buildings, undertaken collaborative project with partner councils exploring EV charging infrastructure and the establishment of a solar farm, and worked with the local community groups on increasing knowledge around sustainability. Most recently, South Gippsland Shire was proud to have joined 45 other councils across Victoria in signing a long-term deal to purchase 100% renewable electricity for all of Council’s needs via the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO).

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

South Gippsland Shire is actively working to replace all existing streetlight with LED lamps, and has commenced a project to install a large number of public electric vehicle charging facilities across the Shire. We have extended our work in energy efficiency to include a number of Council-owned community-run buildings, and are looking to install our largest solar PV system to date, with a 99kW system on a local aquatic centre. Across 2022 Council will develop a Climate Action Plan which will guide our work in this space into the future.

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

South Gippsland Shire Council looks forward to the opportunity to work with other like-minded councils across Australia, connecting through commonalities, sharing ideas and building on our successes. Council believes that membership of the Cities Power Partnership will facilitate a greater understanding of our shared journey, creating efficiencies in the delivery of sustainability initiatives and promote the excellent work occurring at the local government level around Australia.

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