Some 41 councillors and mayors from across Australia have released a joint statement committing to a stronger economy that tackles climate change.
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Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill after bushfires tore through
Winmalee in 2013. Source: AAP
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The joint statement, released on Wednesday, outlines their commitment to supporting industries which invest in a zero-carbon future and help those communities hardest hit by climate disasters and the coronavirus pandemic.
One of 41 signatures, Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill, said the community was still devastated following last year's Gosper's mountain fire.
"As mayor of a community hit by last season's catastrophic bushfires, which were supercharged by climate change, it's extremely disappointing to see that climate remains a glaringly missing piece on the federal agenda," Mr Greenhill said in a statement.
"The Blue Mountains community, which is heavily dependent on tourism dollars, has largely been cut off since October 2019. Some people simply cannot afford to rebuild their homes, and many have lost their jobs. We can't pay the price of inaction much longer."
The joint statement signed by mayors and councillors from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, outlines eight solutions to help councils create jobs in clean energy that don't rely on coal or gas.
Sydney's City of Ryde Mayor, Jerome Laxale, said local councils were at the forefront of economic recovery from bushfires, floods, or the pandemic.
“Local governments across Australia can lead communities through a zero-carbon
recovery by prioritising local jobs, building sustainable infrastructure and
investing in renewables," he said.
Statement From 41 Australian Mayors And Councillors
We aim to embed, and advocate for, the following actions to recover in a way that addresses long term challenges, empowers communities and creates a prosperous future:
- Drive renewable energy and storage within councils and communities to lower power bills and increase energy independence and resilience.
- Accelerate, and advocate for, sustainable transport to future proof cities and connect communities and regions.
- Roll out energy efficiency measures within council and the community to create jobs, reduce energy costs and create more comfortable homes and workplaces.
- Increase revegetation and urban greening, as well as undertake ecosystem restoration to maintain unique biodiversity, clean air and water and healthy communities.
- Integrate circular economy principles across council to close the loop on resource use, such as enhancing organic waste collection and processing, to create jobs and cut carbon emissions.
- Support local businesses to be more sustainable through opportunities like increasing the uptake of renewable energy, aiding energy efficiency upgrades and waste management support.
- Actively engage communities to provide a clear understanding of the importance and benefits of a sustainable and resilient economic recovery.
- Prioritise local businesses, skills and suppliers for new or ongoing projects and ensure sustainability is at the core of council purchasing
NEW SOUTH WALES (18 mayors / councillors)
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VICTORIA (6 mayors/councillors)
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- Cities Power Partnership
- Mayors commit to clean, local jobs
- Clean jobs for communities: How local governments can create sustainable, strong economies
- Australia’s Coal Cities Commit to Climate
- Community to take ownership of local renewable energy projects
- Statement From 41 Australian Mayors And Councillors
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