A six-week expression of interest period has begun on the establishment of two ‘Regional Climate Alliances’ to support Local Government collaboration on climate change.
All regional Local Governments will be invited to submit their proposals to join forces with neighbouring jurisdictions to address the effects of climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Regional Climate Alliance Initiative is a commitment under the Western Australian Climate Policy aimed at strengthening climate change adaptation and mitigation capability and action in regional WA.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will oversee the initiative.
The Western Australian Local Government Association will help administer the fund by providing advice and support.
Minister for Climate Action, Amber-Jade Sanderson funds would be available for two Regional Climate Alliance Coordinators.
She said examples of potential projects could include adding solar panels to Local Government facilities; delivering behavioural change programs to reduce energy use, and increasing tree canopies in town centres to improve urban cooling.
“Once established, the alliances will be invited to submit proposals for project funding for specific climate change actions, with a total of $200,000 available over two years,” Ms Sanderson said.
“The initiative will be evaluated and considered for possible expansion in mid-2023.”
She said many Local Governments were already stepping up to the challenge of climate change.
“Our goal is to see how we can use this model to build capability and increase knowledge-sharing across Local Governments to address climate change on a regional scale,” the Minister said.
