Council's climate change response heats up

Noosa Council has called in climate action heavyweights Dr Stephen Bygrave and Michael Lord in its quest to slash emissions.

The Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) experts have begun auditing Council’s buildings, waste service, fleet and infrastructure in the hunt for opportunities to reduce emissions.

“Councils across Australia are beginning to realise the need for local climate change action to make up for a lack of leadership at the state and federal levels,” Mayor Tony Wellington said.

“We are very happy to draw on BZE’s expertise in this area and thus help lead the charge in setting emission reduction targets. As well as environmental benefits, changing to newer technology to reduce emissions can also generate long-term cost savings for Council.”

Council adopted its Emission Reduction Policy in May this year.

“It has been extremely pleasing to witness the enthusiasm with which our local community has embraced the challenge of achieving ZEN – zero emissions Noosa. A range of community meetings have already taken place. This heralds a two-pronged, collaborative approach by Council and residents,” Cr Wellington said.

BZE is a not-for-profit research and education organisation known for its work designing and implementing a zero-emissions economy. Its goal is to transform Australia into a 21st-century renewable-energy-powered clean-tech economy.

Besides Noosa Shire Council, Beyond Zero Emissions is working with councils and communities in Byron Shire, Mitchell Shire and Cairns.

“To achieve the global commitment to limit global warming, developed countries like Australia need to move quickly to eliminate emissions. Noosa Council is showing impressive leadership by declaring its intention to achieve zero emissions in an ambitious timeframe. I have been most impressed with both Noosa Council and the broader Noosa community in terms of their current level of preparation and their overall enthusiasm,” Dr Bygrave said. 

“BZE is confident that it can help Noosa Council achieve its strategic objective of zero emissions.”

19 July 2016