CED regions in Australia

Below are the local council regions and subnational jurisdictions in Australia that have declared a Climate Emergency, in chronological order. Click the “motion text” links to see details of the motions they passed.

5 December 2016, Darebin City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 158,745

First local council to declare a Climate Emergency. It did so in response to climate emergency campaigners in Darebin asking all Darebin local council candidates to sign a Climate Emergency Declaration statement of support as part of a Climate Emergency Declaration campaign started in April 2016 by campaigners from cedamia and other Australian climate emergency groups.

PROGRESS SO FAR:
Listen to the
March 22 2019 interview with Darebin Mayor Susan Rennie and Tiffany Harrison on Darebin Council progress so far.

Download the Climate Emergency Darebin Strategic Plan.

Climate Emergency page on council’s website

motion text

THE MOTION WAS PUT AND CARRIED AND BECAME THE COUNCIL RESOLUTION AS
FOLLOWS:

Council Resolution
MOVED: Cr. T. McCarthy
SECONDED: Cr. S. Amir
That:
(1) Council recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent
action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
(2) Council establishes an Energy and Environment Working Group to further develop
Council proposals for a Darebin Energy Foundation and a Darebin Nature Trust, as
proposed by four elected Councillors during the recent Council elections. The Working
Group will comprise the Mayor and all Councillors who wish to participate and will be
supported by relevant Council officers. The Working Group will meet on a regular basis
over coming months to develop proposals for Council’s consideration at a meeting in
February 2017.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Action Plan

On May 29, 2017, Darebin Council made their new Climate Emergency Plan available for public consultation. Then, in August, the plan was officially adopted.


Download the full text or a Summary of the Darebin Climate Emergency Plan.

7 February 2017, Yarra City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 98,521

Second Australian local council to declare a Climate Emergency. It did so in response to various Australian campaign groups asking all Yarra local council candidates to sign a Climate Emergency Declaration statement of support.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
March 2019, Yarra organised a community solar bulk-buy scheme as part of their response to the global climate emergency.
16 August 2019: article on progress
16 September 2019: Bought Australia’s first electric tipper truck to use for garbage collection

motion text

Minutes of the meeting are here.
The resolution:

COUNCIL RESOLUTION
Moved: Councillor McEvoy Seconded: Councillor Coleman
1. Council notes this Delegates Report.
2. Council recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires
urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
3. Council recognises that the technology, expertise and capacity exists for
humans to mitigate and adapt to this global challenge, but that collaboration
and action is essential.
4. Council resolves to renew our commitment to collaborate with other Councils
and Governing bodies through forums such as NAGA in order to take collective
action to reduce the carbon emissions of our municipalities.
5. That Council Officers indicate to NAGA by February 28 options available at
Yarra City Council regarding hosting NAGA, detailing the in-kind support that
Yarra can provide and the associated costs for NAGA, including (but not limited
to):
(a) basic rental of office space only (e.g. former Richmond Police Station);
and
(b) fully supported office space hosted within Council offices (e.g. at 345
Bridge Road).
CARRIED

12 May 2017, Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) state council

A motion recognising the Climate Emergency, proposed by a Darebin Councillor, was passed by the state council for local councils in Victoria (MAV) with a 77% majority.

motion text

Motion 56. Climate Change

Submitting Council: Darebin City Council

Motion:

That the MAV recognise that:

(a) we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils

(b) human induced climate change stands in the first rank of threats to humans, civilisation and other species

(c) it is still possible to restore a safe climate and prevent most of the anticipated long-term climate impacts – but only if societies across the world adopt an emergency mode of action that can enable the restructuring of the physical economy at the necessary scale and speed;

(d) the MAV has a particular role in assisting local governments in this regard.

Full resolutions of the state council meeting can be downloaded here.

4 April 2018, Vincent City Council, Western Australia, population 36,088

The third Australian local council and the first in Western Australia to declare a climate emergency largely as a result of work by Council Action in the Climate Emergency (CACE).

motion text

The resolution:

Council Decision Item 14.1

Moved: Cr Loden, Seconded: Cr Gontaszewski

That Council:

1. AFFIRMS its support for addressing climate change within the City of Vincent;

2. ENDORSES the position expressed in the Western Australian Local Government Association’s Draft Climate Change Policy Statement that there is a climate emergency which requires urgent action by all levels of government to avoid an unacceptable burden on future generations;

3. REQUESTS that the Draft Sustainable Environment Strategy be presented to Council for advertising by March 2019 to support decision making in the 2019/20 Budget and Corporate Business Plan;

4. REQUESTS that the Sustainable Environment Strategy include the following measures:

4.1. Set a target of zero net carbon emissions by a defined date;

4.2. Set a target of zero net carbon emissions from stationary energy by a defined date;

4.3. Include plans to support the uptake by the community of electric vehicles and other technology that can achieve zero emissions vehicles within the City of Vincent;

4.4. Include plans for the City to create an electric vehicle fleet or other technology that can achieve zero emissions as part of forward purchasing practice; and

5. REQUESTS that administration give consideration to the carbon emissions which result from the management of waste as part of the current Waste Management Strategy.

carried (8-1)

For: Presiding Member Mayor Cole, Cr Gontaszewski, Cr Castle, Cr Fotakis, Cr Hallett, Cr Loden, Cr Murphy and Cr Topelberg

Against: Cr Harley

See minutes of the meeting.

4 July 2018, Western Australia Local Government Association (WALGA) State Council

The association of local councils in Western Australia (WALGA) endorsed a policy statement to address the Climate Emergency.

motion text

The meeting established the following policy positions:

Local Government acknowledges:
I. The science is clear: climate change is occurring and greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the dominant cause.
II. Climate change threatens human societies and the Earth’s ecosystems.
III. Urgent action is required to reduce emissions, and to adapt to the impacts from climate change that are now unavoidable.
IV. A failure to adequately address this climate change emergency places an unacceptable burden on future generations.
Local Government is committed to addressing climate change. Local Government is calling for:
I. Strong climate change action, leadership and coordination at all levels of government.
II. Effective and adequately funded Commonwealth and State Government climate change policies and programs.

The full text of the minutes is here.

14 August 2018, Town of Victoria Park, Western Australia, population 36,601

The second Western Australian council to declare a climate emergency, thanks to work by CACE in conjunction with local Councillors.

motion text

Minutes P175 here.
The resolution:

That Council:
1. Recognises that there is a state of climate emergency that needs to be handled by all levels of government
2. Endorses WALGA’s Policy Statement on Climate Change, as included in Appendix 18.1
3. Requests that the Administration create an action plan, in line with WALGA’s Policy Statement on Climate Change, and report back to the Future Planning Committee by December 2018.

12 September 2018, Moreland City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 181,725

The third Victorian local council to declare a climate emergency.

PROGRESS SO FAR:
Biodiversity action plan: had slipped through the cracks, but the CED focus resulted in allocating budget to develop a plan
Transitioning off gas: new questions about gas use led to discovering that the leisure centre co-gen systems had been turned off, and moving those centres off gas is now being investigated
15 March 2019, adopted a mode share shift to sustainable transport.

motion text

Minutes are here.
The resolution:

NOM40/18 CLIMATE EMERGENCY (D18/323701)
Cr Martin’s Motion:
That:
1. Council acknowledges we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local Councils.
2. Councillors receive a briefing from officers on how to best act on the ‘climate emergency’ acknowledgement and ensure this is embedded into future strategies and the next council action plan.
3. Council updates the Zero Carbon Evolution 2040 framework to embed the ‘climate emergency’ acknowledgement.
Resolution
Cr Martin moved, Cr Yildiz seconded –
That:
1. Council acknowledges we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local Councils.
2. Councillors receive a briefing from officers on how to best act on the ‘climate emergency’ acknowledgement and ensure this is embedded into future strategies and the next council action plan.
3. Council updates the Zero Carbon Evolution 2040 framework to embed the ‘climate emergency’ acknowledgement.
Cr Tapinos moved that the motion be amended to include an additional point as follows:
4. Amends the Municipal Emergency Management Plan to include this statement.
The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder
The substantive motion was carried unanimously

18 October 2018, Byron Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 34,574

First NSW local council to declare a climate emergency.

motion text

Resolution text:

1. That Council:
a) notes the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
b) notes the Federal government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing our carbon emissions;
c) declares that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils, and
d) acknowledges that Byron Shire is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly sea level rise, bushfires, drought and floods.

2. That the recommendation be added to the Agenda of the upcoming Sustainable Emission Reduction Advisory Committee meeting for their input to convene a community-led Climate Emergency Guidance Group that provides a report as to how Council may assist;

3. That the Guidance Group develops a Shire-wide Community Climate Emergency Plan to further enhance resilience and reduce climate impacts in a timeframe that is as fast as practicably possible;

4. That Council, calls upon the State and Federal Governments to:
a) declare a climate emergency, and
b) to back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the lower of the Paris Agreements at 1.5 [degrees]

5. That Council writes to the Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith, the Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW, Ben Franklin, the Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, the NSW Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton and the Federal Environment Minister Melissa Price, advising them of Council’s resolution and urges them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis.

6. That Council encourages neighbouring Local Government Areas to join with us by declaring a climate emergency, developing their own Climate Emergency Plans and advocating to State and Federal governments as per point (5).

See minutes of the meeting.

21 November 2018, City of Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, population 107,325

The fourth Victorian local council to pass a Climate Emergency Declaration.

motion text

Minutes (Item 10) are here.
The resolution:

That Council
1. Notes the recent October 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) report on climate change.
2. Notes the successful motion to the Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) May
2017 to recognise that we are in a state of ‘climate emergency’ that requires
urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils.
3. Acknowledges the ‘climate emergency’ and the need for urgent action by all
levels of government, including local councils.
4. Acknowledge the need for priority resourcing of the carbon neutral and 100%
renewables action plan and prioritisation of initiatives that move us towards
carbon neutrality and 100% renewables.
5. Councillors receive a briefing from officers on how to best act on this ‘climate
emergency’ acknowledgment and ensure that this is embedded into the ‘carbon neutrality and 100% renewables action plan’, council plan review and future strategies.

Moved: Cr Belinda Coates
Seconded: Cr Daniel Moloney
CARRIED (R335/18)

22 January 2019, Gawler Town Council, South Australia, population 23,034

The first South Australian local council and the 8th in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency.

motion text

Minutes, Item 15.5, are here.
The motion that was passed with 5 votes for and 4 against.

That Council:
a) notes the October 2018 Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
b) notes the Federal government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing our carbon emissions;
c) notes the recent data published by 202020 Vision Plan ‘Australia’s Suburbs Most Vulnerable To Extreme Heat’ and by the Australia Institute report ‘Heat Watch: Extreme Heat In Adelaide’, both reported in recent editions of the Advertiser, that Gawler is rated as one of Australia ‘hot spots’ for urban Heat Islands; that South Australia will be subject to the worsening effects of climate change due to global warming; and that Adelaide has the highest level of heat related mortality in the nation.
d) acknowledges that the Gawler Council Area is likely to be adversely affected by climate impacts, such as heat waves, bushfires, drought and floods according to local data and that provided by numerous reports and agencies such as BOM, CSIRO, Australia Institute and 202020.
e) declare that we are facing a ‘Climate Emergency’ and that urgent action is required by all levels of government.
f) joins the growing number of councils in Australia and worldwide who are declaring/acknowledging that we face a Climate Emergency and who are both accelerating and giving priority to policy and actions that will provide for both mitigation and adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change.
g) develops a Climate Emergency Action Plan and Community Climate Emergency Plan to further enhance resilience and reduce climate impacts in a timeframe that is as fast as practicably possible. This should include councils emergency response to extreme weather events, particularly heat waves, that includes providing safe shelter refuges for the most vulnerable in our community such as the homeless, and checking of the well-being of the aged and the infirmed. The foundation of such a Plan(s) is to include community consultation.
h) Seeks that a report on this matter be presented to the March Council meeting outlining a work program, timeframe and budget (as required) for further consideration.

19 February 2019, Maribyrnong City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 91,387

First council in Melbourne’s west and the 5th in Victoria to declare a Climate Emergency.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
November 2019: Invited members of the community to join the Climate Emergency Community Advisory Group

motion text

Full minutes are here.
The motion that was passed:

That Council:
1. Note the results of 2017/18 Zero Carbon Maribyrnong Disclosure Statement.
2. Request that the Chief Executive Officer investigate an alternative way of achieving Zero Carbon and provide an updated report to Council.
3. Acknowledges we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local Councils.
4. Receives a briefing and report on how to best act on the ‘climate emergency’.

25 February 2019, Upper Hunter Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 14,112

The 10th council in Australia and the 2nd in NSW. Council recognised that we are in a Climate Emergency which requires urgent action by all levels of government including local councils.

motion text

Minutes of the meeting can be seen here.

NOTICE OF MOTION The following Notice of Motion was received from Cr Abbott:
That Upper Hunter Shire Council recognise that we are in a state of climate emergency which requires urgent action by all levels of government including local councils.

With the failure of state and federal governments to respond effectively to global warming, councils across Australia (and the world) are now playing a leading role in responding to global warming by setting safe climate goals and targets, by implementing local sustainable programmes, by advocating to state and federal governments, and by encouraging other councils to do the same. As local councillors we have a great opportunity to play a key role in building a state and then a national response to global warming.

26 February 2019, Blue Mountains City Council, NSW, Australia, population 79,260

Third council in NSW and 11th in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency. The motion passed 9 to 3 with the Mayor leaving the Chair to speak strongly in favour.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
September 2019: Set a 2025 carbon neutral target date

motion text

Minutes of the meeting, Item 19, are here.
Notice of Motion by Councillor Hoare:

1. That the Council recognises that;
• We are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of
government, including local councils;
• Human induced climate change stands in the first rank of threats to humans,
civilisation and other species;
• It is still possible to restore a safe climate and prevent most of the anticipated long-
term climate impacts – but only if societies across the world adopt an emergency
mode of action that can enable the restructuring of the physical economy at the
necessary scale and speed; and
2. That the Council calls for a briefing on how our Community Strategic Plan addresses the
climate emergency, and outlines the options available to Council to operationalise this
declaration during the life of the Community Strategic Plan

12 March 2019, Hawkesbury City Council, NSW, Australia, population 67,083

Fourth council in NSW and the 12th in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency. Passed almost unanimously.

motion text

Minutes Item 043 are here.
The full motion was:

That Council:
1. Recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if, and only if, societies take emergency action.

2. Participates in a Climate Emergency Workshop to examine how our Community Strategic Plan, works program and planning documents can address the climate emergency, and which results in an outline of options available to Council to operationalise this emergency declaration.

26 March 2019, Light Regional Council, South Australia, population 14,736

Passed a motion declaring a Climate Emergency with the Mayor’s casting vote getting it over the line.

motion text

Minutes Item 14.3.2 are here.
The full motion:

14.3.2 Climate Emergency – Notice of Motion by Cr Simon Zeller, Mudla Wirra Ward
That Council:
1.Acknowledges we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local Councils.
2.Declares a climate emergency and in doing so accepts that the containment of climate change and its serious social and economic implications is a duty of utmost priority.
3.Factors in the impact on the climate in all its dealings and will, whenever possible, attend to those issues as a matter of priority, which do have the potential to mitigate climate change and its implications.
4.Orients itself in all future actions to combat climate change on the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
5.Establishes a working group to develop a broadly based response to this emergency

26 March 2019, Adelaide Hills Council, South Australia, population 38,863

Unanimously passed a motion declaring a Climate Emergency.

motion text

Minutes Item 11.1 are here.
The full motion:

MOTIONS ON NOTICE11.1.Climate Emergency
That Council: 1.Notes the October 2018 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change;
2.Notes the Federal government’s latest greenhouse gas emissions data shows Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions have increased compared to 2012, not decreased;
3.Recognises we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils;
4.Reaffirms its commitment to both mitigating against and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change within the Adelaide Hills Council;
5.Commits to finalising the Carbon Management Plan by December 2019 and that it includes a target of 100% renewable energy for the Adelaide Hills Council (as an Organisation) by a defined date;
6.Requests the CEO write to State and Federal Members of Parliament which represent the Adelaide Hills Council region, advising them of Council’s resolution and request they also act with urgency to address climate change.

27 March 2019, Bellingen Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 12,963

Declared a Climate Emergency with great community support. The motion passed 4 to 2 with no amendments.

motion text

The minutes of the meeting are here.

MOTION
1.Bellingen Shire Council declares that “we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils” and that council:
a.Notes the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) “Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius”;
b.Notes the Federal Government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing our carbon emissions;
c.Acknowledges that Bellingen Shire is, and is likely to be further affected by climate impacts, particularly sea level rise, bushfires, severe storms, drought and floods,
d.Recognises we are in a state of emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species, and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if, and only if, societies take emergency action now.
e.Participates in a Climate Emergency workshop by the end of 2019 to examine how our community strategic plan, works program and planning documents can address the Climate emergency, and results in an outline of options available to council to operationalise this emergency declaration.

2. Calls upon the State and Federal Governments to:
a.Declare a climate emergency, and
b.To back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the lower of the Paris Agreements at 1.5 [degrees]

3.Writes to, the Member for Cowper, Member for Oxley, the Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW, the NSW Environment Minister and the Federal Environment Minister, advising them of Council’s resolution and urges them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis.

4.Encourages neighbouring Local Government Areas to join with us by declaring a climate emergency, developing their own Climate Emergency Plans and advocating to State and Federal Governments as per point (2).

23 April 2019, Clarence Valley Council, NSW, Australia, population 51,647

Recognised the Climate Emergency following on from a Climate Change Advisory Committee report from June 2018.

motion text

Minutes P114 are here.
Text from the minutes:

AMENDMENT TO MOTION
Toms/Novak
That Council
1. Recognise that there is a climate emergency which requires actions by all levels of Government.
2. Acknowledge Council’s efforts to lowering its emission.
3. Include a title of subheading “Climate Change” in all reports.
4. Continue carrying out the items “of action” in the “100% Renewables” report.
5. Note the minutes of the Climate Change Advisory Committee dated 22 June 2018; and thank the committee for their ongoing input.
Voting recorded as follows:
For:
Novak, Baker, Toms, Ellem, Clancy, Simmons, Kingsley
Against:
Lysaught, Williamson
The Amendment to Motion was put and declared CARRIED. The amendment became the substantive motion.

30 April 2019, Randwick City Council, NSW, Australia, population 154,265

Declared a Climate Emergency after heated debate, with no amendments to the original motion by Clr Veitch and a great show of support from the local community.

motion text

The motion is on p10 of the minutes here.
Media release is here.
The motion in full is:

Motion:That Randwick City Council:
1.Publicly acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies take emergency action, including local councils;
2.Bring back a report to council to examine how council plans, policies and works programs can address the climate emergency, and ensure this is embedded into future council strategic plans.

14 May 2019, Inner West Council, NSW, Australia, population 198,024

Declared a Climate Emergency unanimously after adding an amendment to specify action KPIs.

motion text

The minutes P7 are here.

Motion:(Da Cruz/Kiat)

THAT Council:
1.Publicly acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species; and that it isstill possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies take emergency action, including local councils;
2.Include references to this emergency in the CEO’s performance agreement and Council adjust his key performance indicators accordinglyto include:
a.100% divestment of Council’s investment portfolio from fossil fuels;
b.Achieving 100% carbon neutrality AND 100% renewable energy targets by 2025;
c.Making the Inner West a leader in renewable energy for our community by:
i.Establishing the Office of Renewable Energy Innovation;
ii.Expediting the retrofit of Council buildings with solar PV;
iii.Providing a brokerage service to help organisations looking to invest in community energy projects to identify potential partners with suitable roof space in the LGA;
iv.Supporting the Solar Schools program for installation of solar PV on school rooftops across the LGA;
v.Sourcing Council’s daytime power load through a solar PPA, and establishing a second PPA to cover Council’s daytime power load;
vi.Replacing fluorescent street lighting with LED lighting; and
vii.Delivering a ‘zero waste’ strategy; andviii.Any other relative initiatives approved by Council.
3.Review the annual budget key performance indicators and policies over the course of the next twelve months tofocus Council expenditure and revenue on this issue.

16 May 2019, ACT (Australian Capital Territory), Australia, population 428,060

The ACT Parliament passed a motion by Shane Rattenbury MLC to declare a Climate Emergency, making it the first state or territory government in Australia to do so.
PROGRESS SO FAR:
September 2019: Phasing out household gas use
November 2019: Electric bus trial

motion text

Full Hansard record from 16 May can be downloaded from the ACT Parliament website here.
See the portion of Hansard that records the content of the debate at CED part of Hansard 16 May.
The original motion:

MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (4.01): I move:
That this Assembly:
(1) notes:
(a) globally, nationally and locally, human induced climate change is contributing to record breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and a range of negative social, environmental and economic outcomes;
(b) ACT residents have just experienced the hottest January on record, and local temperature extremes will worsen as climate change progresses;
(c) Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland have recently been devastated by bushfires and North Queensland has recently suffered extreme flooding;
(d) global temperature rise must be limited to 1.5 degrees to minimise the risk of the worst impacts of climate change, a task the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says requires urgent and unprecedented action; and
(e) ACT and Australian residents want their elected representatives to take urgent and effective action to address climate change;
(2) acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent actions across all levels of Government; and
(3) condemns the Federal Government for its continued failure to enact effective climate change policy, and requests the Federal Government provide additional funding for States and Territories to deal with worsening climate change risks and impacts, such as bushfires and extreme weather.

During debate an amendment moved by MS ORR (Yerrabi) was added as follows:

Madam Deputy Speaker, I move:
Add:
“(4) notes the ACT Government’s efforts to make Canberra a more liveable and sustainable bush capital by, amongst other things:
(a) its national and international leadership on climate change;
(b) committing to zero net emissions by 2045; and
(c) powering Canberra by 100 percent renewable electricity by 2020.”.

The amendment was accepted and the motion as amended was passed in the affirmative.

Press release is here.

22 May 2019, Fremantle City Council, WA, Australia, population 30,868

Declared a Climate Emergency in response to a recommendation from the Fremantle Youth Network. Mayor Brad Pettitt proposed an amendment to the original motion and the amended motion was passed unanimously.

motion text

Full minutes are on P11-12 here.

Moved: Mayor, Brad Pettitt Seconded: Cr Jon Strachan
Council:
1. Accept the Fremantle Youth Network’s letter to council and support the Networks concerns on the important issue of climate change in the City’s continuing advocacy.
2. Acknowledge the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
3. Declare that we are in a state of climate and biodiversity emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
4. Acknowledge that the City of Fremantle is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly sea level rise, heat waves, drought and floods.
5. Call upon the State and Federal Governments to:
a. acknowledge that there is a climate and biodiversity emergency, and
b. back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the lower of the Paris Agreements at 1.5%.
6. Agree to continue to work with the Fremantle Youth Network in our continuing advocacy on this important issue.
7. In conjunction with the Fremantle Youth Network write to the Fremantle federal and state members and to relevant federal and state ministers advising them of council’s resolution and urge them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis.
8. Seek feedback from the community on further actions it might take to give effect to the declaration and the results of this feedback to be subject to a further report at the next appropriate meeting of council.
Carried: 11/0

28 May 2019, Newcastle City Council, NSW, Australia, population: 164,104

Declared a Climate Emergency, but with the original motion by Clr. John Makenzie amended beyond recognition except for retaining the CED clause.

motion text

Full minutes of the meeting (see Item 21) are here.
The declaration clause after amendment:

Recognises that there is a Global Climate Emergency and urgent need for real action on climate change

28 May 2019, Ryde City Council, NSW, Australia, population 127,446

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes of meeting are here.
Excerpt:

RESOLUTION:(Moved by Councillors Gordon and Clifton)
(a)That Council publicly acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies, including local councils, take emergency action.
(b)That a report be brought back to Council which examines how Council plans, policies and works programs can address the climate emergency, and ensure this is embedded into future Council strategic plans.

17 June 2019, Hobart City Council, Tasmania, Australia, population 50,439

Declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, making it the first capital city council in Australia and the first local council in Tasmania to declare a Climate Emergency

motion text

Item 11 in Minutes is here.
Motion:

Global Climate and Biodiversity Emergency
That the City of Hobart:
– Affirms its commitment to future generations in addressing catastrophic climate change and biodiversity loss through its on-going policies, strategies and leadership by supporting the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency.
– Writes to the State Premier and Prime Minister urging them and their Government to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency and to commit to implementing strong national policy, regulation, strategy and resources to secure the well-being of future generations of Australians and to secure the country’s indigenous habitat, ecosystems and ecosystem services on which we all depend and to address the catastrophic causes pushing 1000s of Australian mammal, marine, plant and insect species towards extinction. The council’s actions to date be included in the correspondence
– Submit urgency motions to the Local Government Association of Tasmanian and the Australian Local Government Association to declare a national climate and biodiversity emergency.
– Include acknowledgement of the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency in the Council’s new Strategic Plan.

17 June 2019, Australian Local Government Association

Passed a motion asking the federal government to declare a Climate Emergency.
The vote passed with 134 voting in favour and 68 against.

Text of national LGA CED motion

24 June 2019, Sydney City Council, NSW, Australia, population 240,229

Declared that climate change should be treated as a national emergency, making it the second capital city council and 24th jurisdiction in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency (via motion proposed by Lord Mayor) Clover Moore
PROGRESS SO FAR:
17 December 2019: 100% renewables PPA deal
18 February 2020: brought forward the city-wide carbon-neutral target date to 2040 (was 2050)

motion text

The full minute is here.
Excerpt:

It is resolved that:
(A)Council declare that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of Sydney, and it should be treated as a national emergency;
(B)Council call on the Federal Government to respond to this emergency by:
(i)taking urgent action to meet the emissions reduction targets contained in the Paris Agreement by reintroducing a price on carbon; and
(ii)establishinga Just Transition Authority, with enough funding to ensure that Australians employed in the fossil fuel industries have viable and appropriate opportunities for alternateemployment;
(C)Council note that the City has an excellent record on reducing emissions, and preparing for the impacts of climate change;
(D)Council note that the City will be holding the C40 Women for Climate conference in April 2020, bringing together leadersfrom across the world to exchange ideas and work together on climate change solutions;
(E)Council note the importance of getting beyond the politics of fear, and the success of ‘2040’, an inspiring and refreshing documentary that explores what could be achieved by implementing technologies and other climate change solutions that already exist;(F)Council note that Alex Greenwich MP, Greg Piper MP and Joe McGirr MP have written to the Premier of NSW, asking her to protect coal communities from serious economic disruption as a result of an expected decline in the coal export market;
(G)the Chief Executive Officer be requested to note this emergency declaration and ensure the 2050 plan addresses the community’s desire for climate action; and
(H)the Chief Executive Officer be requested toinvestigatea screening of the documentary ‘2040’ at the Town Hall as part of the Sustainable Sydney 2050 consultation.

25 June 2019, Brimbank City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 208,714

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
13 December 2019: opened draft Climate Emergency Plan for community consultation
7 January 2020: installation of 82kW of solar PV on the roof of its multi-tier car park to generate power for the facility with the added benefit of providing shade for cars on its top level

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.
Motion:

That Council declares a Climate Emergency and receives for consideration at a
2019 Ordinary Meeting of Council, a Brimbank Climate Emergency Plan
delineating Council’s position statement on the climate emergency and the
actions that Council will take to help restore a safe climate.

8 July 2019, Wagga Wagga City Council, NSW, Australia, population 54,411

Declared a Climate Emergency
Councillor Post: https://www.facebook.com/councillorkeenan/photos/a.240422076586590/388359895126140/?type=3&theater
22 July 2019, Declaration rescinded See here.

motion text

Agenda Item Motion 1 is here.
Motion:

That Council:
a recognises that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of Wagga Wagga and it should be treated as a national emergency
b notes that Council has established a sustainable energy reserve and has commissioned the report Climate Change Risk and Adaption Action Plan that outlines the significant risks and associated impacts associated with climate change on Council’s assets
c commits to developing a Climate Emergency Plan in the 2019/2020 financial year and receive a report at the first meeting of Council in August from staff that includes the following:
i current activities already being undertaken to assist in addressing climate change impacts
ii the steps required to develop a climate emergency plan to guide the implementation of a climate emergency response within Council
iii how the Community Strategic Plan can be amended to prioritise a climate emergency response within the Plan
iv investigates the appointment of a Council Advisory Committee of climate emergency experts to assist with steps
v change management processes to educate Council staff about the climate emergency and develop a new approach to Council business to facilitate a climate emergency response
vi identify what existing policies and plans would require updating, as well the development of new policies and plans to address a climate emergency response
vii a public education and support building campaign in order to provide broad community awareness for the declaration and move into climate emergency mode
viii identifies necessary resources to enable the execution of steps

8 July 2019, Kingborough Council, Tasmania, Australia, population 37,734

Declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency

motion text

Minutes P13 are here.
Motion:

That the Kingborough Council shall:
1.Recognise that we are in a state of climate and biodiversity emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils, and
2.Acknowledge that Kingborough Municipality is likely to be affected by climate impacts, including extreme weather events, wildfires and sea level rise;
3.Acknowledge the declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency in the Council’s Strategic Plan and in the Annual Report.
4.Ensure that any strategic financial management and development decisions consider climate change and that this is noted in Council reports.
5.Write to the State Premier and Prime Minister including Kingborough Council’s climate action record to date and urge them and their Governments to:
a)declare a climate and biodiversity emergency and
b)back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the Paris Agreements and facilitate action on coastal management and climate change adaptation.

16 July 2019, Melbourne City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 135,959

The Future Melbourne Committee (one of the 2 decision-making bodies of Council) unanimously passed Clr Cathy Oke’s Climate and Biodiversity Emergency Declaration motion

motion text

Minutes of meeting are here.

1. That the Future Melbourne Committee:
1.1. Declares that climate change and mass species extinction pose serious risks to the people of Melbourne and Australia, and should be treated as an emergency.
1.2. Notes that the City of Melbourne, since 2003, has had a strong record of reducing emissions, restoring and conserving biodiversity, and preparing our community for the impacts of climate change.
1.3. Notes the continued success of the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, a City of Melbourne led project, powering the City of Melbourne by 100 per cent renewable energy.
1.4. Notes the City of Melbourne support for the recently passed Motion at the Australian Local Government Association National General calling on the federal government to declare a climate emergency.
1.5. Notes the City of Melbourne’s endorsement of, and continued commitment to the following strategies: Climate Change Mitigation Strategy, Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy, Nature in our City Strategy and Resilient Melbourne strategy.
1.6. Requests management provide a review to an upcoming Future Melbourne Committee meeting outlining how our current and planned actions to mitigate climate change, ensure our city is resilient and adapted to the effects of climate change, and to invest in restoration and conservation of biodiversity, align with the current global consensus of how cities should be responding to climate and biodiversity crises.
1.7. Notes that Council has endorsed a communications and advocacy campaign about our climate change mitigation and adaptation activities through a 2019/2020 Annual Plan initiative.
1.8. Asks the Lord Mayor to suggest the State Government and City of Melbourne host a Victorian Climate Week, like the recent Queensland Climate Week, to raise the urgent need to act with all Victorian communities and most affected stakeholders.
1.9. Acknowledges the action young people are taking across the world to raise the need to take urgent action on the dual crises of climate change and species extinction, and ask the CEO to invite youth representatives from Fridays for Future/Climate Strike/Extinction Rebellion to present their concerns on climate change and biodiversity loss at a future Councillor briefing session.
1.10. Notes that there will be a global day of action on 20 September 2019.

18 July 2019, Noosa Shire Council, Queensland, Australia, population 55,369

First local council in Queensland to declare a Climate Emergency. An article by the Mayor is here.

motion text

Council press release and Mayor’ video clip are here. Minutes (P17) are here.

CLIMATE EMERGENCY DECLARATION
That Council note the report by the Director Environment and Sustainable Development, Carbon Reduction officer and Climate Change Adaptation Program Coordinator to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 July 2019,and
A.Endorse the following statement: “Council accepts the latest science on climate change provided in the October 2018 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and acknowledges that the Noosa Shire is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including heat waves, more intense storms and sea level rise all of which is likely to adversely affect the Noosa natural and human environment. Council therefore declares that we are in a ‘Climate Emergency” which requires urgent action by all levels of government”; and
B. Write to the Prime Minister, the State Premier, State and Federal Opposition Leaders, and State and Federal Members of Parliament representing the Noosa Shire region, advising of Council’s declaration and requesting they also act with urgency to address climate change through legislated programs and policy positions, to drive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to keep global temperatures to a maximum increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

22 July 2019, North Sydney Council, NSW, Australia, population 74,172

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes of meeting: North Sydney Minutes-2

RESOLVED:
1. THAT Council:
a. prepare a report on initiatives that Council is currently undertaking, or could be improved, which have the effect of reducing carbon emissions. The report should particularly address:
• adoption of a guiding principle in all Council operations to reduce carbon emissions towards the reduction targets contained in the Paris Agreement.
• Introduction or strengthening of existing policies that make a positive contribution to reducing carbon emissions.
• A specific budget provision for climate change initiatives linked to the Delivery Program.
• Facilitating the roll out of car charging battery stations in the local government area.
b. join nearly 600 jurisdictions worldwide, including 22 Australian councils, and recognise that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires immediate action by all levels of government;
c. acknowledge that climate change poses a threat to the future of our cities, including the North Sydney Local Government Area;
d. note the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) ‘Global Warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius’;
e. note the Federal Government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing, our carbon emissions;
g. join with and support the City of Sydney’s resolution of 24 June 2019 calling upon the State and Federal Governments to declare a climate emergency and to respond to this emergency by taking urgent action to meet the emissions reduction targets contained in the Paris Agreement;
g. encourage neighbouring Local Government Areas to join us by declaring a climate emergency and advocate to State and Federal Governments in their own right;
h. write to the Prime Minister, Premier of NSW and relevant State and Federal Ministers providing a copy of this resolution and calling upon them to act urgently to address climate change and its impacts; and
i. submit this motion to LGNSW for debate at the next LGNSW conference.

30 July 2019, Darwin City Council, Northern Territory, Australia, population 84,613

Approved the Mayor’s motion to declare a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
5 December 2019: Lord Mayor’s Climate Emergency Forum

motion text

Minutes of the meeting are here.

That the City of Darwin:
a. declares that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires immediate action by all levels of government;
b. calls upon the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments to join us in declaring a climate emergency;
c. declares its commitment to action on the devastating effects of climate change and by doing so joins nearly 600 jurisdictions worldwide, including 28 Australian councils, in recognising that human induced climate change represents a substantial threat to our community and the local environment we cherish;
d. acknowledges that our obligation to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions through policies such as zero net emissions by 2030 is just one action that we must implement and that we need to identify other opportunities across all of Council’s service areas and encourage the Darwin community more broadly to reduce our contribution to climate change;
e. recognises and responds to the state of climate emergency that we are in to prepare, respond and adapt to climate change across all areas of Council
f. acknowledge the action of local community members and invite stakeholders from across the Darwin community to participate in a Lord Mayor hosted Climate Emergency Round Table
g. Calls for a report to be prepared by the 2nd Ordinary Council meeting in September, outlining a plan and timeframe to prioritise the development of a whole of Council approach, inclusive of asset management, to mitigating and responding to Climate Change, based on the criteria of preparation, response, adaptation and resilience

30 July 2019, Indigo Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 16,490

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P64 are here.

That Indigo Shire Council declares a Climate Emergency and in response:
1. Directs the CEO to;
– Develop a Notice of Motion declaring a Climate Emergency for presentation at the
next MAV and RCV State Council meetings.
– Prepare an Advocacy Plan to encourage the State and Federal Government to do
more to combat the effects of Climate Change;
– Develop a Climate Change Policy Action Plan in consultation with the Indigo Shire
Environmental Advisory Committee and the community, that will at a minimum
examine the merits and efficacy of;
— Convening a series of public meetings to address and educate our community
on the threat from Climate Change and develop a suite of ideas that they can
undertake to mitigate and prepare for the changing environment.
— Selling the Council owned Buller Gas operation to fund the Environment and
Sustainability Strategy Action Plan and the Climate Change Action Plan.
— Apply to the Essential Services Commission for a rate cap variation to fund
specific actions within the Environment and Sustainability Action Plan.
— Purchasing low productivity cleared land within the Indigo Shire to plant it out with trees to capture carbon or encouraging other organisations and land owners to do the same.
2. Requests the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee to critically examine
the likely Emergency Management effects of Climate Change in the Indigo Shire and report
back to Council on how best Council and the Community can prepare and plan in the long
term to mitigate the risks and adapt to the increased likelihood of extreme events.
3. Notes that there will be a global day of action on 20 September 2019 and requests that the CEO use Council’s communication resources to help publicise this event
Moved: Cr Goldsworthy
Seconded: Cr O’Connor

8 August 2019, Launceston City Council, Tasmania, Australia, population 67,449

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2025 carbon neutral target date

motion text

Minutes Item 14 are here.
Excerpt:
We are facing a rapidly warming climate, requiring urgent action by all levels of government. City of Launceston acknowledges this and joins many jurisdictions around Australia in declaring a climate emergency. In recognition of the climate emergency, need for carbon reduction and action to be taken, the City of Launceston resolves to:
1. Acknowledge the urgency created by climate change that requires immediate and collaborative action across all tiers of government;
2. Council resolve to write to all State and Federal parliamentarians whose offices lie within the City of Launceston boundaries, and to the Prime Minister, the federal Opposition Leader and the Tasmanian Premier, expressing its position on the climate emergency we are facing;
3. Immediately conduct an audit of all City of Launceston Operations to obtain current base line Greenhouse gas emission levels;
4. Complete the Council’s Sustainability Strategy by December 2019 for implementation commencing in 2020. The Strategy will need to address the following –
a. An implementation action plan for City of Launceston to strive towards achieving 100% neutrality of carbon emissions by 2025;
b. A renewable energy action plan for the City of Launceston to move towards 100% renewables as sources of energy by 2025; and
c. A plan for engaging and working with the community, business and not-for-profit sectors to reduce community emissions and move towards renewables.

12 August 2019, Wollongong City Council, NSW, Australia, population 216,071

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
28 October 2019: Local campaigners are pushing for Council to adopt a 2030 carbon neutral target date as a follow-on from Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration

motion text

Motion 19 in minutes is here.

RESOLVED on the motion of Councillor Martin seconded Councillor Cox that –
1 Council recognises we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government.
2 A report or briefing be provided that includes options to best articulate how Council’s actions to combat climate change can be explained and promoted to local residents, businesses, government agencies and other stakeholders.
3 The report or briefing above include, but not be limited to –
a Exploring the production of a ‘state of the environment’ type report that details actions Council is presently undertaking or has plans or budgets for, in climate change mitigation and environmental protection
b Updating Council’s progress in responding to obligations under the Global Covenant of Mayors
c Describing how residents businesses, government agencies and other agencies will be engaged within the Global Covenant of Mayors noting that the region’s heavy industries play an important ongoing role in the local economy and will play a key role in developing and meeting targets within the Covenant process.
d Investigating an annual public event to help promote a-c above.
e Identifying options to seek ideas, project opportunities and potential partnerships to reduce the impacts of climate change on our community.
f Investigating cost effective local power generation, water and energy saving initiatives, waste reduction strategies and projects (perhaps through the Joint Organisation of councils) as a response to obligations under the Global Covenant of Mayors.

13 August 2019, Lismore City Council, NSW, Australia, population 43,843

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 10.1 is here.

That Council:
1. Publicly declares the world is in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human-induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, other species, and the life-supporting capacity of air, water, soil and ecosystems; and that it is possible to prevent the most harmful outcomes if societies take sustained emergency action, including local councils, and
a. Notes the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
b. Notes the Federal government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing our carbon emissions;
c. Acknowledges that Lismore City Council LGA is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly floods, bushfires, drought, heatwaves and sea level rise, and notes that economic data for the 2017 floods was not collected but research by Roche et al. (2013) estimated that the total normalised economic cost of the previous 1954 floods in current dollars, throughout the Northern Rivers region would have been of the order of $7.5 billion. The 2017 Flood was marginally smaller than the 1954 flood but the magnitude of economic impact would have been significant;
d. Acknowledges that agriculture is one of the leading industries in Lismore, and that it is at risk from climate change;
e. Acknowledges that the Northern Rivers region is facing significant impacts from sea level rise.
2. Reaffirms commitment to its 100% Renewable Energy Target and continues to actively pursue opportunities to meet this target.
3. Calls for a briefing on how the current Community Strategic Plan (CSP) addresses the climate emergency.
4. Includes specific questions regarding Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness in the next CSP review and Community Satisfaction Survey in order to inform Council’s operational response.
5. Maintains strong partnerships with local Emergency Services and seeks funding opportunities to work with them to deliver disaster preparedness information and initiatives across the LGA.
6. Writes to the Member for Page, the Member for Lismore, the Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW, the Federal Environment Minister, and the NSW Environment Minister advising them of Council’s resolution and urging them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act to address the crisis.
7. Submits point 1 with sub points 1a and 1b above as a motion to the LGNSW Conference.

13 August 2019, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 165,822

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
17 October 2019: Seeking public input to develop their Climate Emergency Action Plan

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.

COUNCIL DECISION (via email from Council)
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council notes its 2014 commitment to carbon neutrality and:
A. Acknowledges that current levels of global warming and future warming already
committed constitute nothing less than a climate emergency for most life on this
planet, requiring an emergency response by all levels of government, including
local government;
B. Resolves to develop a Climate Emergency Action Plan to guide the climate
emergency response by Council, to be prepared by the Chief Executive Officer
within six months of the date of this resolution; and
C. Undertakes to work with the Mornington Peninsula community to raise awareness
of the climate emergency and support community action to mitigate greenhouse
gas emissions and build resilience.
2. The Morning Peninsula Shire Council calls upon the Australian State and Federal
Governments to:
A. Declare a climate emergency; and
B. Back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce
greenhouse gases and meet the lower target of the Paris Agreement to keep
global warming below 1.5 degrees.

19 August 2019, Port Lincoln City Council, SA, Australia, population 14,064

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P7 are here.

CO 19/148 Moved: Councillor Ritchie Seconded: Councillor Broadfoot
That Council:
1.Acknowledges the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (October 2018);
2.Recognises we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils;
3.Affirms a commitment to both mitigating against and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change within the Port Lincoln City Council;
4.As part of the strategic direction for Port Lincoln City Council commits to developing a Carbon Management Plan that includes a defined target of renewable energy (electricity) for the Port Lincoln City Council (as an Organisation) by a defined date as well as a series of staged targets over the intervening period; These actions could encompass:
• Energy planning and energy savings strategy
• Community solar initiatives,
• Waste reduction and waste management
• Long term climate change response planning, including a response strategy to anticipated sea level rise
• Re-vegetation and protection of biodiversity including planting of street trees
• LED Lighting transition
• Consider low or no emissions plant and equipment
5.Undertake a review of further actions that can be taken to manage and mitigate the risks associated with the climate emergency as part of strategic planning and embed further actions into ongoing planning and systems.
CARRIED

21 August 2019, Bass Coast Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 35,327

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P17 are here.

That Council:
1.Declares that climate change poses serious risks to Bass Coast and Australia and should be treated as an emergency
2.Notes that Bass Coast Shire is vulnerable to sea level rise and greater climate variability leading to more intense disaster events including storms, heat waves and bushfire and flooding
3.Notes that the effects of climate change extend beyond environmental impacts into, e.g., business, finance and health outcomes, and will impact species and population in a range of ways requiring a change to business as usual and an integrated response to managing the impacts of a changing climate
4.Directs the CEO to urgently commence the development of a Bass Coast Climate Change Action Plan 2020-30 with a view to ensuring Bass Coast can more effectively contribute to climate change mitigation and be more resilient and well adapted to the effects of a changing climate (climate change adaptation). It should inter alia:
a.Include a target of zero net emissions by 2030 for both (a) emissions attributable to Council’s own operations and (b) emissions attributable to the broader Bass Coast community;
b.Quantify what council can do to reach the target and project how and when Council will reach it
i.Quantify what the community can do toward reaching the target, including ongoing support for and building on the Totally Renewable Communities model currently being applied through Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI). TRPI is developing the pathway to and mapping the process toward achieving 100% renewable energy
c.Include engagement and communication strategies to ensure Council and the community are properly engaged with and advised of climate change risk and what action can be takend.Include an ongoing advocacy strategy seeking strong government action to address the threat of climate change and for appropriate adaptation measures
5.Directs the CEO to urgently review Councils governance arrangements and request the Audit Committee update their Charter to ensure that climate change governance is integral to review of Council’s activities
a.Build the capacity of staff around Climate Change Governance and Council’s role in addressing it
6.Notes that Bass Coast has made progress in reducing emissions through:
– The introduction of the Food Organics and Garden Organics waste collection that has increased diversion fromlandfill by 35% since its introduction
– Totally Renewable Phillip Island that is undertaking groundwork to support community energy projects, waste strategies, low emission vehicles and carbon insetting
– Has committed to purchase 30% of its electricity through a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with other Victorian councils and is investigating possible further PPAs and local Community energy projects
– The Council Plan commits to increasing vegetation cover by 1.5% a year and that Councilhas been a leader in developing the bio links program
7.Notes the BCSC support for the recently adopted resolution at the Australian Local Government Association National General Meeting calling on the federal government to declare a climate emergency and that BCSC moved a resolution calling on the Australian Government to support initiatives by councils to develop and implement coastal climate change adaptation plans, to improve the sustainability and resilience of coastal settlements vulnerable to increasing climate change risks

26 August 2019, Central Coast Council, NSW, Australia, population 342,047

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 8.2 is here.

1 That Council accepts that warming due to human release of greenhouse gasses (generally termed climate change) poses a clear and present danger to the local and global community.
2 That Council notes that climate change impacts are affecting people today and are projected to get much worse as time passes.
3 That Council understands that government decisions made today are directly impacting and will impact on the future health and well-being of residents on the Central Coast and elsewhere.
4 That Council acknowledges that declaring a climate emergency is meaningless without strong policy and the action to implement it and therefore,
5 That Council declare a climate emergency and request the CEO to prepare and submit a report to Council on the costs of providing sufficient resources and action to implement the following measures as a response to the declaration of a climate emergency:
a) Immediately implementing the Climate Change Policy (CCP) including urgent preparation of the plans required to reduce emissions and adapt to environmental changes and extreme events including a climate action plan.
b) Appoint a council reference group of suitably qualified selected experts to provide advice on the councils response to the climate change emergency.
c) Set measurable targets and times for achieving the climate action plan that are in line with the emergency regarding GHG emissions and for urgent preparation for extreme events.
d) Set council emissions reduction target (below 2017/18 levels) consistent with the pathway number 1 in the IPCC special report that follows 60% by 2022 and 85% by 2028. e)Include consideration of the threats from environmental change due to climate change (as set out in IPCC reports, CSIRO and BOM studies) into council plans and decision making processes.
f) Investigate opportunities and provide appropriate support for local industry that reduces emissions or increases community resilience to climate impacts.
g) Support employment opportunities that would encourage a just transition away from fossil fuels both on the Central Coast and elsewhere.
h) Commence advocating for the establishment of a just transition authority to be based on the Central Coast to oversee the transition of local workers in the power and mining industries into new employment positions that reflect their skills training and current remuneration levels for future employment.
i) Seek to develop the WEZ and other suitable employment lands on the Central Coast as job hubs for industries such as renewable energy, smart manufacturing, robotics, ICT and other associated sustainable industries.
6 That Coucil request the Chief Executive Officer write to the NSW Premier and the Prime Minister and relevant Energy and Environment Ministers declaring a climate emergency and calling on the State and Federal government to do so too.

27 August 2019, Surf Coast Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 32,251

Declared a Climate Emergency, with the Mayor’s casting vote getting it across the line
PROGRESS SO FAR:
28 November 2019: Endorsed its new Climate Emergency Response Plan

motion text

Motion text P83 in minutes can be downloaded here.

That Council:
1. Declares a Climate Emergency
2. Commits to develop a Climate Emergency Response Plan in partnership with the community
3. Receives a further report on how a Climate Emergency Response Plan will be developed
including any resources needed
4. Commits to setting corporate energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, waste, land use and biodiversity targets informed by the advice of the Renewable Energy Task Force and supported by an evidenced based analysis.
5. Confirms its commitment to use the One Planet Living Framework and Towards Environmental
Leadership Program to guide corporate responses to climate change
6. Notes the opportunity to consider climate change in future reviews of the Council Plan
(incorporating the Health and Wellbeing Plan)

27 August 2019, Northern Beaches Council, NSW, Australia, population 252,878

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
27 September 2019: Unveiled an action plan for the area to be carbon neutral by 2030. The plan includes thousands of trees, rooftop solar for thousands of homes, and tighter targets for waste and transport.

motion text

Minutes Item 15.4 are here.

That Council:
A.Thank the Environment Strategic Reference Group for their ongoing focus on climate change action and their support in developing the draft Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
B.Note that even with ambitious emissions reduction targets on the Northern Beaches, so much of what we need to achieve rests with other levels of government both within Australia and across the world.
C.Join over 900 jurisdictions worldwide, including 35 Australian councils, and declare that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires immediate action by all levels of government.
D.Brief Councillors within 3 months of what Council is doing currently and can do in future to accelerate action on climate change, including the action plans being developed under the Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
E.Noting the NSW State Government’s laudable target of net zero emissions by 2050, write to the NSW Environment Minister the Hon. Matt Kean and Premier the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian, as well as the relevant federal MPs and Prime Minister, to ask them to declare a Climate Emergency as a pathway to achieving this target.
F.Inform our local state and federal MPs of this resolution and request that they continue to advocate for strong climate action at state and federal government level, and set up meetings with them to immediately identify opportunities for partnership.

27 August 2019, Adelaide City Council, SA, Australia, population 24,794

Declared that climate change should be treated as a national emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
12 September 2019: Banned use of fake (plastic) turf on verges

motion text

Minutes are here.

19.Item 16 –Councillor Simms –Motion without Notice –Climate Change
[C]Moved by Councillor Simms, Seconded by Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Abiad)
-That Council:
1.Acknowledges the City of Adelaide’s (CoA) long-standing commitment to managing and reducing the greenhousegas emissions of the CoA and the community.
2.Requests that the CoA consider and address climate change risks in its own operations and service delivery; witha report on progress and implementation to be provided to the City of Adelaide Audit Committee for its review andassurance to Council.
3.Declares that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of Adelaide, and it should be treated as a nationalemergency.
4.Requests that the Lord Mayor advocates to other tiers of government through the Capital City Committee and theCouncil of Capital City Lord Mayors that urgent action is taken to understand, disclose and manage risks related to Climate Change.
Division For (9):Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Abiad) and Councillors Abrahimzadeh, Couros, Donovan, Hou, Hyde, Martin, Moran and Simms. Against (1):Councillor Khera.

28 August 2019, Bega Valley Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 34,348

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR
4 November 2019: Draft Climate Resilience Strategy opened for public consultation

motion text

Minutes Item 102/19 are here.

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Griff and Seckold
1. That Council’s Climate Resilience Strategy recognise the climate emergency, through the strength, scope and immediacy of initiatives for Council and the community to combat climate change, ensuring the continued economic and social viability of agricultural and transport sectors in the Bega Valley.
2. That Council requires reports on relevant strategies, plans or initiatives to include assessment of potential climate change impacts.

28 August 2019, Swan City Council, WA, Australia, population 155,653

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.

RESOLVED (12/3):
1) The City of Swan lobby State and Federal Government to recognise that a climate change emergency exists and action is required by all levels of government.
For: Crs Bailey, Catalano, Elliott, Johnson, Jones, Kiely, Kovalevs, Lucas, McCullough, McDonnell, Scanlan and Zannino
Against: Crs Haynes, Henderson and McNamara

27 August 2019, Canterbury Bankstown City Council, NSW, Australia, population 346,302

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P13 are here.

RESOLVED that Council
1. Writes to the Federal and State Members for Canterbury-Bankstown, the NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean, the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and the Federal Environment Minister Susan Ley, and urge them to:
a. Acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis
b. Step up and put measures in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
2. In acknowledging that there is a climate emergency supports the planned Climate Strike in Sydney CBD on 20 September 2019, and encourages people to attend.
– CARRIED

9 September 2019, Woollahra Municipal Council, NSW, Australia, population 58,964

Declared a Climate Emergency.

motion text

Minutes of amended motion are here.

THAT Council:
A.Publicly acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies take emergency action, including local councils;
C.Notes the impacts of climate change upon Woollahra as a coastal council and Council’s good record in reducing emissions and responding to climate change impacts;
D.Requests staff prepare a report examining:
i)how Council plans, policies and works programs can address the climate emergency, including measures to ensure this focus is embedded in future Council strategic plans;
ii)review the annual budget key performance indicators and policies over the course of the next twelve months to focus Council expenditure and revenue on addressing the climate emergency;
iii)how staff can amend the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement to indicate Council’s high priority focus on addressing the climate emergency;
iv)examine the inclusion of references to the climate emergency in the CEO’s performance agreement andCouncil adjust his key performance indicators accordingly; and
v)the promotion of Council record on climate action.
E.Requests the Mayor to write to the NSW Environment Minister and the Federal Environment Minister, and the Members for Wentworth, Sydney and Vaucluse, advising them of Council’s resolution and urging them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis.

10 September 2019, Yarra Ranges Council, Victoria, Australia, population 158,173

Recognised that we are in a state of global climate emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

MOTION
Further to Council’s endorsed motion of June 25, 2019; being:
“That Council
a. Note recent reports from the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO and IPCC highlighting the risks that climate change poses to the health and prosperity of our communities.
b. Seek a report from the Director Environment & Engineering to councillors that includes a comprehensive evaluation of the current Adapting to a Changing Climate and Energy Future plan; and outlines a range of actions Council could take, as an organisation and in partnership with the community, that would be consistent with global efforts to limit warming to below 1.5 degrees and adapt to the likely impacts of climate change.”

Council acknowledges that this report will proceed as planned and be incorporated into a Climate Emergency Framework that:
1. delivers an approach for all council staff to have consideration, in all their actions and decisions, for significantly reducing carbon emissions and adapting to a changing climate;
2. delivers an approach for council staff to engage with the community to encourage them to consider significantly reducing carbon emissions and adapting to a changing climate;
such that this promotes an awareness of the urgency needed to reach the goals set in the report, when endorsed by council, with a plan that treats the approach as a pending emergency, thereby establishing the Climate Emergency Framework.
Council recognises that we are in a state of global climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.

16 September 2019, Cardinia Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 107,120

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 16 are here.

Moved Cr M Schilling Seconded Cr C Ryan
That Council resolves to:
– Note that the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council (May 2019) and the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly (June 2019) have both declared a climate emergency;
– Declare a climate emergency, in response to the overwhelming climate science which indicates rising global temperatures are putting our local economy, people, species, and ecosystems at risk.
– Give priority to policy and actions that will provide for both mitigation and adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change.
– Ensure climate change adaptation and mitigation are emphasised as a key priority in the 2021-2025 council plan.
– Investigate the financial viability of divestment within council financing, with the aim to move away from financial institutions, which fund the fossil fuel industry.
– Fund a climate change action plan in the 2020-2021 budget cycle, with a focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
– Investigate the cost effectiveness in purchasing “green energy”.
– Acknowledge the work Cardinia Shire Council has already done in the move to a zero carbon operational target, with a planned 36% reduction in community emissions.

16 September 2019, Lane Cove Council, NSW, Australia, population 39,486

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Items 165-168 are here.

1. That Council:-
a) Declare its support and join over 900 jurisdictions worldwide, including 45 Australian councils, to recognise that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires immediate action by all levels of government;
b) Acknowledge that climate change poses a threat to the future of our cities, including the Lane Cove Local Government Area;
c) Declare its readiness to assist the State Government’s objective of net-zero emissions by 2050 and its support for creating measurable policies and programs by the Government in its role of reducing carbon emissions and adapting to climate change in NSW; and
d) Write to the Premier of NSW, our Local and Federal members, the NSW Environmental Minister and the Federal Environmental Minister, advising them of Council’s resolution and calling upon them to act accordingly and urgently.
2. A report come back to Council in November 2019 on the review currently being conducted by a Sustainability Consultancy to establish a carbon and water use baseline per capita/dwelling and aspirational targets for both community and corporate (Council) emissions and water use;
3. The General Manager conduct a review of Council’s Sustainability Action Plan by March 2020 that:-
a) incorporates the targets established by the baseline report as outlined above;
b) Creates an Emissions Reduction Pathway strategy as part of the Sustainability Action Plan; and
c) Overall focuses on increasing climate change resilience in our LGA.
4. The General Manager Identify funding sources, if necessary, beyond Council’s Sustainability Levy in the next budget cycle and/or by State Government funding; and
5. Engage, collaborate and educate the local community on ways to become more sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint of residential dwellings and businesses, including expanding the Environmental Sustainability Library and Resources in the Library.

17 September 2019, Canada Bay City Council, NSW, Australia, population 95,159

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

1.THAT Council recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils and that by taking urgent action it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes.
2.THAT Building on actions in Council’s Strategic and Operational Plans, and its 2014 Greenhouse Action Plan, Council programs will continue to initiate and promote actions to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions, and implement climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
3.THAT Council staff prepare a report on updated targets for reduction in consumption of electricity, natural gas, water, vehicle fuel, paper and waste in Council operations, with details of current and possible Council programs in those areas generating greenhouse gas emissions.
4.THAT Council staff provide a briefing on possible programs related to emissions reductions or other climate-related areas targeted at the community in the Canada Bay Local Government Area.
5.THAT Council calls on state and federal governments to contribute additional funding to support local government programs dealing with climate change, and to accelerate action at state and federal levels to reduce all types of emissions

17 September 2019, Hepburn Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 15,330

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 12.6 are here.

That Council:
12.6.1. Acknowledges that the effects of climate change pose a significant threat to our planet, and recognises that actions to mitigate this impact are a global responsibility of all governments and its peoples.
12.6.2. Has, in recognition of the effects climate change pose to our planet, supported the successful 2017 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) resolution: That the MAV recognises that:
a) we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils;
b) human induced climate change stands in the first rank of threats to humans, civilisation and other species;
c) it is still possible to restore a safe climate and prevent most of the anticipated long-term climate impacts – but only if societies across the world adopt an emergency mode of action that can enable the restructuring of the physical economy at the necessary scale and speed;
d) the MAV has a particular role in assisting local governments in this regard.
12.6.3. Has, in recognition of the effects climate change pose to our planet, supported the successful 2019 Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) resolution: That the MAV advocate to the State and Federal Governments to:
a) acknowledge we are in a state of climate emergency;
b) as a matter of priority, increase funding and support for climate change adaptation and mitigation research and action, including by providing greater funding to the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO) research.
12.6.4. Acknowledges that there is a climate emergency that requires urgent action from all levels of government, including local councils;
12.6.5. Acknowledges that the risks posed by the effects of climate change at a local level require a whole-of-council response – as reflected in core council services including public health, emergency management, community services, recreation facilities, economic development, infrastructure, and planning, and;
12.6.6. Commits to bi-annual reporting to community on local actions and projects which are delivering upon climate change mitigation, while ensuring that the level of activity remains consistent with the importance of the climate emergency;
12.6.7. Formally registers this declaration with the Council Action in the Climate Emergency movement.
Moved:Cr Kate Redwood AM
Seconded:Cr John Cottrell

17 September 2019, Denmark Shire Council, Western Australia, Australia, population 5,845

Declared a Climate Emergency.

motion text

Minutes can be bowdloaded here.
Motion:

That Council;
1. Acknowledge the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
2. Acknowledge that the Shire of Denmark is likely to be substantially affected by climate-change impacts, including but not limited to; sea level rise, heat waves, bush fires, climate migrants and refugees, rainfall decline, drought and floods;
3. Acknowledge and endorse the WALGA Policy Statement on Climate Change which says:
Local Government acknowledges:
I. The science is clear: climate change is occurring and greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the dominant cause.
II. Climate change threatens human societies and the Earth’s ecosystems.
III. Urgent action is required to reduce emissions, and to adapt to the impacts from climate change that are now unavoidable.
IV. A failure to adequately address this climate change emergency places an unacceptable burden on future generations. Local Government is committed to addressing climate change.
Local Government is calling for:
I. Strong climate change action, leadership and coordination at all levels of government.
II. Effective and adequately funded Commonwealth and State Government climate change policies and programs.
4. Declare that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils;
5. Call upon the State and Federal Governments to:
a. Acknowledge that there is a climate emergency, and
b. Back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the lower of the Paris Agreement targets at +1.5°C;
6. Request the Sustainability Working Group to incorporate a detailed response to climate change into its Sustainability Strategy and associated action plan as a matter of priority, including the establishment of organisational greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, with the aim of providing recommendations to council within 12 months;
7. In the interim, adopt, in line with The Paris Agreement and the recommendations of the Australian Government’s Climate Change Authority, the following Greenhouse Gas reduction targets:
a. A 50% reduction on current Shire of Denmark GHG emissions by 2030; and
Ordinary Meeting of Council 17 September 2019
b. The achievement of net zero GHG emissions from all Shire of Denmark operations and activities by 2050.
CARRIED: 7/1

18 September 2019, Port Phillip City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 108,558

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

That Council:
1. Declares that climate change, including sea level rise and mass species extinction, poses serious risks to the people of Port Phillip and Australia, and should be treated as an emergency.
2. Updates all relevant Council strategies and policies to incorporate and embed this declaration.
3. Requests that the CEO takes into account the impact of the climate emergency as part of organisational decision-making and planning.
4. Notes the City of Port Phillip’s commitment to the following strategies: Move, Connect Live (Integrated Transport) Strategy 2018-28, Don’t Waste It (Waste) Strategy 2018-28 and Act and Adapt (Environmental Sustainability) Strategy 2018-28.
5. Notes that the City of Port Phillip, through its Act and Adapt Strategy, has a focus on reducing emissions, reducing contamination of land and water, restoring biodiversity, and adaptation to Climate Change including reduction of heat island effect and other health issues related to a warming climate.
6. Notes the City of Port Phillip’s membership of the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, as well as its commitment to generation of renewable energy through solar on council assets.
7. Requests that regular reporting on organisation-wide response to the climate emergency be included as a permanent item in the CEO report.
8. Advocates to the State and Federal Government and Parliaments to declare a climate emergency and take action to drastically reduce warming emissions in Australia and across the world.

19 September 2019, Tweed Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 96,766

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P8 are here.

Cr K MilneCr C Cherry
RESOLVED that Council:
1.Declares that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
2.Notes that on 14 August 2019 Council’s Youth Advisory Committee proposed that Youth Council, as a group, recommend that Council declare a ‘Climate Crisis’. As this proposal was made during an informal session of the meeting such a recommendation could not be made. All members of the committee asked that this be noted with consideration being given to presenting at a future Community Access meeting.
3.Notes that our young people have the most at stake as they are the ones that will face the worst impacts of climate change if this is not addressed rapidly and effectively.
4.Supports the Schools Strike for Climate on the 20th September that is calling on adults to join them in the strike, and notes Council staff where practical are able to use leave entitlements if they wish to attend.Council encourages striking children to do so after seeking permission from their parents/guardians.
5.Notes that 45 other Australian Local Councils have declared a Climate Emergency, along with 987 government bodies around the world.
6.Notes Tweed’s 2017 Flood was the largest on record, and the two recent major fires that have burnt hundreds of hectares of Tweed’s bushland.
7.Notes last year’s IPCC report that global emissions of carbon dioxide must peak by 2020 and reduce by 45% by 2030 to keep the planet below 1.5°C increase.
8.Notes that even at 1.5°C increase there will be significant climate disruptions including the Great Barrier Reef predicted to lose 90% of its coral and the outlook for the reef now classified as very poor.
9.Notes the recent advice by Sir David Attenborough on Climate Change that “We cannot be radicalenough in dealing with the issues that face us at the moment”.
10.Notes the numerous positive steps available to address this Climate Emergency if public and political will is mobilised.
11.Notes that the fastest and second fastest growing jobs in America are solar technicians (300,000 solar jobs) followed by wind power technicians, with the coal industry providing only 50,000 jobs.
12.Notes its commitment to reporting on and reducing emissions through the Global Climate Change Compact and the CitiesPower Partnership.
13.Notes its Renewable Energy Action Plan target of 25% renewable energy by 2022 and 50% by 2025, and Council’s zero waste target is a great start but does not account for all Council’s emissions such as transport, buildings and infrastructure emission.
14.Brings back a report on actions Council is currently undertaking to address climate change and further steps that can be taken to reduce emissions to levels at least consistent with IPCC targets, and provides this report to the Youth Council for their input.
15.Includes advice in all reports to Council meetings on the implications for sustainability from the staff recommendations.
16.Requests the Mayor to write to the NSW State and Federal Governments and local Members of parliament requesting them to declare a climate emergency and prioritise actions to address this emergency.
17.Through the Mayor encourages neighbouring Local Government Areas to join with us in declaring a climate emergency.The Motion wasCarried

24 September 2019, Burnside City Council, SA, Australia, population 43,911

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P4 arehere.

Motion:
I, Councillor Huebl, do hereby give notice of my intention to move the following motion, at the next ordinary meeting of Council for the City of Burnside.
1. That Council acknowledge the work being done to both mitigate and adapt to, Climate Change within the City of Burnside through initiatives within the ‘Climate Change – Actions for Adaptation and Mitigation’ Report.
2. That Council recognise the need to give climate mitigation and adaptation a greater emphasis in decisions and operations.
3. That Council declares that climate change poses a significant risk to both the quality of life of residents within the City of Burnside and its natural and built environments.
4. Declare that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government in Australia, including Local Government and the City of Burnside to both slow down changes in climate and for communities to adapt to it. Therefore, Council instructs administration to
4.1 ensure climate change is a key priority within the development of Council’s strategic plan (currently in development);
4.2 develop a climate change policy; and 4.3monitor and provide an annual report to Council on performance in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
5. Instructs the Mayor to write to the Australian Prime Minister, the South Australian Premier, State and Federal MPs whose electorates contain or adjoin the City of Burnside, and the CEOs and Mayors of all South Australian Councils, providing a copy of this resolution and calling upon them to act urgently to address climate change and its impacts.

25 September 2019, Parliament Of South Australia Upper House, Australia, population 1,677,000

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Motion text is here.

That this council—
1. Recognises that global average temperature, atmospheric greenhouse gases and ocean acidity are already at dangerous levels;
2. Notes that around the world, climate change impacts are already causing loss of life and destroying vital ecosystems;
3. Declares that we are facing a climate emergency; and
4. Commits to restoring a safe climate by transforming the economy to zero net emissions.

25 September 2019, Broken Hill City Council, NSW, Australia, population 17,734

Declared a Climate Emergency on 25 September 2019

motion text

Minutes are here.
Excerpt:

1. That Mayoral Minute No. 4/19 dated September 10, 2019, be received.
2. That Council recognises that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of
Broken Hill and it should be treated as a national emergency.
3. That Council seek to prioritise a climate emergency response as part of the current
review being undertaken around the Community Strategic Plan.

25 September 2019, Augusta-Margaret River Shire Council, WA, Australia, population 14,258

Declared a Climate Emergency
PROGRESS SO FAR:
24 December 2019: seeking community feedback on ambitious new climate action plan

motion text

Minutes are here.

CR TOWNSHEND, CR LANE OM2019/191
That Council:
1. Declares a climate emergency and the Shire President to convey this message to our State and Federal government leaders, and lobby for those governments to take a stronger position on environmental issues contributing to climate change;
2. Acts urgently on the environmental issues which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions;
3. Continues to work on measures to adapt to climate change throughout the Shire district; and
4. Considers an allocation (potentially to a community group) in the mid-year budget review to:
a) facilitate and enable engagement with key stakeholders in the community; and
b) determine appropriate goals and method of measuring the improvements in environmental issues which are contributing to climate change.

26 September 2019, Glen Innes Severn Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 8,836

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

Moved Cr C Sparks3.09/19 RESOLUTION
1.That Council declares a climate emergency and commits to a more sustainable future for our community.
2.That Council’s General Manager be requested to convene a workshop of Councillors and Senior Staff with a view to examining what a climate emergency means in the context of Glen Innes Severn and from there develop a Climate Emergency Plan for the Glen Innes Severn Council area.

7 October 2019, Warrnambool City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 34,862

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 6.1 are here.

That the Warrnambool City Council:
1.Recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government ,including local council;
2.Notes the link between this motion and strategies in our Council’s W2040 and Green plan
3.Notes the successful motion to the Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) May 2017 to recognise that we are in a state of “climate emergency” that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local councils;
4.Acknowledges that our region will be further affected this climate emergency, including extreme weather events, bushfires and sea level rise;
5.Writes to the State Premier and Prime Minister including information to do with Warrnambool City Council’s climate action record to date, urging them and their Governments to;
(a)declare a climate emergency and
(b)back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet or exceed the Paris Agreement targets and facilitate urgent action on coastal management and climate change adaptation.
CARRIED – 6:1
Crs. Owen, Gaston, Herbert, Cassidy, Anderson & Neoh voting for the motion.

7 October 2019, Banyule City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 130,237

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

That Council;
1. Declare that we are in a climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of
government, including local councils.
2. Is proud to join with the Climate Emergency movement and will continue to act to
ensure a safe and sustainable world now, and in the future.
3. Endorse the draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan with inclusion of recognition of a
climate emergency for a four week public consultation period through Shaping Banyule.
4. Consider any future budget implications when receiving the final Corporate Emission
Reduction Plan for endorsement.
Moved: Cr Tom Melican
Seconded: Cr Peter Castaldo

8 October 2019, Moonee Valley City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 127,883

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.

1. Acknowledge the Environment Portfolio Advisory Committee’s recommendation to Council to declare and acknowledge the climate emergency on the terms set out below;
2. Declare and acknowledge the climate emergency and, in doing so:
a. Acknowledge the achievements of the Council in addressing issues related to climate change to date;
b. Agree that the implementation of MV2040 specifically the Green Action Plan will form the basis of Council’s response to the climate emergency;
c. Note that Council’s MV2040 vision statement includes that “Our neighbourhoods are beautiful, sustainable and hold strong community connections which enable citizens and the environment to be healthy and resilient”;
d. Note this declaration will enable Council to publicly demonstrate the leadership position that its past, current and future strategic work has delivered and will deliver and to advocate to its community and other levels of government for a coordinated response to the issue of climate change.
3. That Council investigate the printing and distribution of information stickers on residents rubbish bins similar to Bass shire.

8 October 2019, Port Adelaide Enfield City Council, South Australia, Australia, population 121,230

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 14.2 is here.

Council resolves that, given the growing momentum for all spheres of government to declare a Climate Emergency, coupled with Council’s existing commitments to climate change action:
a) Recognises we are facing a climate crisis that requires action by all levels of government, including by local councils;
b) Administration present a report to the 12 November 2019 Council Meeting that highlights what PAE Council is currently undertaking to respond to climate change through adaptation and emissions reduction initiatives, including but not limited to an update on the Adapt West regional climate change program
c) Provide an update on the Climate Emergency Declarations that have been made by other councils and governments

8 October 2019, Hobsons Bay City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 96,470 

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Decision Item 8.4.1 is here.

That Council:
1. That council notes that council declares a climate emergency and is accelerating a
range of actions in response.
2. Continues to actively implement climate change actions in adaptation and
mitigation through the Climate Change Policy and fast tracking emissions
reduction programs.
3. Notes the opportunity to consider climate change in the next review of the council plan incorporating the community health and well-being plan,
4. Continues to advocate to all levels of government to urgently introduce
effective policy, legislation, funding and action to address climate change.
5. Writes to the lead petitioner advising of the outcome.

8 October 2019, Holdfast Bay City Council, SA, Australia, population 38,653

Declared a Climate Emergency – second attempt after a failed motion a few months previously

motion text

Minutes Item 11.1 here.
Councillor Chabrel proposed the following motion:

1. That Council recognises the World is in a state of climate emergency and that all levels of Government have a responsibility to act.
2. That the development of the Environmental Strategy initiative of the 2019‐20 Business Plan, include the goal for the City of Holdfast Bay to progressively embed becoming a Carbon Neutral, Sustainable City, enshrining “Environmental Responsibility” (as defined in the attached background), by 2030, including the financial and resource implications.
3. That the draft Environmental Strategy be provided to Council for its consideration by February 2020.
Moved Councillor Chabrel, Seconded Councillor Abley
Carried

14 October 2019, Murray Bridge Council, SA, Australia, population 20,858

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P508 are here.

Recommendation
1.That item number 163.1 on Council agenda of 14 October 2019 be received.
2.That Council declare a Climate Emergency
3.That Council note that Administration will prepare a Climate Emergency Plan for consideration and adoption by Council.

15 October 2019, Local Government NSW peak body

Passed a motion to ask the NSW state government to declare a Climate Emergency.

17 October 2019, Willoughby City Council, NSW, Australia, population 80,339

Declared a Climate Emergency at second attempt (an earlier CED motion on 13 May failed)

motion text

Minutes Item 16.1 can be downloaded here.

That Council:
1. Note that the Our Green City Plan 2028 adopted on 24 June 2019 accords with
the Paris Agreement.
2. Note Council’s annual investment of $5,650,000 in 2019/20 from the e.restore
levy, amongst other budget allocations, to environmental programs and works.
3. Acknowledge the threat climate change poses.
4. Endorse the immediate and longer term actions identified in the Our Green City
Plan 2028.
5. Join jurisdictions worldwide and councils across Australia in recognising and
declaring that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires immediate
action by all levels of government;
6. Write to the Prime Minister, Premier of NSW and relevant State and Federal
Ministers providing a copy of this resolution and calling upon them to act
urgently to address climate change and its impacts.

22 October 2019, Mitcham Council, SA, Australia, population 66,834

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 13.1 are here.

1. That Council recognises that climate change poses a significant risk to both the quality of life of residents within the City of Mitcham and its natural and built environments.
2. That Council acknowledges the work already being done to both mitigate, and adapt to, Climate Change within the City of Mitcham. However, Council recognises the need to give climate mitigation and adaptation still more emphasis in its decisions and operations.
3. That Council declares there is currently a climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government in Australia (including Local Government) to both slow down changes in climate and to assist communities to better adapt to the changes already occurring.
4. That the Mayor write to the Australian Prime Minister and Federal Opposition Leader, the South Australian Premier and South Australian Opposition Leader, and to all Federal and State MPs whose electorates contain the City of Mitcham, providing a copy of this resolution and calling upon them to act urgently to effectively address climate change and its impacts.

22 October 2019, Moyne Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 16,495

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

Cr Lockett moved, Cr Parker seconded that Moyne Shire Council:
1. Recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, Local, State and Federal
2. Acknowledges that our region is likely to be further affected by climate impacts, including extreme weather events, coastal erosion and sea level rise
3. Council requests that the CEO and or council officers bring back a report to council to examine how council plans, policies and works programs can address the climate emergency, and ensure that climate / environmental considerations are embedded into future council strategic plans.
This should include but not be limited to:
a) Councils procurement policies,
b) Council fleet management (possibility of electric cars),
c) Councils use of plastic,
d) Council’s use of catering at events,
e) Use of renewable energy where possible
f) Review current environmental grants
g) Explore State & Federal opportunities for climate adaptation funding e.g Water security and fodder storage
h) Increase carbon offset tree-planting funding
i) Assist ratepayers with access to federal and state funding opportunities for renewable initiatives
4. Writes to the State Premier and Prime Minister and urge them and their Governments to:
a) Declare a climate emergency and
b) Introduce legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet or exceed the Paris Agreement targets and facilitate action on coastal management and climate change adaptation.

23 October 2019, Armidale Regional Council, NSW, Australia, population 30,707

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 8.2 are here.

a) That Council acknowledge our local and global communities are facing a climate
emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human-induced
climate change represents a great threat to humanity, civilisation and other species; and
that, to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes, societies including local councils, need
to take urgent action.
b) That Council therefore declares that we are in a ‘Climate Emergency’.
c) That a report be prepared by February 2020, with input from a working group of the
Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee and the community, on current
initiatives and additional future actions that can be undertaken in the short, medium and
long term to:
1. Reduce greenhouse emissions aiming, by 2030, for no additional contribution from
our region to the global temperature rise
2. Adapt to current and anticipated climate change impacts
3. Reduce atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, e.g. Sequester and store
carbon in trees and soils.
d) That Council encourages other local governments (that have not already done so) to take
similar action to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect our climate.
e) That Council lobbies State and Federal Governments for urgent action to reduce
greenhouse emissions and protect our climate.

23 October 2019, MidCoast Council, NSW, Australia, population 90,303

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here (Item 4).

That Council:
1. Notes progress in developing a risk based Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.
2. Recognises that we are in a state of climate crisis that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local governments, and declares a climate emergency.
3. Engages with the community in the development of this climate action work; and
4. Calls on the state and federal governments to declare a climate emergency and in a bipartisan manner, make clear, effective and unambiguous steps to avert a climate crisis in NSW and Australia.

28 October 2019, Salisbury City Council, SA, Australia, population 142,555

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 7.5 are here.

Moved Cr C Buchanan
Seconded Cr A Duncan
That the City of Salisbury:
1. declare a climate change emergency;
2. call on State and Federal Governments to also formally declare a climate change emergency;
3. after Council adopts a sustainability strategy incorporating an energy plan, Council lobby other Councils, and the State and Federal Governments to prioritise the development of climate change policies for action to mitigate against and adapt to the effects of climate change; and
4. requests the administration to include in the sustainability strategy report that brings together and informs Council of all its current initiatives that mitigate and assist our community to adapt to the effects of climate change.

4 November 2019, Mount Barker District Council, SA, Australia, population 33,397

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 8.1 are here. Motion passed 9:1 without amendment.

I move that Council:
1.Recognise that we are in a state of climate emergency, requiring urgent action from all levels of government, including local government.
2.Commit to both mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change through prioritised implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan and Environment Plan.
3.Write to the Prime Minister, Premier of SA, state and federal MPs representing residents of Mount Barker District and CEOs and Mayors of all SA councils, informing of the Council’s resolution which recognises that we are in a state of climate emergency and that the many contributing factors to climate change requires urgent action from all levels of government, including local government.
4.Continue to support the Mayor’s role on the Premier’s Climate Change Council and the continuing importance of promoting the role of Local Government in doing its part to address the causes and impacts of climate change.
Councillor Ian Grosser

5 November 2019, Campbelltown City Council, SA, Australia, population 51,469

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 9.6 is here.

Cr Casciano moved and Cr Irvine seconded that Council notes the October 2018 Special Report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and:
1. acknowledges that the City is facing a climate emergency and that urgent action is required by all levels of Government
2. acknowledges all of the programs, projects and work already being undertaken by the Council and Community aimed at addressing climate change
3. acknowledges that Campbelltown City Council already faces and will continue to face the growing impacts of climate change
4. adopt climate change as a key priority as part of Council’s Strategic Plan and periodically report on progress against the defined actions
5. develop a Climate Change Policy to guide all future decisions of Council to ensure that we do our part to mitigate the effects of climate change
6. the Mayor writes to the local Federal, local State Members and the Eastern Region Alliance Councils’ Mayors seeking a collaborative effort to address climate change
7. that Council pursue funding opportunities and that work continues with Eastern Region Alliance Councils to manage the regional issues.
Carried

12 November 2019, Mosman Council, NSW, Australia, population 30,877

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 12 are here.

Motion Sherlock/Corrigan
That Council:
1. Declare that climate change poses a serious risk to the people of Mosman and Australia, and it should be treated as a national emergency.
2. Join with and support the call of other councils and the LGNSW on the State and Federal Governments to respond to this emergency by taking urgent action to (at least) meet the emissions reduction targets contained in the Paris Agreement.
3. Report to the December Council meeting on the climate actions that Mosman has taken already, and the best options for Mosman to further reduce emissions and prepare for the expected impacts of climate change.
4. Request the General Manager to note this emergency declaration and work with Council to ensure that MOSPLAN addresses the community’s desire for effective climate action.

18 November 2019, Frankston City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 141,845

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 14.1 are here.

1. That Frankston Council:
a. Acknowledges that current levels of global warming and future warming
already committed constitute nothing less than a climate emergency for most
life on this planet, requiring an emergency response by all levels of
government, including local government;
b. Resolves to review and update Council’s Climate Change Impact and
Adaption Plan (2011) to guide the climate emergency response by Council, to
be prepared by the Chief Executive Officer within 12 months of the date of this
resolution; and
c. Undertakes to work with the Frankston community to raise awareness of the
climate emergency and support community action to mitigate greenhouse gas
emissions and build resilience.
2. Council calls upon the Australian State and Federal Governments to:
a. Declare a climate emergency; and
b. Back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce
greenhouse gases and meet the lower target of the Paris Agreement to keep
global warming below 1.5 degrees.

19 November 2019, East Fremantle Town Council, WA, Australia, population 7,376

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P48 are here.

COUNCIL RESOLUTION 141119
Moved Mayor O’Neill, seconded Cr Natale
The Council;
1.recognises the climate emergencyand supports WALGA’s request for all levels of Government to work in partnership in an attempt to address this matter.
2.adopts more strategies to play its role in trying to minimise our impact on climate change.
(CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY)

28 November 2019, Ballina Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 44,208

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P17 are here.

(Cr Jeff Johnson/Cr Eoin Johnston)
1. That Council declares we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government.
2. That Council notes that at least 71 Local Government areas in Australia have already declared a ‘Climate Emergency’.
3. That Council acknowledges Ballina Shire is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly sea level rise, bushfires, drought and floods.
4. That Council calls upon the State and Federal Governments to declare a climate emergency, and to back this up with legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the lower of the Paris Agreements or a maximum 1.5 degree warming.
5. That Council writes to all NSW and Federal Government MP’s advising them of Council’s resolution and urging them to acknowledge a climate emergency and to act with urgency to address the crisis.
6. That Council receives a report on potential impacts on Ballina Shire and adaptations that could be considered.
7. That Council notes that a recent Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and CSIRO report, State of the Climate states that ‘Australia’s climate has warmed by just over 1 degree C since 1910.

9 December 2019, Charles Sturt City Council, SA, Australia, population 111,759

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 7 are here.

1.That Council acknowledges that even medium projections in the Adapt West Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan will impact our community and Council’s ability to provide services.
2.Declares that climate change poses a significant risk to the residents of the City of Charles Sturt, a well as our natural and built environments, and should be regarded as an emergency.
3.Recognises that Council needs to take urgent action to mitigate and adapt to climate change and, where relevant its policies, planning and decisions should consider the impacts of climate change.
4.Writes to State and Federal MPs located in the City of Charles Sturt to advise them of our declaration and request they also support a declaration in state and federal parliaments.
Moved Councillo rCampbell, Seconded Councillor Hibeljic

10 December 2019, Waverley Council, NSW, Australia, population 74,114

Declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency

motion text

Minutes P20 are here.

MOTION/ UNANIMOUS DECISION Mover:Cr Copeland Seconder:Cr Masselos
That Council:
1.Declares that we are in a state of climate and biodiversity emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, that human induced climate change and biodiversity loss represents existential threats to human civilisation, other species and the life-supporting capacity of air, water, soil, and ecosystems, and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic economic, social and environmental impacts if, and only if, societies take Emergency Action.
2.Calls on the Federal Government, State Governments and all Australian Councils to declare a state of climate and biodiversity emergency to show solidarity with over 900 governments worldwide, including the United Kingdom, the Australian Capital Territory and over 30 Australian councils that have declared a climate emergency.
3.Calls on the Federal Government to put a direct price on carbon emissions and implement the just transition from coal mines, liquid natural gas and coal seam gas to renewable energy, and notes the Federal Government’s latest (2018) emissions data show we are increasing, not reducing, our carbon emissions.
4.Calls on the NSW Government to take immediate steps to amend the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and relevant State Environmental Planning Policies, to ensure that all new development is required to meet the highest environmental standards, and funding sources are made available to local government to address the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss.
5.Recognises that First Nation traditional owners are the caretakers of land, water and sky (air) with a spiritual, social, cultural and economic relationship with their traditional lands, water and sky, and that this custodianship extends to looking after biodiversity and its related climate.
6.Provides a report to inform the Waverley community what Council is doing/has done in our local government area to address the climate and biodiversity emergency in the following areas, including but not limited to: water, biodiversity, renewable energy, carbon emissions (reduction from building design and construction).
7.Informs the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Minister for the Environment, NSW Premier, NSW Deputy Premier, NSW Minister for the Environment, their shadows, and Local Government NSW that Waverley Council has declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.

10 December 2019, Mundaring Shire Council, WA, Australia, population 38,157

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Draft minutes P37 are here.

Moved by Cr Collins Seconded by Cr Driver
That Council:
1. Declares a Climate Emergency in the Shire of Mundaring to address the serious and worsening risks for our district and the need for urgent action;
2. Acknowledges that the Shire of Mundaring is already a leader in Environmental Management in Local Government with actions undertaken, underway and planned within the Shire’sLocal Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2012 -2022,Environmental Management Plan 2012-2022andEnergy and Emission Reduction Plan 2019;and
3. Writes to the Department of Premier and Cabinet and to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to request their urgent efforts to rapidly reduce emissions from all sources; increase resources for firefighting; and provide support for adaptation within the local government sector.
CARRIED 7/4
For:Cr Daw, Cr Driver, Cr Jeans, Cr Martin, Cr Green, Cr Russell and Cr Collins
Against:Cr Burbidge, Cr Lavell, Cr Corica and Cr Cuthbert

16 December 2019, Alexandrina Council, SA, Australia, population 25,873

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency. Council announcement is here.

motion text

Minutes item 5.1 are here.

Moved by Rebbeck:
1.Declares that we are in a state of climate emergency and acknowledges that unless all levels of government take action and lead their communities to restore a safe climate, there will be further dramatic and negative impacts on our community and globally.
2.Notes that it is still possible to restore a safe climate and prevent most of the anticipated long-term climate impacts –but only if all levels of government around the globe adopt an emergency mode of action,
actively working with their communities, to restore a safe and healthy planet at the necessary scale and speed.
3.Actively collaborate with and advocate for neighbouring local governments, state governments and the federal government to join with us by accelerating the adoption of a climate emergency response and developing their own Climate Emergency Plan.
4.Requests the Mayor write to State and Federal Members of Parliament whom represent the Alexandrina Council region, advising them of Council’s resolution and request they also act with urgency to address climate change.
5.In accordance with the abovedeclaration; assigns a high priority to the following climate emergency responses in the 2020-21 Annual Business Plan and Budget deliberation process namely;
a.Creation of a Climate Emergency Advisory Committee of Council (as per section 41 of the LGA) and related Secretariat support;
b.Allocation of additional resources and staffing to apply for grants and utilise rebates to develop and implement projects and programs including:
1.Initiation of climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives eg. energy reduction, and carbon sequestration programs.
2.Development and implementation of a Climate Emergency Plan as part of Council’s strategic planning framework.
3.Reviewing existing Council policies and plans with a view to facilitating a climate emergency response.
4.Rolling out staff and public education and support-building a campaign in order to achieve broad community support for the move into climate emergency mode.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

16 December 2019, Victor Harbor Council, SA, Australia, population 14,665

Declared a Climate Emergency on 16 December 2019
Population: 14,665
Article: https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/story/6548131/alexandrina-and-victor-harbor-councils-declare-a-climate-emergency-at-december-meetings/

motion text

Minutes item 20.3 are here.

That Council:
i. notes that the Federal government’s latest greenhouse gas emissions data shows Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions have increased compared to 2012, not decreased;
ii. recognises the vulnerability of its community with respect to wellbeing, safety, and economic security due to the impacts of climate change;
iii. reaffirms its commitment to both mitigating against and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change within the City of Victor Harbor;
iv. be part of the growing number of local government/councils in Australia and worldwide who are declaring/acknowledging that we face a Climate Emergency and who are both accelerating and giving priority to policy and actions that will provide for both mitigation and adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change;
v. investigates new opportunities beyond the current budget cycle, to ensure the City of Victor Harbor is climate ready and heat prepared, including improving water resilience and protection of coastal and agricultural communities;
vi. undertakes a review of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions delivered by the City of Victor Harbor to date and receives costed recommendations in regard to potential tangible actions that the City of Victor Harbor could seek to prioritize in the short to medium term.
vii.acknowledges that more action is required by all levels of government globally to tackle climate change;
viii.requests the CEO write to State and Federal Members of Parliament which represent the Southern & Hills Council region, advising them of Council’s resolution and request they also act with urgency to address climate change.

17 December 2019, Bayside City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 97,087

Unanimously declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 10.1 are here.

That Council:
1. Declares a ‘Climate Emergency’ and in response, develops a Climate Emergency Action Plan by October 2020,
2. Notes the existing commitments to purchase renewable energy and to purchase offsets to be carbon neutral in 2020 and to continue to reduce emissions, including fleet emissions,
3. Calls on the Federal Government to increase its carbon emissions reduction target immediately.

17 December 2019, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 18,761

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

1.That Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges that:
a.Urgent and continuing action is needed to address the current and future impacts of climate change on the health, economy and wellbeing of the people of the Mount Alexander Shire and to its environment.
b.All parts of our community, including Council, will need to act over many years to reduce emissions, to adapt to our changing environment and to managing the predicted increasing number and intensity of emergencies.
c.There is significant expertise and goodwill within our communities that has been offered to Council, as identified in the open council briefing held on 9 December 2019.
2.That Mount Alexander Shire Council will act on the urgency by:
a.Declaring a climate emergency.
b.Approving and implementing a roadmap that will lead to zero net emissions for Council operations by 2025, ensuring that all actions are informed by cost-benefit analyses to ensure that Council invests in actions with the best returns while maintaining its services and a sustainable long term budget.
c.Integrating a climate change lens into Council’s design and construction of infrastructure, the planning and implementation of services and the development of policies and strategies.
d.Identifying the best ways to engage with the expertise and enthusiasm of our communities.
e.Working with our communities to help reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions and increase our ability to adapt to climate change, including in the development of Council’s next climate change strategy.
MOVED COUNCILLOR MACHIN That the recommendation be adopted.
SECONDED COUNCILLOR NIEMAN
CARRIED.

17 December 2019, Kiama Municipal Council, NSW, Australia, population 23,006

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 18.1 are here.

Committee recommendation that Council:
1. Notes the results of the IPSOS Issues Monitor released on 1 December 2019. Climate Change and the Environment is now the issue of greatest concern to Australians.
2. Notes the response to the October 2019 “Australia Talks” survey of 55,000 Australians. 86% regard environmental issues as a national problem with 72% nominating climate change as their leading worry.
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING 17 DECEMBER 2019
Kiama Municipal Council Page 10
3. Notes the response to the 2019 Mission Australia Survey of 25,000 youth. Youth concern about climate change has almost quadrupled this year. It is now regarded by youth as a top national issue.
4. Notes Kiama’s Community Strategic Plan strategy of being adaptive and informed of predicted climate change impacts.
5. Recognises the severe drought affecting NSW, the related threat of bushfire and the health and mental health issues related to both.
6. Acknowledges that Kiama as a Coastal Council is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly sea level rise, damaging storms and drought.
7. Notes Kiama’s pledges towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, transport, and work together to influence, which are being pursued through Kiama’s Cities Power Partnership agreement.
8. Publicly declare that climate change worries the community and poses a serious risk to the environment, human populations and enterprise. It should be treated as an emergency that requires action by all levels of government.
9. Requests a report be brought back to Council that outlines Kiama’s progress towards its Cities Power Partnership pledges and establishes a timeline for the pledge of setting municipality level targets and sustainable energy policies that will provide a common goal and shared expectations for local residents and businesses.
10. Requests an additional report which examines how, in response to a changing environment, that Council plans, policies and works programs will clearly state those climate change mitigation and adaptation responses that underlie them.
(Councillors Rice and Sloan)
For: Councillors Brown, Honey, Reilly, Rice, Sloan, Steel, Watson and Westhoff
Against: Councillor Way

19 December 2019, Queenscliffe Borough Council, Victoria, Australia, population 2,853

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes P15 are here.

Councillors Salter / Pizzey:
That Council:
1.In accordance with our Local Law No.1 section 103 agree to deal with these petitions tonight;
2.Receives the petitions;
3.Declares a Climate Emergency;
4.Declares that climate change poses a serious risk to the Borough of Queenscliffe and Australia and acknowledges the urgent need for action;
5.Notes that the Borough of Queenscliffe is vulnerable to sea level rise and greater climate variability leading to greater risk of more intense disaster events including storms, heat waves, bushfire, flooding and sea surges;
6.Notes that the Borough of Queenscliffe has a strong record of reducing emissions, planning for adaptation and preparing our community for the impacts of climate change;
7.Notes and supports the resolutions adopted at the Australian Local Government Association National General Meeting calling for a federal Government declaration of climate emergency;
8.Develops a Climate Emergency Response plan in partnership with the community, including the Queenscliffe Climate Action Group;
9.Requests officers prepare a report setting out how the Climate Emergency Response Plan will be developed, including the identification of financial and human resources required to prepare the plan. This report is to be tabled at the Council meeting in February 2020;
10.Directs the CEO to write to the Borough of Queenscliffe Audit Committee requesting that it reviews the Audit Committee Charter and makes recommendations to Council to ensure the Charter acknowledges that climate change governance is integral to the Audit Committee’s review of Council’s activities; and
11.Ensures that the impacts of climate change are incorporated into all future reviews of the Council Plan.
Carried 4 votes to 1.

28 January 2020, Greater Dandenong City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 166,094

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency

motion text

Agenda Item P201 is here. Minutes are here.

Movedby: Cr Sean O’Reilly Secondedby: Cr MatthewKirwan
That GreaterDandenongCity Council:
notesthat the MunicipalAssociationof Victoria(MAV) Council(May 2019) and theAustralianLocalGovernmentAssociation(ALGA)NationalGeneralAssembly(June2019),and surroundingcouncils(examplesFrankstonCity and Cardinia)haveresolvedto declarea climateemergency;
a)notesthat 85 local councilsacrossAustralia,representing27% of the Australianpopulationhave declaredclimateemergencies;
b)acknowledgesthe positivework alreadyundertakenby GDCCthroughthe GreaterDandenongSustainabilityStrategy2016-30and throughthe developmentof theGreaterDandenongClimateChangeStrategyand ActionPlan;
c)acknowledgesthat currentlevelsof globalwarming,and futurewarmingalreadycommitted,constitutea climateemergencyrequiringan emergencyresponsebyall levelsof government,includinglocal government;
d)resolvestodeclareaClimateandEcologicalEmergencyinlinewithclimatescienceevidence,whichindicatesrisingglobaltemperaturesareputtingourlocaleconomy,people,species,and ecosystemsat risk;
e)undertakesto work with its diversemulticulturalcommunitiesto raise awarenessof climatechange,and undertakesto supportcommunityactionto mitigategreenhousegas emissionsand build environmentalresilience;and
f)undertakesthat the GreaterDandenongClimateChangeStrategyand ActionPlancurrentlybeingdevelopedgives priorityto policyand actionsthat will provideforboth mitigationand adaptationin responseto acceleratingglobalwarmingandg)climatechangeto drive emergencyactionto reducegreenhousegasesand meetthe lower targetof the Paris Agreementto keep globalwarmingbelow1.5 degrees,andthatthiscontinuestobeemphasisedasakeypriorityinthenextCouncilPlan.
That GreaterDandenongCity Councilcalls upon State and Federalgovernmentsto:
declarea climateemergency;
a)backthisupwithprogramstodriveemergencyactiontoreducegreenhousegasesand meet the lower targetof the Paris Agreementto keep globalwarmingbelow1.5 degrees;and
b)work to establisha NationalClimateResponsePlan that involvesthe three levelsofgovernmentmitigatingclimate-causedrisksbasedonclimatescienceevidence.c)
CARRIED

28 January 2020, Kingston City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 163,431

Declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency

motion text

Agenda can be downloaded here. Minutes are here.

Moved: Cr West Seconded: Cr Staikos
That Council:
1. Note that the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Council (May 2019) and
the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General
Assembly (June 2019), and fellow SECCCA Councils Port Phillip, Bayside,
Mornington Peninsula, Cardinia and Bass Coast, as well as neighbouring
Frankston have resolved to declare a climate emergency;
2. Note that 85 local councils across Australia representing 29% of the Australian
population have declared climate emergencies;
3. Acknowledge the positive work already undertaken by Council through the
Climate Change Strategy 2018-2025, our membership of SECCCA, Sustainable
Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) program, etc
4. Acknowledge that current levels of global warming and future warming already
committed constitute a climate emergency, requiring an emergency response by
all levels of government, including local government.
5. Declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency in line with the overwhelming
consensus of climate science, which indicates rising global temperatures are
putting our local economy, people, species, and ecosystems at risk as
evidenced by the recent bushfires.
6. Undertake to work with our diverse multicultural communities to raise awareness
of climate change, and undertakes to support community action to mitigate
greenhouse gas emissions and build environmental resilience.
7. Investigate the financial viability of divestment within council financing, with the
aim of moving away from financial institutions, which fund the fossil fuel industry.
8. Ensure there is a Net Gain of trees and of native vegetation in Kingston by
ensuring that every tree that is removed is replaced by at least three trees, that
other native vegetation that is removed is replaced twofold as close as possible
to where it has been removed from, with the costs borne by whatever developer
or infrastructure authority has required the removal.
9. Fund a climate change action plan in the 2020-2021 budget cycle, with a focus
on giving priority to policy and actions that will provide for both mitigation and
adaptation in response to accelerating global warming and climate change, and
that this is emphasised as a key priority in the next Council Plan.
10. Call upon State and Federal governments to:
a) Declare a climate and ecological emergency.
b) Back this up with programs to drive emergency action to reduce
greenhouse gases and meet the lower target of the Paris Agreement to
keep global warming below 1.5 degrees.
11. Work to establish a National Climate Response Plan that involves the three
levels of government to mitigate climate-caused risks based on climate science evidence.
12. Further that officers provide a report including recommendations regarding how
best these objectives can be met no later than March 2020, including costings,
and that in the meantime, work these objectives proceeds to the value of
$25,000.
CARRIED

28 January 2020, Manningham Council, Victoria, Australia, population 125,508

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes Item 14 are here.

MOVED:CR MIKE ZAFIROPOULOS
SECONDED:CR ANDREW CONLON
That Council:
1.acknowledges we are in a state of serious climate and environmental change, and that this climate emergency requires urgent action by all levels of government, including local government.
2.continues to monitor relevant developments, particularly by local government and enhance Council’s understanding and expertise in this area based on the best available evidence.
3.prepares as part of Manningham’s 2020 Environment report a comprehensive Climate Emergency Response Plan, incorporating inter alia appropriate actions, budgetary implications, timelines, associated risks, policy changes and overall benefits to thecommunity.
4.consults with and educates Manningham residents about Council’s important obligation to respond to climate and environmental change and empower the community to initiate its own actions in this area at the local level.
5.advocates to other levels of government on climate change and biodiversity through its membership of the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action, Eastern Region Group of Councils, Municipal Association of Victoria and other local government umbrella bodies.
CARRIED

12 February 2020, Wingecarribee Shire Council, NSW, Australia, population 50,493

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Agenda Item 18 is here. Minutes are here.

1.THAT
Council recognises the latest climate change science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Australian Climate Council AND THAT Council acknowledge that the Wingecarribee region is vulnerable and being impacted today by heatwaves, bushfires, severe storms and changes in rainfall greatly worsened by climate change.
2.THAT
Council make a Climate Emergency Declaration.
3.THAT
Council develop a Shire Wide Community Climate Change Emergency Plan which is reviewed annually.
4.THAT
Council as a matter of urgency express to the Federal and State Politicians our concerns in relation to the social, environmental and financial impacts of worsening Climate Change.

17 February 2020, Stonnington City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 116,207

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.

MOVED: Cr Jami Klisaris SECONDED: Cr Glen Atwell
That Council:
1. RECOGNISE that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils.
2. ACKNOWLEDGE the risks and threats of climate change and associated extreme weather events on the environment, economy and human health and wellbeing in the City of Stonnington and beyond.
3. COMMIT to act immediately and urgently on climate change.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE the City of Stonnington’s commitment and action to-date in response to climate change.
5. ACCELERATE and further STRENGTHEN Council’s response to climate change.
6. ENDORSE the development, over the next 3 months, of a Climate Response Action Plan to drive Council action on climate change and deliver on Council’s commitment.
7. ENSURE the Climate Response Action Plan identifies opportunities and priorities to:
a. Mitigate climate change through further greenhouse gas emission reductions; and
b. Prepare for future impacts of climate change through adaptation and resilience strategies.
8. ENGAGE and PARTNER with the Stonnington community and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of the Climate Response Action Plan.
9. REFER the implementation of the Climate Response Action Plan to the 2020/21 Council Budget development process.
10. ENSURE that Council’s climate change commitment and response is integrated across all planning, decision making and service delivery.
Carried

24 February 2020, Hunters Hill Council, NSW, Australia, population 14,909

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Agenda is here.
Minutes are here.

1.That Council acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies and communities, including local councils, take action to reduce our impact on our environment;
2.That Council acknowledges that every community, no matter how small, has a role to play in reducing the impact of climate change on our built and natural environment and ecosystems; and that we work towards adapting our existing policies and practices where necessary to address more efficient water, energy, waste, use as well as anticipate carbon sequestration and urban heat mitigation practices;
3.That Council continues to build on its strategic commitment to sustainability by consideration and implementation of sustainable principles in all future aspects of our operations and service delivery, and by working towards ensuring that such principles are embedded into our long term strategic plans, our LEP, DCP and our quadruple bottom line;
4.That a report be brought back to Council presenting realistic, attainable goals to demonstrate practices that work towards the above principles as soon as practicable; and
5.That Council continue to collaborate and partner with State and Federal government, LGNSW, NSROC and other relevant agencies on innovation and initiatives that improve our organisational sustainability and that address environmental and climate issues in our wider community.

25 February 2020, Greater Geelong City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 252,217

Declared a Climate Emergency.

motion text

Agenda is here. Minutes are here.

Cr Asher moved, Cr Mason seconded –
9. That Council:
9.1 Adopt the Sustainability Framework (Attachment 3);
9.2 Endorse the priority actions (Attachment 4) including but not limited to:
9.2.1 Recognising climate change as a global emergency;
9.2.2 Adopting the GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards to measure the outcomes of the Sustainability Framework; and
9.2.3 Requesting the Chief Executive Officer to present a Sustainability Policy to Council by no later than 30 June 2020.9.3 Endorse the Sustainability Framework Action Plan (Attachment 5) for community consultation for a period of no less than 6 weeks and report back to Council on the outcomes; and 9.4 Approve the allocation of $50,000 from the 2019/2020 budget to fund the preliminary steps for implementation of the Sustainability Framework and refer a request for further funding of $200,000 from the 2020/2021 budget for the ongoing implementation of the Sustainability Framework.
Carried Unanimously.

Also…

26 February 2020, Blacktown City Council, NSW, Australia, population 366,534

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

MOTION (Cr Griffiths/Cr Collins)
1. Declare that we are in a state of climate emergency requiring immediate action by all levels of
government.
2. Endorse the Responding to climate change policy (P000532.1) update (attachment 1) to
include commitments to:
– a target of 100% renewable electricity for Council operations by 2025
– an aspirational target of net zero carbon emissions for the community by 2040
– continuing to encourage other western Sydney councils to join us in working to achieve
these targets.
3. Continue to update our Responding to climate change strategy annually and report our
progress to Council.
4. Set aside $100,000 annually for a climate change emergency fund that we can draw on to
implement climate change initiatives not currently funded that respond to our Responding
to climate change policy, including offsetting our carbon emissions.
5. The Mayor write to the NSW Government requesting that the annual rate cap be increased
by 1% to allow councils to start funding initiatives such as increased use of renewables, to
accelerate carbon neutrality and adapt to climate change impacts, especially urban heat.

26 February 2020, Mildura Rural City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 55,515

Declared a Climate Emergency.
Agenda download is here.

motion text

Minutes can be downloaded here.
Moved: Cr Helen Healy
Seconded: Cr Jason Modica

MOTION
That Mildura Rural City Council declare we are in a state of climate change emergency requiring urgent action by all levels of government and makes the following recommendations:
(i) Mildura Rural City Council will write to all State and Federal parliamentarians whose offices lie within the MRCC municipal boundaries, and to the Prime Minister, the federal Opposition Leader and the Victorian Premier, expressing our position on the climate emergency;
(ii) Mildura Rural City Council to obtain current base line greenhouse gas emission levels on municipal services, operations and infrastructure, and implement and report on a strategy to reduce these emissions including an analysis of our capacity to reach a target of zero-net emissions by 2050 and:
(iii) Mildura Rural City Council will conduct community consultation to develop community owned and activated climate change mitigation and adaption strategies.
CARRIED

31 March 2020, Greater Shepparton City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 66,007

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Agenda Item 9.2 is here.

That the Council:
1.Declare a Climate Emergency;
2.Adopt a 2030 Zero Carbon Emission target in relation to Greater Shepparton City Council;
3.Develop action plans to support the Climate Emergency Declaration and the 2030 Zero Carbon Emission target in relation to Greater Shepparton City Council.

5 May 2020, Glen Eira City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 153,858

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Agenda item is here. Minutes are here.

Moved: Cr DaveySeconded: Cr Silver
Part 1
That Council:1.notes Council’s commitment and action to date in response to climate change;
3.considers the future operating and capital budget implications in the development of the new Environmental Sustainability Strategy;
4.endorses additional programs and initiatives to further mobilise and support community climate actionfor consideration by Council as part of the new Environmental Sustainability Strategy; and
6.receives a future report on the community engagement plan and draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy2021-2025.

Moved: Cr DaveySeconded: Cr Athanasopoulos
Part 2
2.That Council endorses the development of an Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) 2021-2025 as part of the 2020/21 budget processfor consideration by Council, with the following option to guide the goals and objectives:
a)Option 1: achieve carbon neutrality for corporatecarbon emissions by 2025and community carbon emissions by 2030.

Moved: Cr SztrajtSeconded: Cr Cade
Part 3
5.That Council declares a climate emergency.

19 October 2020, Northern Midlands Council, Tasmania, Australia, population 13,300

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

DECISION
Cr Goninon/Cr Knowles
That Council:
i) declare a Climate Change Emergency; and
ii) prepare a Climate Emergency Strategy and Action Plan, inclusive of an audit of initiatives taken by Council over the last 5 years and additional opportunities for improvement; and
iii)an allocation for the preparation of the Strategy and Action Plan be included in the 2020/2021 mid-term budget review; and
iv)write to the Prime Minister, Tasmanian Premier and Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), urging them to acknowledge and take action to address the climate change crisis.
Carried
Voting for the motion: Mayor Knowles, Cr Goss, Cr Adams, Cr Calvert, Cr Davis, Cr Goninon, Cr Lambert, Cr Polley
Voting against motion: Cr Brooks

15 December 2020, Greater Geraldton City Council, Western Australia, Australia, population 38,634

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2030 carbon neutral target date for council operations
[minutes here soon]

17 March 2021, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, NSW, Australia, population 83,131

Declared a Climate Emergency

motion text

Minutes are here.

THE MOTION WAS PUT AND CARRIED
RESOLVED: Intemann/Turner
That Council:
1.Acknowledge the contribution of members of the community to theclimate change conversation in particular, the Hastings ClimateEmergency Alliance (comprising Climate Change Australia –Hastings, Hastings Parents for the Environment, Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast, No Electricity from Forests, Hastings Extinction Rebellion)and the Port Macquarie Sustainability Network.
2.Acknowledge the evidence-based science for climate change and theserious threat that climate change posesto our current and future way oflife and the Earth’s ecosystems, including impacts on health, safety, economic security and quality of life.
3.Note that the Australian Medical Association declared in September 2019 thatclimate change is a health emergencyand will cause:a)higher mortalityand morbidity from heat stress.b)injury and mortality from increasingly severe weather events.c)increases in the transmission of vector-borne diseases.d)food insecurity resulting from declines in agricultural outputs.e)a higher incidence of mental ill-health.
4.Note Council’s resolution of 21 October 2020, which identified formally recognised risks from climate change, and Council’s actions to that date.
5.Acknowledge that a successful response to climate change requiresimmediate and ongoing cross-sectoral action by government, businessand the broader community at all levels.
6.Confirm that Council’s response to climate change is an essentialelement of Council’s overall approach and commitment to sustainability, including inter-generational equity, community wellbeing and safety.
7.Acknowledge Council’s response to climate change and sustainabilityneeds to be locally focussed and holistic, requiring a structured and coordinatedapproach across all Council functions.
8.Acknowledge that declaring a climate emergency needs to be supportedwith strong policy and the supporting commitment and actions toimplement it with substance if we are to avoid broad and unprecedented consequences.
9.Request the Chief Executive Officer, as a priority:
a)Finalise the Sustainability Framework.
b)Work with the Sustainability Sub-Committee to develop and urgently finalise a Climate Change Policy, Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, including baseline measures and targets.
c)Include in these plans a comprehensive community communication and information plan for priority commencement and covering, among otheraspects, the costs of unchecked climate change, actions residents can take, and the benefits from action to mitigate thecauses and effects of climate change.
10.Recognise and declare that we are now in a Global Climate Emergency, and include in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Plan actions to make representations at the Local, State, Federal and even Global level, seeking strong leadership in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
11.Request the Chief Executive Officerwrite to the Member for Cowper, Patrick Conaghan MP, and the Member for Lyne, David Gillespie MP, urging their support to enact the Climate Change (National Framework for and Mitigation) Bill 2020, on behalf of all residents of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area.
12.Receive a report on the progress of Items 9(a) and (b) above to the May2021 Council Meeting.
CARRIED:4/2
FOR:Alley, Hawkins, Intemann and Turner
AGAINST: Griffiths and Pinson

24 March 2021, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 49,388

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

20 April 2021, Strathbogie Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 10,645

Declared a Climate Emergency
Agenda is here.
[Minutes here when published]

25 May 2021, Kalamunda City Council, WA, Australia, population 6,970

Declared a Climate Emergency
Agenda is here.
[Minutes here when published]

15 June 2021, Melville City Council, WA, Australia, population 101,940

Declared a Climate Emergency
Agenda item is here.
Minutes are here.

27 July 2021, Golden Plains Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 23,120

Declared a Climate Emergency
Agenda is here.
[Minutes here when published]

20 September 2021, Mitchell Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 44,299

Acknowledged a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

27 September 2021, Boroondara City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 181,289

Declared a Climate Emergency and adopted a new climate actioin plan
Meeting video is here (scroll almost to end of meeting for the motion and vote).

27 September 2021, Georges River Council, NSW, Australia, population 158,411

Declared a Climate Emergency and joined Race to Zero
Agenda p172 is here.

27 September 2021, Knox City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 165,147

Declared a Climate Emergency and adopted the Climate Response Plan 2021 – 2031
Minutes are here.

8 November 2021, Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland, Australia, population 351,424

Declared a Climate Emergency
Report and video is here.
[Minutes here when published]

9 November 2021, Alpine Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 12,730

Recognised the Climate Emergency
Agenda, Minutes, and meeting recording are here.

28 March 2022, Albury City Council, NSW, Australia, population 53,767

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.

26 April 2022, Nillumbik Shire Council, Victoria, Australia, population 6,491

Declared a Climate Emergency
Minutes are here.
Climate Action Plan is here.

31 May 2022, South Australia state parliament, Australia, population 1,771,703

Declared a Climate Emergency, passed by both houses of parliament (unanimously in the House of Assembly)
Hansard record is here.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (15:43): I move:

That this house—

(a) notes the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report confirms that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and current plans to address climate change are not ambitious enough to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial level—a threshold scientists believe is necessary to avoid more catastrophic impacts;

(b) notes that around the world, climate change impacts are already causing loss of life and destroying vital ecosystems;

(c) declares that we are facing a climate emergency; and

(d) commits to restoring a safe climate by transforming the economy to zero net emissions.

27 July 2022, Liverpool City Council, NSW, Australia, population 27,084

Declared a Climate Emergency after development of their Climate Change Policy and Action Plan

Minutes: http://liverpool.infocouncil.biz/Open/2022/07/CO_20220727_MIN_459_WEB.htm

28 July 2022, Derwent Valley Council, Tasmania, Australia, population 10,290

Declared a Climate Emergency

Minutes: https://www.derwentvalley.tas.gov.au/council-documents/minutes-and-agendas

12 September 2022, Whitehorse City Council, Victoria, Australia, population 176,196

Declared a Climate Emergency

Minutes are here.

8 December 2022, Coffs Harbour City Council, NSW, Australia, population 72,944

Declared a Climate Emergency

Agenda: https://infocouncil.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Open/2022/12/CO_20221208_AGN_2279_AT_WEB.htm

30 January 2023, Onkaparinga City Council, South Australia, population 175,204

Declared a Climate Emergency and set a 2040 net zero carbon target date for council operations

Minutes: https://www.onkaparingacity.com/files/sharedassets/public/agendas-and-minutes/ceopmc/council-meetings/minutes-of-adjourned-council-meeting-17-january-2023-held-on-30-january-2023-final.pdf

14 April 2023, South Australia Local Government Association (LGA)

Declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency. The following motion passed with 52% of the vote.

Part 1: That the LGA recognise the climate crisis; and Part 2: That the LGA declare a Climate & Biodiversity Emergency.