Local councils around the nation are poised to take a pivotal role in Australia's efforts to cut greenhouse emissions - with the launch of a new Australian Greenhouse Office funding package. Federal Environment Minister Robert Hill today launched the new program, which is part of Cities for Climate Protection, at the annual Australian Local Government Association conference in Canberra.
Local government has an important role in cutting Australia's emissions levels.
Councils have the capacity to influence up to 50 percent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions and this new program aims to help these councils make a significant impact. The Emission Reduction Incentive Program will fund Councils involved in the Cities for Climate Protection program, a joint initiative of the Federal Government's Australian Greenhouse Office and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives. Councils applying for funding under the emission reduction program must have achieved the third milestone of the Cities for Climate Protection Program - the adoption of a local greenhouse action plan. Senator Hill said there were a range of different actions that could be funded under the emission reduction plan. This program is yet another important Federal Government program designed to support councils and communities in working together to slash the nation's greenhouse emissions.