Much has been happening since our last news to WAGA stakeholders.
Low Carbon West
- WAGA has developed a panel of preferred suppliers for commercial renewable energy, lighting and energy efficiency, following an Expression of Interest process run for the Alliance by Yarra Energy Foundation. The WAGA councils are now considering how they will promote the list in their municipalities.
- Brimbank City Council has joined other WAGA councils (Maribyrnong, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham) in offering Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) to local businesses. And congratulations to Hobsons Bay on signing its first EUA.
- WAGA is conducting a study into collaborative options for its member councils to procure and/or invest in large-scale renewable energy to meet their power needs. All Victorian greenhouse alliances are pursuing this objective and have produced a document, led by Scott McKenry of the Eastern Alliance (EAGA), to explain the business models and the main issues: Electricity Procurement in the Local Government Sector. WAGA will engage its own members on specific opportunities for the western region before the end of June.
I’ll post more detailed news about each of these actions over the next few weeks.
How Well Are We Adapting launch – 10 May
Just in case you missed the news, last Wednesday WAGA officially launched its new tool to monitor and report on member councils’ climate change adaptation responses: How Well Are We Adapting. About 60 people attended the launch, including WAGA Mayors, Councillors and CEOs, council officers and representatives from other state government and regional stakeholders. Craig Lapsley, Victoria’s Commissioner for Emergency Management, gave a presentation on the links between climate change and emergency response in Victoria.
Please look at the website and see how your own organisation might use or engage with it – your feedback is welcome.
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ conference – 12 May
Ably led by the Northern Alliance (NAGA), the alliances held their annual conference last Friday. More than 200 local government representatives – Councillors and officers – as well as others from around Victoria attended to hear about and discuss practical projects and ideas including renewables and energy efficiency plans, community and business engagement, divestment campaigns, planning for energy and urban heat, adaptation tools and waste-to-energy. An overview of the conference is available on the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ website, plus some of the presentations and contact details for presenters so you can contact them for further information.
