CLIMATE ACTION

Rose has been campaigning for climate action in Moonee Valley for decades!  She was part of the team to introduce the first Greenhouse Action Plan for Moonee Valley in 2010.

 

Since then, Moonee Valley's emissions have increased, and funding for actions to reduce greenhouse emissions has decreased.

 

We need to keep global warming below 2°C. If the planet continues to warm at the current rate, we are set to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 resulting in risks to humans and the environment. Getting to 2°C warming will be catastrophically worse environmentally, economically and socially.

 

Urgent action to reduce Moonee Valley’s community emissions to net zero supports the Victorian State Government target, and the Paris Agreement. 

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In the 2020/21 Budget, less than $100,000 was allocated by MVCC to take action on climate change.

 

Rose is determined to work with other councillors, staff, community members, experts and businesses to find and fund actions to address the climate emergency.

 

We’re all feeling the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This catastrophe has further highlighted the urgency of acting on climate change. We need to take charge now to avoid worsening crises in the future.

 

Action one: MEET INTERIM TARGETS for reductions in emissions

 

MV2040 establishes a goal of achieving net zero community emissions by 2040 and a 95% reduction (on 2007 levels) in emissions from council operations.

 

To achieve net zero community emissions in Moonee Valley by 2040 requires rapid action, starting now and following a trajectory meeting interim targets until 2040.

 

MVCC needs to commit to interim targets as a way of making sure the trajectory hits the target in 20 years-time. Thanks to a big community push, MVCC committed to interim targets in September 2020. Now these targets need to be met!

 

Hundreds of Moonee Valley residents signed a petition asking for interim targets to help achieve the 2040 goal. 

 

The petition called for interim emissions reduction targets for our community of 50% by 2025 and 75% by 2030, to guide us successfully to MV2040’s target of zero net community emissions by 2040. 

 

The need for interim targets is shown in the graph below. Whether the targets are specific, or a range (eg 40-50%), or a minimum (eg at least 30%) the need for targets is science and evidence based.

 

 

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Action Two: MVCC needs to take shared responsibility for the reduction of community emissions.

 

In the past four years, MVCC has indicated that it believes community emissions are largely outside the control or sphere of influence of local government. 

 

This seems to contradict MVCC’s own targets. If MVCC sets targets for community emissions, this needs to be coupled with confidence these targets can be met and a commitment to taking action to meet the community emissions targets. 

 

The Local Government Act 2020 establishes that councils have a role in mitigating and planning for climate change risks.

 

Council's words and actions need to reflect a commitment to achieving the community emissions targets.

  

Action Three: ACTIONS in the Green Action Plan

 

The following actions can be included in the Green Action Plan to be reviewed in 2021.

 

• Achieve 50 per cent renewable energy for our community by 2030 by actions including increasing roof-top solar on residences from 11% to 25% by 2025.

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• Establish a database of greenhouse gas emissions for the municipality (council and community).

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• Transition gas fuelled infrastructure in Council buildings incl. aquatic centres to efficient electric alternatives

 

• Fund rebates or rate reductions for low income households to move off gas

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• Remove barriers to uptake of rooftop solar in heritage overlay areas

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• Fund community-led local renewable energy projects

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• Install solar energy systems on Council and community buildings (e.g. schools).

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• Fund rebates or rate reductions to assist residents to purchase solar systems.

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• Fund rebates or rate reductions for Environmental Upgrade Agreements for commercial building owners to enable environmental upgrades of buildings, plant and equipment.

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• Fund a program to assist businesses improve to enable environmental upgrades of buildings, plant and equipment.

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• Fund opportunities to maximise ESD outcomes from project inception, through to design and construction of new council buildings and major refurbishments.

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• Enforce best practice in ESD for private developments, from the design stage through to construction and operation, by applying the ESD and local policy in the MVPS.

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• Install 12 electric vehicle charging stations in public places that are powered by renewable energy.

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• Assist schools to reduce emissions by 50% through audits, and actions such as replacement lighting, installing solar panels or green energy purchase.

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• Community Emissions Reduction Fund – to demonstrate an obvious financial commitment 

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• Climate Emissions Reduction Fund Officers – to guide spending on most effective actions 

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• Climate Emergency Response Plan – full plan for the mobilisation of council and community

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• Climate Emergency Officers - to implement the response plan through all Council policy

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• Community Emissions Data Record – up-to-date information publicly available online

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• Ethical superannuation fund – ensure the default for council staff is an ethical super fund.

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• Advocate to state and federal governments – push for actions to keep global warming to well below 2ºC, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5ºC , for upgrades to our electricity grid to support economic returns (for business and homeowners) on solar infrastructure, and for removal of import taxes on electric vehicles