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Great Southern local governments join forces in one of WA’s first regional climate alliances

Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
The South Coast Alliance will bring together the City of Albany, and the shires of Denmark, Plantagenet and Jerramungup.
Camera IconThe South Coast Alliance will bring together the City of Albany, and the shires of Denmark, Plantagenet and Jerramungup. Credit: Sarah

Four Great Southern local governments will form one of WA’s first regional climate alliances in a $500,000 State Government initiative to help country councils fight climate change.

The South Coast Alliance will represent about 83 per cent of the Great Southern population bringing together the City of Albany, and the shires of Denmark, Plantagenet and Jerramungup.

The pilot program, delivered by the WA Local Government Association, aims to support councils to deliver programs that help adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The South Coast Alliance was one of two alliances selected from eight applications and will use the funding to undertake projects to reduce emissions from fleet vehicles and waste, and improve bushfire preparedness.

Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
Camera IconEnvironment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

The alliance will receive funding to employ a regional climate alliance coordinator and up to $200,000 for projects over two years.

Yesterday’s announcement came after the City of Albany council unanimously voted to adopt a climate change declaration last October, which includes the City of Albany committing to transition its assets to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

Environment and Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said she looked forward to seeing the difference the alliances made in tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.

“The regional climate alliance program empowers local governments to band together to achieve important environmental innovations that would not otherwise be possible,” she said.

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