Geelong’s council has launched an Australia-first plan to slash carbon emissions by as much as 25 per cent by 2020.
The plan has won support to the tune of $300,000 from the Labor Party, which committed to funding a worker from the Environment Protection Authority to deliver the scheme locally.
Announcing the program yesterday, South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield said it was about the City of Greater Geelong working with industry to identify ways to move the local economy to a post-carbon world.
“We are not going to shut down industry and force people to live in caves,” Mr Crutchfield said.
“This is about saying climate change is a reality and we need to do something about it.”
Geelong Mayor John Mitchell said the program involved identifying opportunities for Geelong business to move to more environmentally friendly practices and attracting new green business to the city.
“This low carbon growth plan is unique within Australia,” Cr Mitchell said.
The mayor said it would place the city on the front foot if the nation moves towards a carbon tax system.
Meanwhile, Premier John Brumby yesterday used a speech at the Local Government Climate Change Summit to announce $15 million for local governments to drive innovative climate change projects in their communities.
Councils will be given grants of up to $500,000 to help them upgrade streetlights with low-carbon alternatives and offer grants to councils from a pool of $7 million to help implement strategies to tackle climate change.
