Have a say on Shire’s plan for climate action

People who want a say on the future of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River’s efforts to reduce emissions and boost its solar capacity have until March 1 to comment.

The Shire’s draft Climate Action Plan is now available for review.

Chief executive Stephanie Addison-Brown said the Shire was committed to reducing corporate greenhouse emissions and showing leadership to guide the wider community’s emissions reductions.

“We are seeing some really tangible results in reducing our corporate emissions from electricity used in Shire-owned or managed buildings, Shire vehicles and machinery,” she said.

“However, there is a lot more we need to do.

“This plan sets out clear corporate and community emissions reduction targets over the next 10-30 years, with the actions we need to take to achieve them.”

As reported in December, the Shire wants to cut its emissions by 65 per cent and source 50 per cent of its power needs from renewable sources by 2030.

The plan would require funding for what the Shire called “a significant uptake in solar PV installation ... as a means of reaching this target”.

Shire president Ian Earl said community-led projects such as the proposed Augusta-Margaret River Clean Community Energy hybrid wind farm at Scott River showed how direct action could help combat emissions. “It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the doom and gloom, but taking action locally is a great way overcome this,” he said.

“Local governments have the capacity to influence activities that contribute a significant amount of our national greenhouse gas emissions.

“When combined, the efforts of local government and their communities can make a real difference.” The new draft plan ends separate targets for community emissions, previously outlined in the Shire’s Local Energy Action Plan, which it replaces.

Visit yoursay.amrshire.wa. gov.au/climateactionplan to comment.