SECCCA Winter Update 2023
From the Acting CEO...
When is a good time to invest in the transition to renewables and start adapting to climate change?
Inflation is ballooning, interest rates are surging, and the threat of recession is real and we’re not alone, so it is for the entire western world! Remember the global financial crisis, the golden economic years of the Rudd/Gillard/Rudd and the Abbott/Malcom/Morrison years – the lost decade. And of course, most of us have just survived a once in 100-year pandemic.
The simple answer is never. Be it times of economic uncertainty or times of economic growth, it’s never going to be the perfect time as excuses or other priorities can always be found. We have had some recent wins at all levels of government from what some refer to as the climate change elections, but there is still a long way to go.
The climate emergency is now. What we don’t do today will directly result in increasing catastrophic climate events tomorrow. If we have not invested in protective systems, it will result in significant loss for us and future generations.
What are we willing to give up today for a better tomorrow? Are we able to make a conscious decision to double or triple our efforts now, so we can do less later? Let's be honest, we are a prosperous nation! Can we defer building that recreational facility for a few years, or personally, skip a few overseas holidays to buy that electric car or go electric at home?
We’re not responsible for what others do, we are only responsible for what we do. So, in our capacity as a regional alliance of local councils, we can do our part. Our recent Planning Day was filled with optimism and ambition as we discussed the next 4 years of SECCCA’s Strategic Plan.
In the coming months, SECCCA will be consulting with our members to finalise the Plan. We have an opportunity to make a material difference to the impacts of climate change for our communities. There are significant benefits working collectively. Let's not allow the past to define our future and plan for the safe and prosperous future we all seek.
Daniel Pleiter
Acting Chief Executive Officer
SECCCA Regional Forum and Planning Day 2023
Back in April, we hosted SECCCA’s Annual Regional Forum and Planning Day, where all SECCCA members came together to discuss SECCCA’s vision and goals for the future. Discussions had from this day will inform the development of our next four-year Strategic Plan, due to be implemented July 2024.
SECCCA members are willing to keep striving high in achieving beyond net-zero and SECCCA plans to continue to support our member councils who are tirelessly working on climate mitigation and adaptation within their communities. We have lots of ambitious and exciting projects on the horizon so watch this space!
Powering Up: A Guide to Electrification
Powering Up is an easy-to-use navigation tool intended to provide SECCCA member councils with links to existing key resources and information to assist in the conversion of council-owned buildings to become fully-electric, removing all natural gas, as well as supporting their community to become net zero. The intended user of this tool is local government however any businesses that uses commercial products may also find this resource useful.
This tool is designed to help users to better understand the case for electrification, considerations when electrifying and the types of technologies that can be used today to replace natural gas systems, including case studies.
The tool is now available on SECCCA’s website: https://seccca.org.au/powering-up
Small Business Climate Adaptation Toolkit - launch events
During June, SECCCA officially launched the Small Business Climate Adaptation Toolkit. Georgia Langmaid (SECCCA’s Executive Support Officer) was invited to present at City of Kingston’s Sustainable Business Breakfast. It was a great opportunity to be in a room full of businesses committed to sustainability and we hope our toolkit can make it easier for business to access the support they need to prepare for climate change and create a business climate adaptation plan.
The toolkit was also launched via an online webinar. Project consultant Anthony Boxshall presented on the development of the toolkit and stepped through how to use the toolkit. Webinar recording can be found on the project’s webpage: https://seccca.org.au/business-climate-adaptation-toolkit
Victorian Greenhouse Alliance Conference - tickets now available
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances Conference is on again! Access the program overview HERE.
You can check out the session titles to get an initial idea of the themes and ideas that will be discussed on 4 August 2023 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Further detail will be released in the coming weeks.
Tickets are limited and are available HERE - councils from around Australia are warmly welcome. If you would like further information about the event, please contact Steve Turnock at NAGA - steve@naga.org.au or Jan Wisniewski at EAGA - jan.wisniewski@maroondah.vic.gov.au
National Health and Climate Strategy
The consultation on Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy is now open! This is a huge milestone for climate and health policy in Australia. The consultation closes 24 July 2023. The Consultation Paper can be found here.
Community Energy Upgrades Fund
The Australian Government recently announced a new $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund to co-fund upgrades with local governments. This new funding could include upgrades like replacing energy-intensive heating in pools with heat pumps and energy-efficient lighting and battery storage at sporting fields, libraries and community centres. Read more.