SECCCA Advocacy Campaign

As I write this newsletter, the Government has commenced their caretaker period prior to the Victorian State Election, providing an opportunity to reflect on the four-month advocacy campaign SECCCA undertook to collaborate with political decision-makers on climate issues pertinent to the South East of Melbourne.

SECCCA commenced the advocacy campaign by looking at the range of climate policies held by our member councils. Analysing where there were similarities, we were able to come to a collective position and form a united call to action.

This process culminated in the development of SECCCA’s 2022 Policy Platform, a document representing the South-East region with one voice. The platform calls for urgent action on climate change in our region, with the guiding mission of ensuring a safe and prosperous future for our communities. The policy platform lays out our recommendations for action and investment in our communities, while also extending a hand of partnership to work with the Victorian and Australian Governments on this task.

With a united position, SECCCA met with key decision makers at the state and federal level, to discuss the threats and the opportunities presented by climate change in our region. Over a period of four months SECCCA met with more than 30 key decision-makers, including local Members of Parliament and Ministers who hold office in the SECCCA region.

The reception we received throughout these discussions was encouraging and in many meetings SECCCA was congratulated for being a champion of change with a clear path for action. We thank every MP and stakeholder for their time and their commitment to protecting their community through climate action.

We will provide a wrap up of the campaign post the November state election.