The September Meeting of Kiama Council has unanimously endorsed becoming a signatory to the Better Futures Australia Declaration, as part of the lobbying it committed to in its new Net Zero Strategy and Emission Reduction Plan.

The Better Futures Australia Declaration is a joint statement of support that brings together private and public sector leaders in taking ambitious climate action to ensure Australia is on track for a prosperous, climate-resilient zero emissions future, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Kiama is one of the first councils to become a signatory, echoing its early membership of the Cities Power Partnership (CCP).

“Local councils are demonstrating to other levels of government that it is a desire of the community to address climate change, and we are showing how it can be done,” says Mayor Honey.

CCP is encouraging its members to get behind the broader Better Futures Australia initiative, and has just released a report showing more support and funding is needed to help local governments cope with the costs of climate change. 

Report author and Climate Council spokesperson, Professor Lesley Hughes says the risks and demands on local government will continue to increase as climate impacts worsen. 

“Climate impacts cut across almost all areas of local government responsibility including the maintenance of critical assets and infrastructure and delivery of essential community services. As the closest tier of government to the community, councils are often at the forefront of disaster response. 

“State and federal assistance is falling short of what’s required to help councils prepare for and respond to extreme weather. However, while council responsibilities - including those related to climate change - are growing, their tax revenue has shrunk to the fourth lowest share among the 30 industrialised nations that make up the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“Effectively, councils are being asked to do more, with less. Without increased funding, guidance and support, I can’t imagine how they will continue to protect and provide for their communities.” 

The declaration does not tie Council into any specific commitments or have any budgetary impact.