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EnviroNews

WALGA’s Environmental and Climate Change Newsletter

Issue 9 - September 2021

Release of Draft Native Vegetation Policy for Western Australia

The draft Native Vegetation Policy for WA was released on Monday, 30 August. This draft reflects feedback during public consultation on the 2019 Native Vegetation in WA Issues Paper. WALGA provided a Submission to the Issues Paper in February 2020. 

WALGA has prepared and distributed to its members a draft submission. We are seeking feedback from Local Governments on the draft by Tuesday, 5 October for incorporation into the final WALGA submission to be submitted to State Council at the end of October

Have Your Say on Proposed Cost Recovery for EPA Assessments

DWER will detail proposed fees to be introduced and implications for Local Governments at a webinar for Local Governments on Friday, 1 October.

National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy Consultation

WALGA has provided a submission to the Commonwealth Government on their updates to the NCRAS, in line with WALGA’s Climate Change Policy Position

Environmentally Sustainable Design for Buildings August Workshop

Local Government Officers attended WALGA’s second workshop to continue exploring how the sector can achieve better ESD built form.

WALGA Field Day: Natural Area Management and Restoration Practices

Local Government participants visit a Bush Forever Reference Site at Cardup Nature Reserve, in Perth’s foothills.
 

National Construction Code 2022 and Energy Efficiency Provisions Consultation

Consultation now open for National Construction Code 2022. Comments on the proposed amendments can be made to the ABCB until Sunday, 17 October.

 

Sector Spotlight

Environmental Education Greening for the Future

The City of Bayswater is promoting greening through professional development for school teachers. 
Image Source: City of Bayswater

Emissions Reduction and Renewable Energy Plan

The City of Bayswater has endorsed its new Plan to mitigate the effects of climate change at a local level. 
Image Source: City of Bayswater

Local Fuel Load Reduction Activities 

The City of Joondalup and Natural Area undertook bushfire mitigation activities in high-risk reserves. 
Image Source: City of Joondalup

City Opens $6m Wetlands Precinct

The City of Cockburn has opened its precinct which will host several not-for-profits. 
Image Source: City of Cockburn

Fleet Ready for EV Revolution

The City of Stirling has approved the purchase of three electric vehicles (EV).

Community Powers #GreeningVicPark

The Town of Victoria Park has hosted several urban forest community events

Shire of Augusta Margaret River Launches Climate Action Plan

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has just launched it’s Climate Action Plan with an ambitious target of Net Zero 2030.
Image Source: Shire of Augusta Margaret River

Lower Vasse River Sediment Removal Works

The City of Busselton has progressed plans to improve water quality in the Vasse River.  
Image Source: City of Busselton

State & Federal Updates

Increased funding for CoastWA in the 2021-22 State Budget
WALGA welcomes the increased funding for the CoastWA Program in the 2021-22 Budget. This is still well below the $110 million the State Government has estimated is needed to manage WA’s 55 identified coastal erosion hotspots. WALGA’s Immediate Priorities for the State Government advocacy platform proposes CoastWA be increased to $55 million to enable Local Governments to complete and implement CHRMAPs.

Enhancing Remnant Vegetation (ERV) Pilot Announced for the South West
The South West NRM region of WA has been chosen as one of six regions to participate in the pilot which will trial mechanisms to pay farmers for improving biodiversity on farms.

State Government to End Logging of Native Forests
The Forest Management Plan 2024-2033 will end the logging of native forests, expanding WA’s softwood timber plantations and supporting affected workers and communities.

$61.5 million Boost for WA's Renewable Hydrogen Industry
The State Government will be investing in WA’s growing renewable hydrogen industry to stimulate local demand for renewable hydrogen in transport and industrial settings and have recently partnered with the Future Fuels Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Bushfire Risk Mitigation
DBCA has provided interim advice to the Local Government sector in relation to bushfire risk mitigation activities and threatened species and threatened ecological communities and obligations.

$750 million Climate Action Fund to Drive WA’s Low-Carbon Future
Building on the WA Climate Policy, the Climate Action Fund in the 2021-2022 State Budget is aimed at creating climate-resilient communities and a prosperous low-carbon future.

In Other News...

Greening Scheme EOIs Open Now!

Eligible Waterwise Councils can apply for up to $10,000 of co-funding to support waterwise greening initiatives. Image Source: Water Corporation, Shire of Murray

Local Government Climate Review 2021 Released

Ironbark Sustainability and ICLEI Oceania have launched the 2021 Australian Local Government Climate Review, read more here.

Pilot Program to Help Councils Slash Emissions

Councils that join the CPP by 31 October can participate in a pilot program where they will be provided with a report on emissions reduction projects.

Upcoming Events

WALGA Regional Field Day - Natural Area Management and Restoration Practices
Date: Monday, 11 October
Venue: Greater Bunbury Area
Image: Cardup Nature Reserve
iDrive Towards Zero Emissions Future Transport Expo and Conference
Date: Thursday, 4 November
Venue: Perth Airport
Image Source: Gemtek Group
Mandjoogoodrap: Changing Tides Conference
Date: 28 - 30 September
Venue: City of Mandurah

CPP - Climate Costs and Risks for Councils
Date: 23 September
Venue: Virtual
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Forum
Date: 29 Sep - 1 Oct
Venue: Virtual

City of Joondalup - Become a Bushland Birder
Date: Saturday, 9 October
Venue: Warrandyte Park Clubrooms
Click here for Funding and Grants Opportunities

WALGA Environment Team Contacts  


A/ Environment Policy Manager - Garry Middle, 9213 2049
A/ Environment Policy Advisor - Jade Mains, 9213 2027
Environment Project Officer - Barbara Putica, 9213 2003
 Biodiversity and Natural Area Management Policy Advisor - Renata Zelinova, 9213 2521
Project Coordinator, Regional Climate Alliances - Gemma Cook, 9213 2009
Biodiversity and Sustainability Project Officer / Urban Forest Grant Facilitator -
Melanie Davies, 9213 2065
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