19/05/2005 - Australian
local governments lead the world when it comes
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, said today.
Senator Campbell was speaking at a ceremony
awarding Western Australian local governments
involved in the Cities for Climate Protection™
(CCP) Australia programme and the Water Campaign™.
"Of the 650 local governments involved
in CCP across each inhabited continent, Australia
leads the world in numbers involved, percentage
of population covered and actions taken. CCP
Australia has a record-breaking 203 local
government participants representing almost
80 percent of the population," Senator
Campbell said.
"Australian local governments are among
the most committed and innovative in the world
when it comes to implementing practical on-the-ground
actions to reduce energy use and greenhouse
gas emissions.
"I'm pleased that record numbers of
Australian local governments are working in
partnership with their community and local
small businesses to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
"The programme is delivering real results.
Last year alone local governments achieved
- for the first time in a single year - more
than one million tonnes of abatement, taking
total abatement for the programme to almost
three million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
"The success of CCP Australia on a global
scale would not be possible without the significant
and long-term financial backing and support
of the Australian Government.
"Local government is provided with information,
support and direct funding. This financial
year 115 local governments participating in
CCP Australia received a total of $780,000
in Australian Government grants to implement
projects that increase energy efficiency and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Water Campaign, while newer, is
also delivering impressive results. With 62
local government participants it too will
be as successful and world-beating as CCP."
The Water Campaign assists local governments
in their efforts to sustainably manage water,
and provides them the resources to improve
local water quality, conservation and access.
CCP Australia encourages and supports local
governments initiate greenhouse gas abatement
action within their own operations and communities.
