SECCCA ADVOCACY
Aligning with SECCCA’s vision, state and federal government must become aware of the significant challenge facing councils given the scale of impact that the changing climate presents. Local governments are at the frontline supporting communities to grapple with the daily impacts of climate change. This is occurring whilst local governments still need to provide services and infrastructure which themselves are being impacted. The following submissions articulate an agreed advocacy position that the Executive Officer has actively pursued on behalf of SECCCA, noting that the position of SECCCA does not necessarily represent the individual views of member councils.
COVID-19 Recovery and Climate Change
Local governments are on the frontline of two monumental challenges; the Corona Virus pandemic and Climate Change. Tackling both challenges at the same time is as important as ever. Luckily, implementing local climate solutions can significantly boost pandemic recovery efforts.
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances Submission to the Technology Investment Roadmap
In response to the Federal Government’s Technology Investment Discussion Paper, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances call for a strategy that advances climate change action with substantially more urgency and magnitude.
Incorporating energy efficiency in private and public sector housing development
Working with the building industry to achieve net zero carbon homes, we have observed that the overwhelming response from builders is that improvements to energy efficiency are affordable, available and achievable, and only limited changes to their building systems are necessary.
Local Government Response to the Victorian Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR) 2021-2026
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances led the development of two sector-wide submissions to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in response to the 2021-2026 Victorian Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR). The AER have ruled in favour of the Alliance-led submission, which will assist councils across Victoria to avoid over $10.7M in OMR charges over the next five years, plus a further $19.8M out to 2046.
Both submissions to the the regulatory process can be accessed below:
National Construction Code Review and New Home Energy Advisory Service Evaluation
The majority of volume builders take a compliance only approach to building homes to meet the minimum NatHERS 6 Star requirement. Home purchasers, on the other hand, lack the knowledge and opportunity to make educated decisions on what is in their best interests from an affordability, comfort and health perspective.
Climate Change and Local Government Submission
Climate change presents a multitude of challenges including significant financial, infrastructure and repetitional risks to local government, and socio-economic wellbeing of their communities. Climate change is much more than an environmental issue, it poses risks for every part of council business
Updating the Authority’s advice on meeting the Paris Agreement
In response to the key role of local government in addressing climate change, most Victorian councils now have greenhouse emissions reduction targets and objectives for their own operations (corporate emissions). This includes 25 councils with ‘carbon neutral’ target.
Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in Victorian Communities
Local government plays a key role leading the transition to zero carbon and supporting communities to be more resilient to the impacts of a changing climate. The transition brings challenges and also exciting opportunities for local governments and its communities.
Victoria’s Interim Emissions Reduction Targets Submission
Emissions reduction targets are crucial to Victoria meeting its climate and clean energy commitments with an aim to limit global temperature increase to not more than 1.5°C and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.
Submission to Australian Governments Review of Climate Change Policies
A long term emission reduction goal for Australia beyond 2030, backed by policies and programs that deliver the emissions reduction, is essential. It will signal to the international community that Australia is committed to contributing to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electricity Distribution Code Review Submission
Dynamic support control should be implemented. This is a device on inverters/smart meters that enables power distributers if required to manage feed-in power loads from behind the meter solar systems or batteries. This will ensure that solar and home battery storage systems can be used by the network.
Wholesale Demand Response Mechanism Submission
The proposed rule change will be an important component of affordably managing a transition to high levels of renewable generation. The reform will help to ease pressure on the electricity network at peak times and during extreme weather events or unexpected generation outages.
