Completed Projects
NEW HOME ENERGY ADVISORY SERVICE
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START / FINISH: 2017/2020
FUNDER/GRANT: Victorian Government
DOWNLOADS:
SECCCA NHEAS Case Study 01
SECCCA NHEAS Case Study 03
SECCCA NHEAS Case Study 04
SECCCA NHEAS Case Study 05
SECCCA NHEAS Case Study 06Project Results
NHEAS Findings and RecommendationsHelping new home buyers in Victoria’s largest growth corridor by providing expert advice on how to improve the star energy rating, this 3 year project operates at two display locations in partnership with Villawood and Parklea that will host thousands of people looking to purchase a new home.
The project aims to provide in depth and tailored energy advice based on new home buyers building plans to find the balance between improving energy efficiency and installing renewable energy and in accordance with budgets and household needs.
Are you building a new house anywhere in Victoria and in the planning stage?
We’ve helped many new home owners achieve their dream, not just to build a beautiful home but one that is comfortable, attracts less bugs and dust and has low or no power bills. Our independent free consultation takes about an 1-1.5 hours. During the consultation we review your building plans and discuss all the available options for you to improve the energy efficiency of your home and those with the greatest benefit! We’ll give you a toolkit with all the critical information to ask your builder and a cost estimator so you can make decisions on what to do. We’ll also support you through this process, providing as much advice as needed along the way to having your new home built.
SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT (SEMREP)
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START / FINISH: 2018/2019
FUNDER/GRANT: SECCCA Members
DOWNLOADS:
SEMREP for Business Options Paper
SEMREP Procurement Models Evaluation ReportThe Melbourne Renewable Energy Project presents an opportunity for local governments in South East Melbourne to lead renewable energy developments that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to businesses and communities in the region.
Significant volatility in the electricity market has resulted in cost impacts to businesses and local governments. Leading organisations, including local governments, are undertaking strategic electricity procurement to source energy from renewable energy projects to deliver ongoing cost savings and price certainty. This procurement approach can also enable organisations to achieve their carbon reduction targets cost effectively.
There are opportunities for Councils in SE Melbourne to lead procurement initiatives that also deliver electricity cost savings to businesses in the region.
A pre-feasibility study will identify suitable procurement models and high-level indicative costs to inform council procurement strategies. The results of the study will be available in March 2019.
The SECCCA management committee resolved to investigate the possibility of renewable energy procurement delivering regional socio-economic benefits. Several SEM Councils are also participating in the SEMREP feasibility project which now includes Port Phillip, Bayside, Monash, Frankston, Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, Casey, and Cardinia.
RESIDENTIAL EFFICIENCY SCORECARD
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START / FINISH: 2017/ 2018
FUNDER/GRANT: Victorian Government
DOWNLOADS:
Project Summary
Launch Energy Saver WebsiteThe Scorecard is an Australian-first home energy rating program. The Scorecard will enable you to obtain a star rating for your home, in the same way as a fridge or washing machine has a star rating. The star rating is an assessment of your home’s building shell and a representation of the running cost of the fixed appliances in your home. It will guide you to make home improvements efficiently and cost effectively.
Accredited assessors use the government supported Scorecard webtool to rate the energy efficiency of your home’s construction, fixed appliances and other key features such as solar PV energy production. The two page rating certificate also recommends upgrade options to improve your home’s rating.
The Scorecard also rates your home’s performance during hot weather. This important feature helps you understand and improve the comfort of your home in summer.
Many Victorian homes have high energy bills simply due to the way the home is built. The Scorecard will help householders understand and improve this performance.
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard has been developed by the Victorian Government to help Victorians better understand the energy performance of their homes and to make informed choices about improving the quality of their living environment, while saving money on their gas and electricity bills.
SECCCA has participated in an early release of the program, however this is now completed. We are able to arrange an assessment on a fee for service basis. Please contact SECCCA on 9705 5662 for more information.
FINANCIAL RISK ADAPTATION PLANNING (FRAP)
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START / FINISH: 2014/ 2016
FUNDER/GRANT: DEPI
DOWNLOADS:
Case StudiesResearch by SECCCA with the CSIRO has identified infrastructure and communities vulnerable to climate change impacts in the region and associated financial risks to councils. However, there are gaps in understanding how to deal with these risks. In particular, analysis of short, medium and long term adaptation responses is not yet embedded in council financial planning, even though there are significant financial implications to councils and communities for when these responses are made. This project will examine and assist councils plan and budget for future adaptation requirements.
ENERGY SAVER STUDY
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START / FINISH: 2013/ 2016
FUNDER/GRANT: Department of Industry
DOWNLOADS:
SECCCA LIEEP final report executive summary
SECCCA LIEEP final report part 1
SECCCA LIEEP final report part 2
SECCCA LIEEP final report part 3
SECCCA LIEEP final report part 4
Project OutcomesObjectives
The Energy Saver Study was an initiative of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA).
The purpose of the study was to:
Identify effective strategies and ways to overcome barriers that may prevent householders across six south-east Melbourne local council areas from improving their energy efficiency, such as: little or no access to funding to improve their homes, access to information, energy awareness, the security of tenants’ leases
Trial and evaluate different approaches to assisting low-income households in becoming more energy efficient
Identify how these interventions (supporting householder with home improvements and/or to adopt new actions) impact on householders’ energy use, costs, comfort, health and well-being
Enable householders to better manage their energy use
Capture and analyse data and information to inform future energy efficiency policy and program approaches
Trial delivering an energy efficiency program to householders through local government Home and Community Care (HACC) Services
Test if this delivery partnership is effective
Benefits
Assist low-income households to help manage the impacts of increasing energy prices and improve the health, social welfare and livelihood of low-income households.
Build the knowledge and capacity of consortium members to encourage long-term energy efficiency among their customers or clients.
Build capacity of Australia’s energy efficiency technology and equipment companies by maximising the opportunities for Australian industries to participate in the projects.
ECODRIVER
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PROJECT: EcoDriver
START / FINISH: 2014/ Completed
DOWNLOADS:
Youtube: Ecodriver TrailerSECCCA’s Eco Driver program is designed to build the capacity of participating Councils to reduce emissions and save money through more efficient, safer vehicle management.
This is achieved by addressing a number of objectives:
The delivery of a customised training program for council staff
Consequent reduction in council fuel consumption and expenditure of approximately 10%
Provision of access to high quality training materials and evaluation and monitoring resources for regional stakeholders
Councils typically have fuel bills each year close to $600K. If a conservative 5-10% reduction was achieved across these fleets, councils could potentially capture $30,000 – $60,000 in annual fuel savings (additional to savings on vehicle wear and tear). This represents a 150-300 tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per year.
SECCCA’s Eco Driver program is designed to build the capacity of participating Councils to reduce emissions and save money through more efficient, safer vehicle management.
This is achieved by addressing a number of objectives:
The delivery of a customised training program for council staff
Consequent reduction in council fuel consumption and expenditure of approximately 10%
Provision of access to high quality training materials and evaluation and monitoring resources for regional stakeholders
Councils typically have fuel bills each year close to $600K. If a conservative 5-10% reduction was achieved across these fleets, councils could potentially capture $30,000 – $60,000 in annual fuel savings (additional to savings on vehicle wear and tear). This represents a 150-300 tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Electric Vehicle Training
Electric Vehicle training is also available and can assist in the following:
Familiarise staff with the construction, charging, operation, maintenance and costs of electric vehicles
Provide staff an orientation and test drive of an electric vehicle leased, owned or provide for a test drive by SECCCA
Answer questions to overcome any perceptions/barriers to EV’s that prevent use
Encourage staff to book the EV pool cars available or fleet consider purchasing a vehicle
Encourage staff to consider purchasing a EV for personal use
Familiarise staff with organisational emissions management plans or other relevant policies in the context of emission reduction goals or aspiration
Aims & Desired Outcomes
SECCCA’s EcoDriver Project won the award for Environmental Excellence at the 2014 Australian Supply Chain and Logistics Awards, held in late November. Congratulations to all involved.
One of our participating councils has reported that in the four months since training was provided, they have already saved over $23,000!
Contact SECCCA for further details and to see how you can start to save with this program.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRIAL
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DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryFour SECCCA councils (Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council, City of Kingston and City of Casey) are participants in the Department of Transport’s Electric Vehicle Trial. Over the three months from early December to early February, MornPen and Casey will be driving Toyota Prius hybrid plug-ins and Frankston and Kingston will be driving their Mitsubishi iMievs about their daily business, all the while capturing every bit of data about the vehicle performance and its capacity to allow council to go about its business. Charge points have been installed at each council so the car is plugged into the grid each night to recharge for the next day’s operations.
The photos attached tell the story of the handover day when councils took delivery of their shiny new machines. Actually, it is the grins that tell the story.
Electric vehicles will start to become a feature of our motoring life in Australia from 2011. The article below was written by SECCCA EO Greg Hunt after he attended a briefing from Better Place about their planned roll-out of EVs.
Four SECCCA councils (Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council, City of Kingston and City of Casey) are participants in the Department of Transport’s Electric Vehicle Trial. Over the three months from early December to early February, Mornington Peninsula and Casey will be driving Toyota Prius hybrid plug-ins and Frankston and Kingston will be driving their Mitsubishi iMievs about their daily business, all the while capturing every bit of data about the vehicle performance and its capacity to allow council to go about its business. Charge points have been installed at each council so the car is plugged into the grid each night to recharge for the next day’s operations.
Becoming a Better Place!
When Evan Thornley turned down Premier Brumby’s offer of ministerial leather in January 2009, it was because he was off to a Better Place. He preferred the appointment as CEO of the company of that name that will roll out electric vehicles across Australia from 2011. Incidentally, we can see now the wisdom of that judgement.
Better Place has decided that local government has an important role in this roll out and so met with the City of Casey recently. Greg Hunt of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (Casey is a member council) attended this meeting and reports as follows:
Might I summarise the meeting as nothing short of exhilarating? We are on the threshold of a transformation in private transport in this country and in the world.
To accompany your Nissan LEAF, your Mitsubushi iMiev or your Peugeot plug in or any of the cars being developed by most of the major manufacturers, you will buy an energy plan from Better Place. The plan is based upon 100% green power, so the generators will have investment security to move into greater quantities of renewable generation. Better Place will install a charge station at your home and perhaps workplace so that your car is recharged overnight or while you are at work. Smart technology will determine the best time to recharge, given the demands on the electricity grid over a 24 hour cycle. This travel between home and work will cover around 80 % of all vehicle trips. When you hit the highway, you can pull in at a battery transfer station that will look a bit like a car wash. These will be stationed at appropriate intervals along the road, perhaps co-located at servos or food stops. A robotic arm will lift out your almost spent battery and replace it with a fully charged one and you resume your travel. The battery goes on to the rack of chargers for filling up and future use. There is little chance of going flat as the smart on-board technology will let you know your remaining charge and therefore range at all times. If you ignore the warning and come to a stop, the inclusion of the RACV in the partnership with Better Place means that they can do a roadside assist and zap you with a fast charger.
It gets better. Major energy companies are involved with Better Place for their battery transfer stations, with their electricity storage capacity and need for large amounts of electricity, offer a means of storage for all that daytime solar and all that wind energy being generated at night when there is little other use for it. The charging stations offer a great means of flattening out the peaks and troughs of electricity supply and demand and responds to the renewables will never provide base power sneer.
There is a trial of 100 plug-in taxis under way now in Tokyo, Israel will shortly receive national cover, followed by Denmark and then Canberra gets under way with 1000 privately-owned vehicles in the second half of 2011.
The guys we met with are revolutionaries and this is the revolution that we all need. I came away with my brain racing with all of the possibilities – these are the meetings that make the job sing, Greg concluded.
SAVE IT FOR THE GAME
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START / FINISH: 2006/2008
FUNDER/GRANT: Dept Climate Change and DSE
DOWNLOADS:
Project Summary
In this project data regarding likely biophysical changes due to global warming were developed by CSIRO specifically for Western Port councils. This was used to identify where infrastructure for human settlements is at risk. An associated component of the project covered the socioeconomic impacts analysis to show what and who was at and where, and possible adaptation options were identified. The report from this project is available from this website.This project aims to increase the capacity of local governments to respond to climate change. Impacts such as sea level rise, storm frequency and rainfall levels will be investigated to help councils and their communities anticipate and plan for the future changes that will occur.
Project Overview
Impacts of Climate Change on Human Settlements in the Western Port region: an integrated assessment is a two year project that will focus on the impacts of climate change on the built environment and local adaptation responses to those impacts.
The project is funded by the Australian Greenhouse Office and includes the project partners Western Port Greenhouse Alliance, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Marsden Jacob Associates, CSIRO, Regional Development Company and Broadleaf International.
A briefing paper that provides detailed overview of the project objectives, outputs, scope and stakeholders can be viewed using the link below.
View a video showing how local governments in the Western Port Region are preparing their communities for climate change.
WESTERN PORT HUMAN SETTLEMENTS IMPACTS AND ADAPTATIONS PROJECT
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START / FINISH: 2013/ Ongoing
FUNDER/GRANT: Department of Industry
DOWNLOADS:
Case Studies
Save it for the Game - Vimeo‘Save it for the game’ is all about helping sports clubs save on their energy bills in a way that’s fun, achievable and community-led.
It began after the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) audited the energy use of a host of Victorian sports clubs. They found that sports clubs are struggling financially, and are spending much of their precious financial resources on bills. Clubs should be able to reinvest their funds into the club and get players onto the field… and that’s what ‘save it for the game’ is all about.
Club members largely aren’t aware of the problem and often don’t take initiative with energy saving behaviours. The program is about educating and empowering members to help in dramatically reducing their club’s energy bills.
What are the saves?
SECCCA reviewed clubs of all shapes and sizes and identified six key saves that every club could benefit from. We have compiled these into six ‘saves’ that will help clubs see significant savings.
Fridges off - Your fridges and freezers are likely using more energy than needed.
Lights Out - Saves can be made on all lights – field and court lights, internal and perimeter lighting.
Shorter Showers - Shower length and water temperature affect the bills.
Watch the Weather - Avoiding heating and air con will create huge saves.
Unplug - Turn off all appliances at the source.
Use the Sun - Solar panels are a huge help. Can your club utilise solar energy?
How much can your club save?
Clubs that participated in the study saved an average of 26% off their energy bill – that’s $1,870 that could go back into the club. Keep in mind that the potential saves are relative to your current energy expenses. By following our recommendations, clubs which were monitored saved anywhere from $73 to $9,431 a season.
IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PHILLIP ISLAND LITTLE PENGUINS
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START / FINISH: 2008/2009
FUNDER/GRANT: DSE
DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryDSE commissioned an assessment of possible risks posed by climate change to the penguins and penguin parade that is such an important component of the tourism infrastructure in the Western Port region. This built on the work of the Impacts and Adaptations project that identified possible risks and recommended upon adaptation strategies for humans – penguins similar attention.
PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND PLACES
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START / FINISH: 2010/2013
DOWNLOADS:
Project Summary
This is the report of the impacts and adaptations project which delivered an integrated assessment of bio-physical climate change projections and their socio-economic impacts.The study Impacts of Climate Change on Settlements in the Western Port Region: an Integrated Assessment involved five councils around Western Port with CSIRO applying climate models to the likely sea level rise, storm frequency, temperature changes and other impact that would affect communities. The five councils which provide services to these communities conducted risk analyses to inform how they might provide community care. The first report from the project, People, Property and Places provides detail regarding Climate Change projections and of the communities affected.
Mornington Penninsula Shire’s response to these projects included one of the most comprehensive community engagement programs conducted by council on climate change. The response is described in the paper: Telling you all we know (2012)
ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC LIGHTING
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START / FINISH: 2007/2008
FUNDER/GRANT: DEWHA
DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryThis project, funded to a total of $65,000, including $50,000 from the AGO and managed through a contract with the City of Frankston, developed business plans for implementation of the 6 councils’ SPLAPs. They allowed a precise quantifying of financial savings to councils and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS (AGE) PROJECT
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START / FINISH: 2007/2009
FUNDER/GRANT: Sustainability Victoria – Sustainability Fund
DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryThis Sustainability Fund 2 project aims at showing how 50 dairy and beef farmers in Cardinia and Bass Coast Shires can reduce energy use by 10%, water use 15% and waste to landfill by 10% as they improve productivity. The two participating landcare networks, the Bass Coast Landcare Network and the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network, support farmers to implement changes in farm practice.
Farming practices in the beef and dairy industry are significant contributors to greenhouse emissions. This project involves energy audits, carbon offsets and planning with farmers for practices to minimise greenhouse gas production. Reducing the use of water and energy and cutting waste will lead to more productive farming.
“We will identify the main sources of greenhouse emissions on participating farms and work with industry experts to convert emissions into production, we will look at farm waste management to reduce waste generation and improve methods of disposal and we’ll develop whole farm water plans to protect water resources on farms.”
Moragh McKay, Bass Coast Landcare Network
The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA), with the Bass Coast Landcare Network, the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network, Bass Coast and Cardinia Shire Councils, will carry out this project with support from the Victorian Government Sustainability Fund.
In 2005, the SECCCA found, for the agriculture sector in Western Port, that dairy and beef farms were a high source of greenhouse gas emissions, chiefly enteric methane (burps) and nitrous oxide losses from animal excreta and carbon dioxide from energy use. The Project will show farmers how to alter practices to reduce these gas emissions and what can they do to offset the carbon dioxide from their energy use.
Of the SECCCA councils, Bass Coast and Cardinia contain the highest number of dairy and beef farms. To achieve the biggest impact on reducing total greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector the project will focuses on farms in these local government areas.
The key phases of the project are:
Establishing a fully representative project committee;
Finding 50 landholders to be involved over the 3 years of the project;
Auditing the current situation, then developing action plans and data management for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10%, an improvement of up to 15% in water efficiency and a reduction of 10% of waste to landfill from the participating landholders;
Providing ongoing support and training through the local Landcare Networks to achieve these targets; and
Careful evaluation of the success, effectiveness and transferability of the model/process to other regions.
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
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START / FINISH: 2009/2010
FUNDER/GRANT: DSE – Local Sustainability Accord 3
Projected impacts due to climate change around Western Port include an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Typically, the response to these events is provided through a largely volunteer service. The project will provide for intensive community engagement for dealing with emergency response, including developing community preparedness to minimise the impacts of these events.
Before councils can work with their communities in dealing with the impacts of climate change, they need to work out how to communicate what these impacts are. Who in the community do they engage? How do they engage with different groups in communities? These questions were taken up in this project
REDUCING COMMUNITY VULNERABILITY TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
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START / FINISH: 2010/2011
FUNDER/GRANT: DSE – Local Sustainability Accord 4
This project is a sequel to the Local Sustainability Accord 3 project and is aimed at engaging more vulnerable communities. Working through member councils, targeted sectors of the community will be supported in implementing practical activities to assist with adaptation responses to climate change..
PLANET SAVERS SCHOOLS PROJECT
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START / FINISH: 2005/2010
FUNDER/GRANT: Council / Schools
Planet Savers involves schools auditing current energy, water and resource use, developing reduction strategies and monitoring their implementation using a School Energy Tracking System. Teachers receive professional development to align school operations with curriculum. This program involved 13 schools in 2007, they achieved a combined emissions reduction of over 150 tonnes of CO2 and an average per school saving of $3,800 per annum in energy, water and waste. The project involved 8 schools in 2008 and 16 schools in 2009.
Start with our children and watch the knowledge and climate change action grow. This is the thinking in this project to help students understand the issues and plan school and community responses. The project involves energy audits, action plans and a School Environmental Tracking System to see that it works.
“A comprehensive audit identified over $5000 in potential savings in our energy use. Mark’s presentation had a significant impact on our staff and assisted us in getting the whole school on board in terms of becoming a sustainable school and making the associated behavioural changes.” – Hannah Lewis, VP Westernport Secondary
PLANET SAVERS is a project aimed at dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions from up to 13 schools within the following local government areas: Frankston City Council, City of Casey, Cardinia Shire Council and Bass Coast Shire Council. The project is a partnership between the Australian Government, Department of the Environment and Heritage and the participating local councils, with other funding and in-kind support provided by the Western Port Greenhouse Alliance, CERES, Sunrise Energy Management, Energy Doctor, Environment Victoria and individual schools.
In 2007 the Planet Savers project offers 13 schools the opportunity to participate in the following process:
STEP 1: Undertake a whole school energy audit (under the guidance of an energy efficiency specialist). This will take place during November/December 2006 and will result in an energy efficiency plan and subsequent support to cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions within the school.
STEP 2: In-school educational support and professional development. This will be delivered by CERES (EUREKA Prize winning environmental education specialists) in Term 1 2007. CERES will facilitate the delivery of the energy efficiency module of the Sustainable Schools Program.
STEP 3: Schools Environment Tracking System. SETS will enable schools to track the schools impact on the environment by monitoring services for electricity, natural gas, LPG, water, solid waste and the amount of paper that the school uses.
STEP 4: Cash funding to enable the school to implement the actions identified in energy efficiency plan.
STEP 5: Ongoing support, advice and monitoring from the project partners in the implementation of energy efficiency measures within the school.
With its emphasis on local and regional partnerships this pilot project provides a cost effective means of rolling out sustainability education and actions in all schools and communities of Victoria. At the same time the program includes a wide range of opportunities and training to incorporate sustainability initiatives.
DECIDING FOR THE COAST
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DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryThe land/sea interface is where many of the early climate change impacts will be felt first – in fact are being felt now. We want to live on the coast, so what are the issues for local government in meeting their planning responsibilities in these uncertain times?
Deciding for the coast was one of thirteen national Coastal Adaptation Decision Pathway projects. The outline of the project is given in:
Deciding for the coast: implementing effective adaptation actions
while the project products are available as downloads.
Introduction to Deciding for the Coast
Deciding for the Coast – Workbook – for use by practitioners in the decision-making process
Deciding for the Coast Guide – reference material for the steps you might take in making decisions.
SUSTAINABLE HOMES PROGRAM
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START / FINISH: 2013/2015
FUNDER/GRANT: Sustainability Victoria
DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryThe Sustainable Homes Program provides the essential information you need to make sound sustainable decisions for your home and family. Set in your local Community Centre / Neighbourhood House the program facilitator will guide you through the facts, activities and challenges to make your home more sustainable and save on your energy and water bills.
Learn from demonstrations and group discussions in a relaxed and social atmosphere. In this way, you can leap frog your learning. The programs flexible design allows you to tailor the course to focus on what’s important to you. Before you know it you’ll be a sustainable citizen saving the planet and your hip pocket!
The education basis for the project is discussed in the paper Partnerships for sustainability.
BUNYIP CARBON SINK PROJECT
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START / FINISH: 2005/2013
FUNDER/GRANT: Council
There will inevitably be CO2 produced through the ways in which we live and work. To offset our carbon emissions we can remove CO2 from the atmosphere and lock it up in carbon sinks. SECCCA is implementing ways to offset the carbon the partner Councils produce through their operations via a biodiversity planting in Bunyip.
Scientists, governments and international bodies have recognised that accumulations of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere are changing global climate, which will have significant impacts on our environment, our communities and our economy.
Given the climate change scenario, there is an opportunity to address these issues in a way that is good for the environment and good for business
Carbon sinks provide an opportunity to offset harmful greenhouse gases and also address local environmental problems such as biodiversity, salinity, erosion and water quality issues.
Carbon sinks in this context are areas of native trees and shrubs planted to absorb carbon dioxide. When established in an appropriate form in suitable pasts of the landscape, these carbon sinks have the potential to provide a range of economic, social and environmental benefits to the region. The carbon sequestered through the establishment of these sinks is forming the basis of a global carbon trading market, which though in its infancy in Australia, has been predicted by market analysts to be worth $US 44 billion by 2010.
Carbon Sinks have been identified in the South East Council’s Climate Change Alliance SECCCA) Strategic Plan as a key element of a comprehensive greenhouse response In 2005 the SECCCA set out to “establish a co-ordinated, regional program to offset greenhouse gas emissions through the development of multiple-benefit carbon sinks” (SECCCA Carbon Sink Project Framework 2005).
The SECCCA engaged Australian Carbon Traders (ACT) to prepare a report outlining how the Western Port councils could meet their Cities for Climate Change greenhouse reduction targets through conservation-based carbon offset.
The SECCCA is currently developing the Bunyip Sanctuary Project which presents very high value carbon at a competitive price. The project is further enhanced by additional social and environmental outcomes. In 2007/08 this 12.5 ha site will be revegetated to assist the SECCCA council members offset their vehicle fleet emissions.
HEATWAVE STRATEGIES FOR WESTERN PORT
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START / FINISH: 2008/2008
FUNDER/GRANT: DHS
Victoria’s Department of Human services funded Western Port councils to develop pilot heat wave strategies. These provide advice for the protection of communities in times of climate change induced extreme weather. The project was completed in October 2008.
PORT OF HASTINGS SCENARIOS PROJECT
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START / FINISH: 2009/2009
FUNDER/GRANT:RMIT
The Scenarios project was based around the idea of imagining a port that would meet our needs including minimal environmental impact. In the project a scenarios process conducted by RMIT University was used by 30 community leaders to look at the possible futures and how we might work to our preferred future.
WESTERN PORT LOCAL COASTAL HAZARD ASSESSMENT
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START / FINISH: 2013/ Ongoing
FUNDER/GRANT: Department of Industry
DOWNLOADS:
Fact Sheet
Project Summary [PDF 5.9mb]
Data Review [PDF 3.4mb]
Methodology [PDF 822kb] Inundation [PDF 13.5mb]
Erosion [PDF 16.6mb] Representative Locations – Part 1 [PDF 10.2mb]
Representative Locations – Part 2 [PDF 11.6mb]A new study has been released to support local action on climate change impacts in Western Port.
The Western Port Local Coastal Hazard Assessment, which provides detailed mapping, modelling and data, was released on 5 June 2015.
The Western Port Local Coastal Hazard Assessment project is part of a wider Victorian Government program led by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to generate detailed coastal mapping and information. This information will help Victorians understand and plan for climate risks along the coast through better information on storm surges and possible sea level rise impacts.
Western Port is one of four locations (the others being, Port Fairy, Bellarine Peninsula, Gippsland Lakes) within Victoria where Local Coastal Hazard Assessments are being undertaken. Western Port has significant social, economic, built and natural values, which have been identified as at risk from the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge
DELWP, in partnership with Melbourne Water, the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance, Bass Coast Shire Council, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Casey and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council wanted to understand the potential local impacts of climate change on and around Western Port.
Aims & Desired Outcomes:
The project examined areas that are potentially vulnerable due to hazards associated with coastal erosion, flooding, sea level rise and storm surge. The severity of these impacts and the diversity of the Western Port coastline mean appropriate actions will vary with the context and nature of each location.
Information obtained from the project and detailed assessments will be used to make decisions about:
Local infrastructure;
Natural asset management;
Emergency management planning;
To inform land use planning and statutory planning decisions;
Help communities develop adaptation plans.
Information from this project will also add to the suite of information available to help identify how and where Western Port Councils, community, industry and government can work together to respond to or address the potential impacts of climate change.
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE SCHOOL-COMMUNITY LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
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START / FINISH: 2009/2010
FUNDER/GRANT: SECCCA/SV/ARC
The aim of this research is to advance thinking and practice about strategies for achieving sustainability by developing models of effective community learning partnerships. In particular, these learning partnerships will be examined for their contribution to both the growth of a community’s ‘social capital’ as a vehicle for protecting and conserving ‘natural capital’. The project is funded by the Australian Research Council and features a partnership of government, academics, schools, local and state government, and non-governmental organizations.
SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC LIGHTING ACTION PLANS
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START / FINISH: 2006/2007
FUNDER/GRANT: Sustainability Victoria
SPLAPS were developed for the 5 SECCCA councils and for the City of Greater Dandenong to show how they could increase the environmental performance of public lighting. This included setting goals for public lighting within council; identification of processes, projects and actions to achieve these goals; preparation of a SPLAP with implementation dates, responsibilities and budget allocation identified.
There are both environmental and economic costs associated with current approaches to providing safe public lighting for communities. Street lighting makes up almost half of a council’s emissions and comes at a large cost to rate-payers. This project looks at developing and implementing a Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plan in each council.
Public lighting is an enormous cost for SECCCA councils and greenhouse gas emissions from public lighting make up 50-70% of Western Port councils total emissions.
A number of measures for reducing energy use and greenhouse emissions in road lighting, while maintaining recommended lighting levels include:
Reducing the number of lamps.
Reducing the operating hours of lamps.
Identification and maintenance programs to address day burners and drift.
Changes to the type of energy used.
Changes to the type of lamp.
Changes to the associated switching equipment.
During 2006-07, SECCCA in partnership with ICLEI-A/NZ and Energy Doctor, with funding from Sustainability Victoria, started the SECCCA Sustainable Public Lighting Project.
Councils across Australia have recognised the major role public lighting can play in reducing local government greenhouse gas emissions. In response to this need, SECCCA have instigated this project to assist local governments identify gaps, plan priority actions, implement, report on, and promote sustainable public lighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Through participation in this project each Council has the opportunity to develop an internal policy to help guide Sustainable Public Lighting, including identifying:
Key challenges to / opportunities for / and drivers of sustainable public lighting;
Internal and external barriers to implementation of sustainable public lighting;
Solutions for overcoming these barriers;
Areas where better management of public lighting assets/stock is needed; and
Inefficiencies in councils’ public lighting provision to their communities.
Importantly, the project will seek to also develop a Regional Sustainable Public Lighting Action Plan, which will be based on the SECCCA Council SPLAP’s and will provide a collective and consistent voice for sustainable public lighting on the SECCCA region.
For a more comprehensive overview and project updates please contact Daniel Pleiter on 9705 5662.
ADAPTING TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE WESTERN PORT REGION
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START / FINISH: 2005/2006
FUNDER/GRANT: Department of Sustainability and Environment
DOWNLOADS:
Project SummaryOver 2005-2006, a scoping study was conducted to establish the knowledge needs for responding to climate change in the Western Port region.
The Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Western Port scoping study was initiated in 2005 by the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) and funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
The objectives of this project were to:
raise awareness of the potential impacts of climate change in the region;
assess natural and human vulnerabilities to climate change impacts in the region; and
explore possible adaptation opportunities.
SECCCA engaged Marsden Jacob Associates, CSIRO and the Regional Development Company to deliver the project.
Project Rationale
The Victorian Government recognises that climate change is a global problem but one that also demands action at the local level. Since the 2002 Victorian Greenhouse Strategy the Government has supported a range of community action programs to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consider the impacts of climate change.
Local government plays a crucial role in infrastructure maintenance, emergency response, community planning and is well connected with local communities.
Planning for the impact of climate change on these functions is essential to ensure safe and prosperous communities into the future.
The Western Port Greenhouse Alliance is a regional partnership which provides a framework for local stakeholders to work together on both greenhouse gas abatement and climate change adaptation programs. The Alliance was one of three regions provided with assistance to undertake research into the local impacts of climate change as a basis for further work to develop regional adaptation strategies.
Methodology
The project provides an insight into the future impacts of climate change on Western Port, which will assist the region in preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
The scoping study was undertaken in three major stages as provided in below:
A. Needs Analysis: Identification of the information requirements of key regional stakeholders, including what information is required and how it would be used, obtained through a series of interviews.
B. Climate Change Impacts in Western Port: A regional profile detailing the biophysical, social and economic impacts of climate change in the Western Port region.
C. Stakeholder Engagement: A series of workshops involving over 100 representatives from local government, state government, training institutions and community organisations, were undertaken to identify climate change risks and issues within each sector.
Project Outcomes
1. The Western Port region will not be immune to climate changes. As detailed in the Climate Change Impacts in Western Port document, climate change has the potential to impact on a wide range of activities, services and systems in Western Port, cutting across natural, social and economic domains.
2. Given the long lead time of many planning and investment decisions and projections on future on-going climate change, the Western Port community needs to identify potential risks and opportunities from climate change now.
3. Options for adaptation are wide-ranging. Adaptation need not be limited to reactive technological and infrastructure measures but can also include proactive measures such as community engagement and capacity building, further research and planning and regulatory measures.
4. Eight priority cross-sectoral issues (listed below) have been identified through the stakeholder engagement phase of the project and are intended to set future strategic directions.
Impacts of Climate Change on Human Settlements in the Western Port Region: An Integrated Assessment
The outcomes of this scoping study have led to the “Impacts of Climate Change on Human Settlement in the Western Port Region: An Integrated Assessment” project, which commenced in mid-2006.
The project will focus on the impacts of climate change on the built environment and local adaptation responses to those impacts. The integrated approach will ensure that social, economic and environmental factors are combined and that input is sought from all relevant stakeholders.
The new project continues the partnership between the Western Port Greenhouse Alliance, Marsden Jacob Associates and CSIRO and is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage and Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.