HOME / POLICY AND RESEARCH / Climate Change

Welcome to ALGA's climate change policy and research area. Environmental management is a core function for local government. Environmental protection is a key role for local government in Australia. The responsibilities of councils across Australia, vary across jurisdictions, and reflect differences in under state and territory legislative and regulatory frameworks. State and territory local government associations deal with state and territory governments on state specific issues.

Addressing climate change is one of the greatest imperatives that Australia and the world confront as we move further into the 21st century. Local government activities that are likely to be directly impacted by climate change include planning future developments and road infrastructure, which will be affected by sea level and water table rises and storm surges. There will also be impacts on natural resources, health and building regulations and community infrastructure and services.

For well over a decade local government has advocated and worked collaboratively with governments and local and regional communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a range of programs and initiatives nationally and internationally.

ALGA has a vital interest in climate change policy. ALGA works closely with the Australian Government Departments and State Ministers and officials on major initiatives through the Council of Australian Government (COAG) and other relevant intergovernmental forums. Further details of the work of COAG can be found at www.coag.gov.au

ALGA also makes submissions to the Australian Government on major initiatives to address climate change.

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ALGA Submission on the Carbon Farming Initiative 

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) submission on the Carbon Farming Initiative urges for the expansion and security of the program going forward to encourage greater reductions in carbon emissions. 

ALGA Submission to the Government on the Carbon Price Mechanism 

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) submission on the carbon price mechanism supports the introduction of a carbon price, but stresses where alternative programs would promote greater reductions at less direct cost. 

Baker & Mackenzie Legal Liability Study

With assistance from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DCCEE), ALGA engaged respected law firm Baker & Mackenzie to under take an examination of the risks related to legal action arising from the effects of climate change on councils.

CARBON PRICE AND LANDFILL NATIONAL FORUM