WA councils will have access to collaborative funds to address climate change. 

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has partnered with WALGA and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries to launch the Regional Climate Alliance Program.

The scheme provides funding for two regional climate alliances – with each able to access more than $400,000 over two years.

Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) president Cr Tracey Roberts has welcomed the funding, saying it will support important regional collaboration. 

“This funding could assist those smaller regional local governments who may face barriers in their climate change activities, such as lack of resources, expertise or competing priorities,” Cr Roberts said. 

“By joining forces with neighbouring local governments, climate alliances can share knowledge, accelerate climate adaption and mitigation actions, and build resilience to climate risk.

“These alliances can successfully develop and implement trial projects that are currently beyond the reach of individual local governments, allow for innovation and could further achieve cost savings through economies of scale.” 

Examples of potential regional climate alliance projects include adding solar panels to local government facilities, delivering programs to encourage reduced household energy consumption and improve resilience across the community, or increasing tree canopies in town centres.

The program is being carried out under the WA Government’s Western Australian Climate Policy 2020, which seeks to support regional councils in taking action on climate change, energy and sustainability through regional partnerships.

WA environment minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the government is excited to be launching the initiative.

“We want to see the development of strong and effective emissions reduction and climate change adaptation projects, designed and implemented by local government alliances,” she said.