A South Australian trial is equipping councils with tools and resources to drive down emissions and compete for extra federal funding.

Fifteen councils are participating in the Local Government Net Zero Program, which officially launched in January following an expression of interest process last year.

The program is designed to help them identify and report on emissions profiles, act on emissions reduction and establish their own emissions reduction strategies.

The trial, being led by the South Australian Local Government Association, is the first of its kind in the state and is supported by a $120,000 state government grant.

LGA CEO Clinton Jury says while many councils are already taking proactive steps to address climate change, it can be challenging for smaller councils to work on emission reduction strategies while delivering core services.

“This state-first program provides the funding and expertise needed to help councils reduce emissions, support healthy environments and adopt good sustainability practices,” he said.

“Over time, this work will create a consistent, repeatable framework that all councils can replicate in their communities.”

Accessing grants

Having an emissions inventory and identifying priority actions also makes participating councils more eligible for federal funding, as well as helping the state government to reach its target of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, the LGA says.

Councils have already undertaken several workshops facilitated by Adelaide-based firm Dsquared Consulting, designed to equip staff with guidance on how to understand their emission sources, collect the data needed to establish their emissions profile, and hear what other councils are doing.

Mayor of Streaky Bay Mayor Travis Barber  says the Council is thrilled to be among the participating councils.

“As a regional council, we’re always seeking out ways we can continue putting our best foot forward for our community – and exploring how we can reduce our emissions footprint through more sustainable practices is certainly exciting,” he said.

“Already, the expert support we’ve received through this pilot has been extremely beneficial and we look forward to seeing the outcomes, taking steps towards reducing our emissions and contributing to the ongoing health of our region.”

By mid-year, it’s expected councils will receive their own specialised Carbon Emissions Profile and best practice guide, while the data collected from councils will provide LGA a sector-wide snapshot of local government’s emissions profile in South Australia.

Environment department Director Mary-Anne Healy says local government plays an important role in delivering vital services for communities and the program will help them refine their operations and make sure they are done in the most energy-efficient way possible.

“We are pleased to be able to support the LGA and councils – particularly regional councils with limited capacity and resources – in carrying out this important work,” she said.