By Staff Writer

In New South Wales, state and local government have joined forces to tackle the impacts of climate change.

The Local Government and Shires Association (LGSA) and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly address future impacts of global warming, including sea level rise, extreme weather events and the spread of pests and diseases.

DECCW director general Lisa Corbyn said state and local governments were jointly responsible for planning for the changes.

“By working together to avoid duplication and promote efficient use of resources, we can enhance our capacity to address our shared responsibilities, risks and accountabilities,” Corbyn said.

Upon signing the MOU, both levels of government have committed to working on infrastructure risk assessment and management, information sharing and legal considerations of climate change.

Local Government Association president Genia McCaffery said the agreement was a “solid commitment” to tackling climate change and a “positive step forward” in state and local government relations.

“The MOU will not only ensure consistency amongst both spheres of government, but will also encourage us to share our resources and ideas with one another,” Cr McCaffery said.

A Climate Change Coordination Committee will be established to coordinate projects under the MOU.