Shire of Harvey adopts WA Local Government Declaration on Climate Change alongside mitigation action plan

The Shire of Harvey has become the latest council to sign on to fighting climate change, joining other local governments from across WA.

Elected members voted to adopt their version of the Western Australian Local Government Declaration on Climate Change at their meeting on August 23, where they also adopted a Climate Change corporate mitigation action plan.

The declaration was formalised by deputy shire president Michelle Campbell and WA Local Government Association president Karen Chappel in October.

Shire president Paul Gillett said changes to the climate were already impacting the environment and society, and it would be a key focus for the council.

“We are working on a range of initiatives within the control of the Shire to reduce our carbon emissions and minimise the impacts of climate change,” he said.

The declaration’s objectives are to establish the council’s position on the issue and its commitment to leadership as well as building climate change resilience.

It also outlines the council’s commitment to address climate and environmental impacts through a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, waste diversion, coastal renourishment and adaptation, alongside sustainable development practices.

The corporate mitigation action plan will bring together the council’s action to fight climate change and reduce the Harvey region’s vulnerabilities.

The plan will be reviewed every six months, with the Shire to work with stakeholders on achieving its goals.