An independent agency could be established to manage carbon reduction in the west as Hobsons Bay council works towards achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The council last week adopted its Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013-2030, which is one of only 12 such plans nationwide.
The strategy states there is almost universal scientific consensus on climate change being caused by human activity.
It states that the two main benefits of establishing an agency separate from the council are that it would be recognised as independent and would have a clear mission and dedicated resources to reduce carbon. More than half of Hobsons Bay emissions are from industry (52 per cent), followed by freight vehicles (17 per cent) and energy used in residential buildings (13 per cent).
While industry was recognised as a major contributor to greenhouse gas, the council said less than 10 of Hobsons Bay’s industries were required to report their emissions under the carbon price legislation.
“The remainder are not caught by the relevant legislation and don’t report their emissions,” a report to the council stated.
The strategy states that even with “significant action” by industry and all levels of government, “the target of carbon neutrality by 2030 may only be achieved through the use of carbon offsets”. It details actions that could reduce emissions by more than 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – equivalent to about 16 per cent of the municipality’s total emissions.
Actions proposed include large-scale solar panel installations, green walls and roofs, lighting upgrades, public transport improvements and low-carbon fleets.
A further 13 per cent of emissions could be reduced by legislative, regulatory and industry actions outside of the council’s control, the strategy states. The remainder – about 71 per cent of emissions – could be reduced through the purchase of carbon offsets. \ GD
» Strategy details, hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
