"The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government is a unique collaboration of universities and professional bodies committed to the advancement of local government. The Centre's vision is: World-class local government to meet the emerging challenges of 21st century Australia"

Discussion Paper: Local Action for a Low Carbon Future 7th February 2012,  The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) and the Council of Capital Cities Lord Mayors (CCCLM) are coordinating the preparation of a discussion paper that seeks to position the Local Government sector as an integral player in delivering a low carbon and clean energy future for Australia. While there is an understandable concern about the risks of climate change and the costs of a carbon price, this project is focused on the opportunities and the benefits of making changes to our energy use and our lifestyles.

The project is being undertaken jointly by the ACELG and CCCLM in follow up to the Local Government Climate Change Roundtable held in May 2011 and subsequent meetings with the Australian Local Government Association, Local Government Managers Australia, National Growth Areas Alliance, Low Carbon Australia and ICLEI.

The purpose of the research and subsequent position paper (anticipated release April 2012) is to capture and articulate:

• The unique role played by Local Government across the nation in galvanising local level support and innovation
• The benefits for communities from increased Federal and State Government collaboration with local government on clean energy initiatives.

 
The resulting draft paper will be released for comment and finally circulated to Federal and State governments. For further information contact Stefanie Pillora, ACELG Program Manager Research on (02) 95144897.