The Climate Council local government climate action program outlines 40 projects for councils to choose from to drive local change. 

READ MORE Local governments lead climate change charge

City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said many ‘notable’ projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions were already underway, including research into a waste to energy facility and the smarter parking and cycling action plan. 

The Courier asked Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions (BREAZE) president and former council officer Ian Rossiter to outline what he thought should be City of Ballarat’s top 10 climate action priorities. 

Waste to energy topped the list. 

1. Waste to energy establishment of a number of sites that generate heat and electricity from woody wastes and wet organic wastes.

2. Uptake of electric vehicles in the passenger and heavy vehicle fleet.

3. Greater utilisation of landfill gas for electricity generation at the Smythesdale Regional Landfill by additional generator unit.

4. Introduction of eBikes to council’s passenger fleet ( with relevant training for staff)

5. Review lighting policy, particularly decorative and security lighting and implement timing and motion detector technology to reduce hours of operation.

6. Energy efficiency in major council facilities through building control systems, lighting retrofits, improved insulation and glazing modifications.

7. Offsetting air travel when required.

8. Solar parks on council managed land to reduce electricity purchases and reduce emissions.

9. Biomass heating units for Ballarat Aquatic Centre, Eureka Pool and Ballarat Botanical Gardens run on wood waste generated from council’s tree replacement program.

10. Significant tree planting programs to sequester carbon.

“These initiatives could have a significant impact on City of Ballarat's greenhouse gas emissions and show leadership to its residents and businesses,” Mr Rossiter said. 

“I am pleased that many of these initiatives are already being considered by council and BREAZE looks forward to working collaboratively with council.”

Climate Council released a report on Tuesday highlighting local councils are outstripping federal climate change action. 

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