Media Release
7 May 2008
City of Melbourne welcomes feedback on Zero Net Emissions update
Global advances in climate science and technology and the need for urgent action has led the
City of Melbourne to review its Zero Net Emissions by 2020 – A roadmap to a climate neutral
city report, previously released in 2002 to guide Council, businesses, industry and residents
toward the ultimate goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The 2008 draft report
is an update of the original strategy and is available for public consultation until the 5 June 2008.
City of Melbourne residents, workers, businesses, families and students are encouraged to
provide their feedback on the 2008 strategy report which reviews the achievements since 2002
and now addresses the future pathway the Council will take to reduce emissions by 50-60 per
cent throughout the municipality in aim of meeting an ambitious zero net emissions target by
2020.
The Lord Mayor John So encouraged the community to have their say on the Council’s strategy
to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
“We want to continue our commitment to sustainability solutions for the City of Melbourne and
want to do so in partnership with our municipal stakeholders. Together we can ensure we
remain a global leader and implement strategies that can deliver a significant reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions. We welcome everyone’s feedback on our proposed way forward,”
the Lord Mayor said.
Chair of the Environment Committee, Councillor Fraser Brindley, said since the Council’s
adoption of the original 2002 Zero Net Emissions by 2020 strategy it has reduced its own
greenhouse gas emissions by 41 per cent, compared to levels recorded in 1996-97.
“The strategy released in 2002 focused on leading edge building design; greening power
supply; and sequestering residual emissions. Despite the Council’s own activities resulting in a
reduction in emissions in the last five years, emissions from the municipality have increased by
54 per cent, from 3.75 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to 5.8 million tonnes.
“These statistics are consistent with other major cities and are largely due to an increase in
residents, workers and visitors to the city, and strong economic growth. The 2008 update is
essential as it reviews the actions needed to achieve our zero net emissions target by 2020 and
builds on the achievements of the 2002 report by providing revised strategies to target the
commercial, residential, transport sectors and solutions as to how we can and should
decarbonise our energy supply,” Cr Brindley said.
The City of Melbourne’s work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions supports its commitment to
the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, an association of large cities that have agreed
to work together to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
To view the draft strategy and contribute in the public consultation process from 9am on
Alternatively, printed copies of the draft strategy and feedback forms are currently available at
the City Library (245 Flinders Lane, Melbourne); or please contact the City of Melbourne,
Sustainability team, on 9658 9658.
- ENDS -
For further media information please contact:
Emma Smith, Media Adviser, City of Melbourne
Kevin Louey, Lord Mayor’s Chief of Staff
Ph: (03) 9658 9740 / 0400 525 914
Ph: (03) 9658 9824 / 0413 960 811
Email: emmsmi@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Email: kevlou@melbourne.vic.gov.au
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