Councils Sign MOU for Climate Change Innovation

Two councils from opposite ends of the country signing a Memorandum of Understanding which will allow them to work together on climate change research.

This is a proactive initiative which is why Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council Andrew Willcox and Steve Wass, Mayor of Kingborough Council in Tasmania, both put pen to paper in Airlie Beach today in a groundbreaking agreement.

Mayor Willcox said the new partnership is one of learning and collaboration and will guide us to improve upon our existing practices and prepare our communities for the developing impacts of climate change.

"It is vital that council is committed to assisting the community in reducing its carbon footprint and saving money.

"This plays a small part in the global fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and hopefully slow the impacts of climate change.

"It also makes economic sense with escalating power and fuels costs," Mayor Willcox said.

"Last year, Whitsunday Regional Council adopted its first ever Climate Change Policy and Climate Change Strategy.

"Kingborough Council is a recognised leader in climate change planning so it made sense for us to partner with them to learn from their experiences.

Kingborough Council Mayor Steve Wass said his visit to the beautiful Whitsunday region seeks to reinforce that local government is pivotal to providing a meaningful response to climate change.

"Climate change is not just an environmental issue for local government - it is a whole of business, whole of community issue that should be addressed in a structured and strategic manner.

"I am delighted that our councils have chosen such an approach.

"Through the signing of a memorandum of understanding Kingborough and Whitsunday Regional councils make a commitment to facilitating and showcasing real-world, community-focused and truly innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities that climate change creates," he said.