Banyule Council have outlined their plan for total carbon neutrality

Banyule Council has joined 17 others in declaring a climate emergency. And its declaration comes with a $5 million plan to become carbon neutral. Here’s what it includes.

Banyule Mayor Wayne Phillips next to some of the council’s solar panels.

A solar panel rollout, the introduction of electric vehicles, and an increase in environmental grants are part of a $5 million Banyule Council war on climate change.

The council last week joined 17 others from across the state in declaring a climate emergency.

It has also announced a draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan that includes a $5 million climate action package to support environmental initiatives.

Among them is funding for interns in council environmental roles.

Banyule Mayor Wayne Phillips last week called on all levels of government to take urgent action and show leadership to combat climate change.

“This is a global problem we must all tackle together,”

“Banyule council is proud to join with the climate emergency movement and will continue to act to ensure a safe and sustainable world now and in the future,” Cr Phillips said.

Darebin Council were the first Australian council to declare a climate emergency in 2016.

Since then, 17 others, including Brimbank, Moonee Valley, Moreland and Maribyrnong, have followed suit.

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“We have set up an ambitious target of carbon neutrality by 2028 and have a draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan to achieve this,” Cr Phillips said.

“We have undertaken extensive community consultation to understand the barriers to action and how council can best support the community to lower their emissions.”

The council’s draft Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan is now open for comment on Shaping Banyule.