BARWON SOUTH WEST CLIMATE ALLIANCE
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Members of the Barwon South West Climate Alliance (BSWCA) are organisations that have formally committed to work collaboratively to fulfil the BSWCA's mission and purpose. Not every organisation in our region is currently a member. Member organisations appoint representatives to work together to govern and manage the Barwon South West Climate Alliance's projects and activities. 
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​MEMBERS OF THE BARWON SOUTH WEST CLIMATE ALLIANCE 2022
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​7  LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS

   2 WATER AUTHORITIES

2 CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES

1 UNIVERSITY

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members' climate commitments....

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deakin university's
climate commitments

Sustainability is embedded within Deakin as one of our values; we care about our shared future and integrating economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability in all that we do.
Deakin’s Sustainability Commitments 2020–2030 outline our sustainability plan and key milestones over the next decade. These commitments are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and their achievement will result in sustainability benefits on campus, within our communities and at a global level.

global recognition


Deakin University is proud to be a signatory to the university commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Universities play a vital role in achieving a sustainable future by recognising:
  • the enormous social, economic and environmental challenges facing the world
  • that future development must take place in a way that is socially, economically and environmentally sustainable
  • that the SDGs establish an agenda for the achievement of sustainable development by 2030.

climate ready campus


​Climate change is already greatly affecting our urban and natural ecosystems and poses one of the biggest sustainability challenges of our time. Deakin’s Climate Ready Campus is our vision for the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. Through an integrated systems approach we will demonstrate a range of complementary and impactful actions that mitigate Deakin’s impacts on climate change, adapt to the impacts of climate change, apply integrated water management solutions and significantly enhance the biodiversity values of the campus.
see the video
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actions:


We’ve implemented a range of initiatives to ensure the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the University:
  • Range of sustainability initiatives (play video)
  • Comprehensive Annual Sustainability Reports (play video)
  • Sustainability targets and commitments 
  • Track energy use, emissions and sustainable buildings
  • Reduce waste, water use and increase recycling
  • Protect and enhance biodiversity
"Whether it's sustaining the diversity of life on Earth, the viability of our work, or enjoyment of our environment, sustainability is central to maintaining our quality of life without compromising the needs of future generations."

deakin university

Professor Iain Martin, Vice-Chancellor
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warrnambool city council's climate commitments


Warrnambool’s renowned lifestyle is under threat. Our climate is changing; droughts, flash floods, heat waves, storm surge and sea level rises are inevitably going to become more apparent (Lenny Bernstein et al 2007). As these changes become more obvious, Warrnambool’s industries, communities and our way of life will face increasing challenges, but we may also find opportunities.

green warrnambool VISION
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"We will become a city in nature. We will be connected by green infrastructure and corridors of urban forest to support resilient and connected biodiversity. An increase in tree canopy cover in our urban areas will provide shade and carbon sinks, and decrease the number and severity of heat islands, while supporting biodiversity. The city will benefit from more green spaces, green roofs, vertical gardens and our agricultural fringes. We will grow our own food in community gardens, market gardens, backyards and nature strips."
   

climate change action plan

sustainable buildings

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  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduce oil dependency
  • Transition to alternative energy sources
  • Adapt to the physical impacts of climate change
  • Build community capacity to take advantage of emerging opportunities related to the green economy
Warrnambool City Council is responsible for over 400 buildings and structures used by staff and community members. Buildings are large consumers of energy, water and other resources and they play an important role in achieving Council’s vision to be the most environmentally sustainable regional city in Australia.
​Climate change presents a major threat to Warrnambool City Council, to our natural and built coastal environment, to our communities and economic activity. Our Climate Change Action Plan ensures that the causes and impacts of climate change are addressed as a high priority 

warrnambool city council 

Climate Change Adaptation Plan
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​WANNON WATER's ​
​CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

Wannon Water is Victoria's second largest regional urban water corporation. Wannon Water provides South-West Victoria with safe, reliable and sustainable water and sewerage services and works to improve the lives of people and strengthen communities across the region.
Its 44,000 customers include residential, non-residential, rural and industrial customers. The corporation supplies more than 30 million litres of drinking water each day and takes away 28 million litres of sewage and trade waste which is treated and returned safely to the environment.​
Wannon Water also convenes the regional Integrated Water Management Forum (IWM) that brings together organisations with an interest in all aspects of the water cycle. The IWM forum provides greater value to our communities by identifying opportunities to optimise outcomes.
 
​Wannon Water's commitment to sustainable growth means the health and wellbeing of the community and environment is central. 
  • ​​​Net Zero Emissions by 2030
  • Reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2025
  • Climate Adaptation Plan
  • Carbon Neutrality Action Plan
  • Zero Emissions Water Partner​​


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Wannon Water generously host the staff of the Barwon South West Climate Alliance.

“Observing the establishment of the alliance, I have seen the growth of great potential with each organisations’ input. The power of multiple groups with informed and passionate professionals working together will ensure development of critical and relevant climate change adaptation to build communities with greater resilience to withstand climate change impacts".

WANNON WATER

Brad Clingin, Project Manager, Asset Planning
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​Surf Coast Shire Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, responding to significant petitioning from the community.

This declaration acknowledged the need for more urgent and extensive action to reduce emissions and respond to local climate change impacts. ​
Council’s Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031 was endorsed by Council at its June 2021 meeting. 
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ABOUT SURF COAST SHIRE

Victoria's Surf Coast, with its spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests and magnificent beaches, is one of the tourist draw cards of Australia. Surf Coast Shire spans the Traditional lands of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Peoples. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners and Protectors of this place. The Surf Coast Shire is among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria. It covers an area of 1,560 km2. The permanent population 29,397 triples during peak times. Surf Coast Shire works to enhance this environment while encouraging appropriate development.

CLIMATE EMERGEnCY RESPONSE PLAN

Surf Coast Shire's Climate Emergency Response Plan outlines the ten year strategy to address climate change and its impacts. The plan articulates Surf Coast's vision for our community and environment to thrive in a safe climate, and identifies the actions we will take as an organisation over the next two years to mitigate, adapt and mobilise in response to the climate emergency. 

SURF COAST CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

  • pledge under the Victorian Climate Change Act 2017
  • purchase 100% renewable electricity 
  • become carbon neutral by 2022
  • developing a community greenhouse gas emissions profile
  • developed community resource: Towards Environmental Leadership website


​surf coast dECLARED A CLIMATE EMERGENCY 2019

"Local governments have a role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change."

SURF COAST SHIRE

Climate Emergency Response plan
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Queenscliffe has a strong commitment to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. Emissions data is available on their website
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    The Borough of Queenscliffe is Australia's last remaining borough and the smallest local government area in the state of Victoria. The Traditional Owners of the lands, waters and skies around the Borough of Queenscliffe are the Wadawurrung People. Queenscliffe continues to thrive as a tourist haven in the summer and a quiet, friendly home for residents in the winter. With extensive coastline, pristine natural environments and outstanding built heritage, many of the features that make the community so special are also those that require the most protection from increasingly adverse weather.
    Find out more about the Borough of Queenscliffe's award-winning response to climate change.
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    Queenscliffe's climate commitments
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    • Net zero emissions by 2031
    • ​100% renewable energy by 2025
    • ​​Award-winning Climate Emergency Response Plan developed in collaboration with the community outlines 49 actions that will achieve the ambitious targets, from solar bulk buys to a shared commitment to phase out single-use plastics throughout the Borough.
    • The Queenscliffe Coastal Management Plan recognises the likely impacts of climate change on the locations of Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale
    • Climate Change Adaptation Plan resulted from a funded climate change risk assessment on Council assets and services and developed a local adaptation action plan to respond to those risks.​
    • Our Coast - partnered with local Councils in this project that uses the latest data on projected sea level rise and storm surge to model potential inundation levels across Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

        Queenscliffe declared a climate emergency in 2019

    "Council plays a key role in responding to the challenges of climate change and sea level rise."

    The borough of queenscliffe

    Responding to Climate Change
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    "At the City of Greater Geelong, we acknowledge the changing climate is a global emergency and, as a local government, we have a significant role to play in accelerating a municipal-wide response to the situation."

    City of Greater Geelong
    Climate Change Response Plan
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    "Geelong is committed to achieving sustainable design and development to ensure that the quality of the environment is protected and enhanced for future generations."
    The City of Greater Geelong covers an area of 1,247 km2, comprising suburban, coastal, and country areas. The region is characterised by the multi award winning waterfront over looking Corio Bay, the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, the Barwon River, You Yangs Regional Park, wetlands, beautiful parklands and wildlife sanctuaries.
    Council has recognised that climate change will affect and impact residents, businesses and visitors throughout the City of Greater Geelong. Additionally, their work has projected likely consequences for Council's services including infrastructure provision, recreation, health, planning, natural resource management and water services.

    GEELONG's CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

    • Sustainability Framework 2020 outlines organisational commitment to address significant future challenges, such as the climate change global emergency
    • Environment Strategy outlines the following commitments:
      • carbon neutral by 2025
      • Single-use plastics phased out of City-owned buildings by 2022
      • 1,000 hectares of protected natural habitat by 2030
      • halve organic waste the landfill by 2030
      • Increase tree canopy cover to 25% by 2045
    • Climate Change Response Plan: 7 priority work areas, including coastal planning, asset management and vulnerable sectors of the community. ​
    • Climate Adaptation Strategy and Roadmap
    • Environmentally Sustainability Design (ESD) in planning: Promoting residential and commercial buildings that achieve higher than mandated environmental sustainable design standards is key to achieving this commitment.
    Climate Change Response Plan outlines the following actions and commitments:
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    "Sustainability is the challenge of our time. It's about considering the social, economic and environmental aspects of everything we do."

    City of Greater Geelong

    Sustainability Strategy
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    golden plains' Environment Strategy 
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    commits to 50% emissions reduction by 2023

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    GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL DECLARED A CLIMATE EMERGENCY in JULY 2021

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    Golden plains GENEROUSLY chair the BARWON SOUTH WEST CLIMATE ALLIANCE.

    Golden Plains is a vibrant and progressive peri urban municipality covering 2,705 square kilometres with a population exceeding 20,000. Residents enjoy city business and a country lifestyle, rugged bush landscapes and historic townships.

    GOLDEN PLAINS CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

    Golden Plains Shire Council recognises the significant risk that climate change poses to its community and environment.
    • Carbon Neutral by 2040
    • 100% renewable electricity
    • Environment Strategy commits to 50% emissions reduction by 2023
    • Council's Health and Wellbeing Plan identified five priority areas which included tackling climate change and its impact on health.
    • Emissions Reduction Action Plan ​
    Golden Plains representative David Collins, is President and Chair of the Barwon South West Climate Alliance's Executive Committee.
    “Golden Plains Shire is a unique and special place, with our natural beauty, wonderful rural communities and our strong agricultural industry, we have so much to protect from the worst effects of climate change. That’s why Council has declared a Climate Emergency, which threatens the livelihoods, homes and environment of our community and all of Australia.
    We are committed to ensuring our acknowledgement of the climate crisis is not just words but is backed up by actions. Council will now undertake further work to prepare a Climate Emergency Plan to ensure we are doing everything it can to tackle the Climate Emergency."

    Golden Plains Shire Council 

    Mayor Helena Kirby
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    "Our ability to provide reliable water is highly dependent on a stable climate. Plus, our core business activities are energy-intensive, so we are a major greenhouse gas contributor.
    That’s why we’re making the switch to 100% renewable electricity, investing in innovative energy projects, and pledging to achieving zero net emissions by 2030."
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    "we have seen a 32% drop in average in inflows at West Barwon Reservoir since 1997"
    Tracey Slatter
    Managing Director, Barwon Water

    ​Barwon Water is Victoria’s largest regional urban water corporation. Barwon Water's region of responsibility stretches over 8,100 square kilometres. They deliver high-quality, affordable and reliable water services to more than 320,000 permanent residents – reaching up to 545,000 people during the peak holiday periods. 92% of our customer base is residential, with the remaining 8% a mixture of commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers.
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    Our vision is for an economically, socially and environmentally prosperous region. 

    Our mission is to strengthen our region's economy liveability and sustainability through the delivery of high quality and affordable water and sewerage services.

    barwon water's climate commitments

    • Net Zero Emissions by 2030
    • 100% renewable electricity by 2025
    • Strategy 2030 puts Zero emissions and Zero waste at the core of strategy
    • Climate Resilience Plan
    • Water for Our Future Strategy responds to community concern and environmental data on water flows and storage to plans for sustainable water supply into the future.
    • We are part of the United Nations Race to Zero, “a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth”.
    "Barwon Water is an environmental business. Our climate is changing, and so are we."

    Barwon water

    Environment and Climate Change
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    corangamite cma's CLIMATE COMMITMENTS

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    • Regional Catchment Management Strategy
    • ​Natural Resource Management Plan for Climate Change
    • Waterway Strategy
    • ​Regional Floodplain Management Strategy
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    glenelg hopkins CMA'S CLIMATE COMMITMENTS
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    • Regional Catchment Management Strategy 
    • Glenelg Hopkins Climate Change Strategy
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    • Home
    • About Us
      • The Establishment Project
      • South West Climate Change Portal
      • GOVERNANCE >
        • EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
        • Alliance Practitioner's Network
    • MEMBERS
    • Victorian Greenhouse Alliances
    • NEWS & MEDIA