The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has recently packaged key climate science and legislative knowledge into a 3-hour course for council executives.
While the training has provided some shocks and reality checks, attendees have walked away knowing more about how to proactively respond to climate change.
It will also help avoid legal action against their council in decades to come as councils now hold a duty of care to respond to climate change (Local Government Act 2020).
Here are a few reflections from attendees:
“Responding to legislative requirements is not optional, no matter how difficult other legislation (Planning Schemes, Bushfire Overlay etc.) makes it.
- Metro Councillor
“I was having trouble getting my head around what we, as councillors, need to do to comply with the Local Government Act. I did not expect this to deliver such a thorough answer and guide.
– Rural Councillor
“It was very well facilitated and engaging. I even managed to remain present throughout the 3 hours. The information presented added value to other workshops I've attended about health and wellbeing planning and climate change.
– Council executive
“I'm a very new Councillor but will now definitely make sure I have climate change firmly in my mind as we work on the Council Plan.
– Rural Councillor
We invite any councils interested in accessing this virtual training to contact Erin.clancy@delwp.vic.gov.au
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