ICLEI and partners launch 2024 Local Government Review

The much-anticipated 2024 iteration of Australia’s Local Government review saw ICLEI Oceania, supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy; Ironbark; and the Better Futures Australia local government working group stepping up to shine a light on the incisive climate action local and subnational governments are steering towards Australia’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The review found that:

  • 89% of have established or are in the process of setting ambitious targets for corporate emissions reduction 

  • 68% have set or are planning community-wide emissions reduction goals 

  • Represents a 29% share of Australia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2035 

2021/2022 Australian emissions profile by sector

Councils are uniquely placed to abate greenhouse gases across emissions sectors in Australia’s Net Zero Plan through advocacy and behaviour change, urban planning and infrastructure development. 

Source: Local Government Review 2024:17

Forward thinking local governments are already a driving force operating with conviction on climate action, and the upcoming revision of NDCs in 2025 brings significant opportunity for the Commonwealth Government to strengthen the urban content of Australia’s NDCs through partnership with the local government sector. Coordination that inspires real action across all levels of government will translate to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and allow Australia to send a clear signal to the global community. 

ICLEI has worked with governments elsewhere to help them to achieve the objectives of CHAMP through partnerships across all levels of government. 

ICLEI Oceania