Public Works and Engineering
01/03/2008 Page: 16
Eight councils have committed to participate in the trial of an Australian-first greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme for local government which is on track to begin in March this year. The New South Wales metropolitan councils of Randwick, Lane Cove, Auburn, Ashfield and Leichhardt have so far confirmed they will participate in the trial, along with the regional councils of Cootamundra, Cowra and Kiama.
The 'Local Government Emissions Trading Scheme', which is scheduled to commence operating on March 1, will be a five-year trial that aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of participating councils by 4% each year. Kiama Shire Council's Mayor, Sandra McCarthy, says the scheme will encourage new and innovative ways for regional and urban councils to work together to help reduce greenhouse gases.
It is also hoped the trial will promote the exchange of information about greenhouse gas-saving initiatives between councils from different regions. The administrator and manager of the trading scheme, Randwick City Council's Manager of Sustainability, Peter Maganov, has previously stated that under the trading scheme, the cost of carbon credit units could be around $10-15 per unit.
Councils will be able to earn carbon credits by investing in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, hybrid and LNG cars or tree planting. New South Wales councils are still able to join the trial and have until 1 March 2008 to register their participation in the scheme with Randwick City Council.
For mope information or to join the emissions trading trial, contact Randwick City Councils Manager of Sustainability, Peter Maganov, on (02) 9399 0554 or by email at Peter maganov@randwick.nsw.gov.au
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