First council emissions trading scheme set for launch

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’, 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. Councils will be able to earn carbon credits by investing in energy efficiency, solar and wind power, hybrid and LNG cars or tree planting. NSW councils are still able to join the trial and have until March 1, 2008 to register. For more information or to join the emissions trading trial, contact Randwick City Council’s Manager of Sustainability, Peter Maganov, on (02) 9399 0554 or by email at peter.maganov@randwick.nsw.gov.au.