Community Engagement

Note: The production of the materials on this website was funded by the Australian Government for use by local governments which were part of the Cities for Climate Protection Australia Milestone Support Program that ended on 30 June 2009. Please note that ICLEI Oceania Program and Project support, the Greenhouse Gas Application (GGA) and milestone recognition is no longer available.

• Community Engagement Workshops - Mornington Peninsula Shire Council: Every two years Mornington Peninsula Shire Council undertakes a round of community consultations to help inform its community planning process. This year’s consultations included a presentation on climate change issues as they relate to the community. Being aware of potential consequences of lifestyle choices helps residents to better understand Council’s activities and decision making.

• Community Energy Savings - Tweed Shire Council: In an effort to motivate public participation in resource conservation and greenhouse gas reduction, Tweed Shire Council implemented its Sustainable Households Project, which saw 2,000 AAA rated showerheads and 10,000 compact fluorescent light globes distributed to households in the Shire.

• Santa Goes Green - Ballina and Byron Shire Councils and Lismore City Council: The Santa Goes Green initiative seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the far north coast of New South Wales by providing residents and visitors with simple but effective ways to reduce energy, water and waste in their households, with a focus on activities during the Christmas period.

• Sustainable Living Expo - Bayside City Council, Victoria: Bayside City held its first Sustainable Living Expo in April 2007, bringing the community's sustainable businesses together and showcasing them to the public. The expo featured a number of local businesses including solar panel distributors, green cleaning products, grey water systems and rainwater tanks, organic skin care, and the local indigenous nursery.

• Energy Smart Home Advocates - Moreland City Council: Through engaging with real estate agents, the City of Moreland has been able to raise awareness of the multiple benefits of ‘energy smart homes’. Home owners are encouraged to include energy smart features in home renovations or capital investments prior to selling, and home buyers are shown which energy saving features to look for when making their purchasing decision.