In 2021, recognising the critical impacts climate change poses to local communities and livelihoods, the City and fellow South Coast Alliance partners – the Shires of Denmark, Jerramungup and Plantagenet South Coast Alliance – commissioned Ironbark Sustainability to explore pathways required to move towards net zero emissions in the region.
The South Coast Alliance Regional Community Roadmap to Net Zero is grounded in data analysis and explores the impact of various actions and is informed by targets set by the Western Australian, and Australian Governments. It considers the important role that the Alliance and member shires play in the Region, as well as the influence of external factors such as market forces, technology changes and state and federal policy.
Emissions in the South Coast Region were around 1.24MtCO2e in the year 2018/19 and are expected to increase over the coming years. The major source of emissions for the region is agriculture, at just under 50% of the total. Agricultural practices release emissions through the use of topical fertilisers as well as through the effluent of livestock. Transport and electricity consumption each represent around a quarter of all emissions. Emissions from electricity are steadily declining as more renewables are introduced to the energy grid.
The Roadmap identified six core pathways for emissions reduction: Agriculture, Transport, Households, Business, Industry and Waste; with roles for local action, Alliance and Council action, and collaborative action.
Projected Emissions for Business as Usual vs Taking Action for the South Coast
The total annual rainfall for the Shire of Denmark showing the past rainfall from 1965 and future rainfall projections to 2085 Source: MyClimateView, location: Denmark
Following the release of the regional Roadmap, the City has identified a need to develop a roadmap to focus on the City of Albany local government area. Development of an Albany-specific Community Net Zero Roadmap is planned for the 24-25 financial year.