Bellingen Shire Council cuts its fuel and electricity emissions

BELLINGEN Shire Council has recorded a 69 per cent reduction in fuel and electricity emissions for 2025/26 compared to its baseline year of 2009/10.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager, Mark Griffioen, commended the achievement, acknowledging the years of consistent effort behind the results.

“This further reduction in emissions comes off the back of last year where Council achieved a 58 per cent reduction in emissions, smashing through its 2030 goal of a 45 per cent reduction five years early,” said Mr Griffioen.

“Local Councils have a key role to play in Australia’s response to climate change – out of the 537 local councils in Australia, 165 have set emission reduction targets.

“So, while Council has no legal obligation to report our emissions, we share our progress each year in our annual reporting, as part of our commitment to reduce our climate impact.

“Council now has solar PV systems on 20 Council buildings, has undertaken energy efficient lighting upgrades at 16 different facilities, upgraded street lighting to LED lighting, replaced two Council vehicles with electric vehicles, replaced a diesel mower with an electric mower and installed a battery at Bellingen Memorial Hall.”

Many of these actions have not only resulted in tangible reductions in emissions but have also led to significant cost savings – a win-win for the community and the environment.

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, noted that this year marked the 10th anniversary of the world’s first climate emergency declaration by Darebin City Council in Melbourne, and is pleased that Council has been able to deliver such a significant result in this notable year.

“A 69 per cent reduction in fuel and electricity emissions from our baseline year shows that Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration is more than just symbolic,” Cr Allan said.

“Year on year we are continuing to deliver tangible results for our community.

“Key to our success was the decision to join with 12 other regional councils through the Mid-North Coast Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration Program to procure a 100% renewable electricity Power Purchase Agreement in late 2024.

“We are grateful to the Joint Organisation for leading this landmark agreement as it allowed our council to leverage the buying power of much larger councils to lock in a favourable agreement which has led to significant emission reductions for Council as well as cost certainty in a time of market volatility.”

Bellingen Shire Council is an active member of Climate Emergency Australia, an umbrella organisation which advocates for climate action and builds capacity in the local government sector to govern in a climate emergency. Climate Emergency Australia Coordinator, Sally MacAdams, commended Bellingen Shire Council on its continued efforts and achievements.

“Bellingen Shire Council is an active and engaged member of Climate Emergency Australia,” said Sally MacAdams.

“Senior Council leaders have completed our course, Governing in a Climate Emergency, which helps local government leaders understand their roles and connect with each other,” she said.

“Councillor King has served on our Executive for multiple terms, including on the original founding committee, providing direction and leadership across the local government sector.

“We congratulate Bellingen Shire Council for their continued action and showing that councils of all sizes can lead the way in responding positively and proactively to the climate emergency.”