Download Victorian Local Sustainability Accord

Victorian Local Sustainability Accord
2010–2012
Program Achievements
By the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee
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Chair’s foreword
It has been a privilege to chair the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC) since 2009 and to have
been part of the committee since the inception of the Accord in 2005.
It is pleasing that the recent independent evaluation of the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord has found that the
Accord has acted as a catalyst for positive environmental initiatives across Victoria as it set out to do. The significant
investment in projects and partnerships has left a rich legacy to draw and build upon.
From the start, the VLSAC has strongly supported resource constrained councils to undertake work on environmental
strategy and development. It is especially gratifying to see this work translating strongly into action and greater
capacity within those councils. This second phase of the Accord has also seen
a strengthening of collaboration and a regional approach to issues with the involvement of a greater number of project
partners.
The VLSAC has supported practical research in a range
of areas such urban forestry to progress issues of concern
to local government.
The basis of the Accord is the relationship between state and local government on environmental issues to improve
outcomes in communities through working together. Thank you to all VLSAC committee members who have been
determined to see the Accord make a difference to local government and the communities they represent. The
support of the Accord partners – MAV, VLGA and LGPro – is fundamentally important to this program.
The ongoing support of the government for this valued program
is much appreciated.
Janet Bolitho
Chair, Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee
About this report
This report reviews the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord’s achievements during 2010–12 in progressing
environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation. The report makes recommendations for the future of the
Accord.
The report draws on a broad range of evaluation activities consistent with a Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and
Improvement (MERI) plan developed for the program. Evaluation activities included:

a Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC) mid-term review;

funding program review (2011);

evaluation of program administration and delivery (2012);

consultation with senior representatives from all 79 signatory councils (2012).
The report identifies current and emerging environmental sustainability and climate change issues affecting the local
government sector and makes recommendations for the program’s future.
The report was developed by the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC).
The VLSAC was appointed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change to:

oversee the implementation and evaluation of the Accord;

act as a forum for strategic discussion and resolution of inter-jurisdictional issues between state and local
government;

represent local government interests for input into state policy-making;
provide a pathway for the Victorian Government to engage with local government, local communities, and regional
environmental and climate change stakeholders regarding policy, strategy and program design.
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Contents
1. Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 4
2. Outcomes of the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord 2010–12 .......................................... 6
2.1 Partnership benefits .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2 Council capacity to address environmental and climate change issues ............................. 10
2.3 Local councils and their communities ................................................................................. 11
3. Strengthening the Accord ....................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Environmental priorities for local government ..................................................................... 14
4. Delivering the Accord .............................................................................................................. 16
4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.2 Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee ............................................................. 20
4.3 Accord funding program...................................................................................................... 25
4.4 Learning and knowledge-sharing ........................................................................................ 27
Appendix 1: Accord Partners ...................................................................................................... 30
Appendix 2: Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee ............................................ 32
Appendix 3: List of Recommendations ...................................................................................... 33
Appendix 4: Accord-funded projects and status as at October 2012 ..................................... 34
Appendix 5: Current and emerging issues for Victorian local government 2012 .................. 38
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01: Executive Summary
The Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC), believes that the Victorian Local Sustainability
Accord is a successful partnership between State and local government and should be continued.
The committee recommends that the Accord should be refreshed to continue being aligned with State and local
priorities, with the Government maintaining its support for all facets of the program: the VLSAC, knowledge sharing,
funding to local government, strategic projects and placed-based support. See sections 3
and 4 for more detail.
Ninety-eight per cent of respondents to an MAV environmental sustainability survey found that involvement in the
Accord benefitted their council1.
Boosting sustainability action
The Accord has helped catalyse local government action and raise the priority of sustainability and climate change
within councils. It has also helped to improve the integration of social, economic and environmental priorities and
initiatives and deliver on-ground action. For example, 85 per cent of project managers leading Accord-funded projects
reported that the funding helped raise the profile of local environmental sustainability and climate change within their
council/network of councils.
Building partnerships
The Accord’s partnership model has been especially important in enabling action across government boundaries. The
focus on partnerships and knowledge sharing, along with a strategic framework for allocating money through the grant
program, has promoted efficiency of investment.
The Accord’s funding program, which provides funds to councils and groups of councils, has contributed effectively to
the broader goals of the program, in particular building partnerships and relationships.
Almost half of the project managers interviewed through an independent review of the funding program reported that
new relationships had formed with State Government (and its agencies). A relationship with DSE was the most
common. The other main State Government agencies mentioned by project managers were Catchment Management
Authorities and urban and rural water businesses.
The main benefits of the new relationships were identified as:

people better using each others’ skills and networks and working together on a range of matters (not just local
environmental sustainability and climate change)

improved knowledge, understanding and ownership of local environmental sustainability and climate change
issues

less duplication and better co-ordination of activities
across council.
New relationships also developed or improved between councils and the community (not just community groups)
because of Accord-funded projects, according to 86 per cent of environment strategy project managers and 41 per
cent of project managers of partnership projects. 53 per cent of project managers also reported that new relationships
developed or improved with industry because of their Accord-funded project.
“Projects are delivering practical outcomes, excitement and collaboration across other municipalities; consistent with
state government and other agencies.”
Dave Barry, Director of Community and Corporate Services, Towong Shire Council
1
MAV Local Government Environmental Sustainability Survey Report 2010
4
Re-engaging at a senior level
The VLSAC has identified the need to re-engage at the senior management and councillor levels in establishing the
next phase of the program. There is strong recognition of the Accord and its value at the operation level within local
government, however, engagement with councillors and senior managers has diminished. The VLSAC and the
Department of Sustainability and Environment’s place-based support team can play a strong role in this engagement.
Practical benefits
Funding environment and sustainability strategies has been a priority of the Accord. Most local councils now have, or
are developing, an environment and/or sustainability strategy. In terms of the future direction of the Accord, the
funding program should have a greater focus on implementing actions identified in local government and regional
strategies that demonstrate practical benefits to local communities (see Section 4.3).
Sharing resources
A wealth of resources, tools, research papers, templates and project models have been developed through the
Accord. They should be actively promoted to build capacity through knowledge sharing to enable councils to more
effectively manage environmental sustainability and climate change adaptation issues (see Section 4.4).
Reviewing roles and functions
The VLSAC reflected on its own achievements during this phase of the Accord. Building on a formal mid-term review,
end-of-term review discussions and the preparation of this report, the VLSAC recommends that a new Victorian Local
Sustainability Advisory Committee should be established and its roles and functions reviewed to ensure greater clarity
and effectiveness (see Section 4.2).
As part of its review of the Accord, the VLSAC consulted with senior representatives from all of Victoria’s councils. As
part of this consultation, the VLSAC asked councils about their current and emerging issues (see Section 3.1).
Priority issues
Waste management (90 per cent) continues to be an issue along with land use planning (72 per cent). While a large
number of councils said climate change adaptation was a priority for them (75 per cent) many also identified it as an
emerging issue (51 per cent). Supporting and developing sustainable local economies is emerging as a priority issue
(25 per cent of councils said this issue was a current priority but 52 per cent said it was an emerging issue). Transport
(47 per cent) and local government acting as a knowledge broker (41 per cent) were also identified as emerging
priority issues.
The results of this consultation should be used to inform the future focus of the VLSAC and the Accord.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The 2010–12 report makes these key recommendations:
1. The Accord is a successful and well established initiative and should be continued.
2. A new Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee should be established and its roles and functions
reviewed to ensure greater clarity and effectiveness.
3. The funding program should have a greater focus on implementing actions identified in council and
regional strategies that demonstrate practical benefits to local communities.
4. The Accord should actively promote current and past project outcomes to build capacity through knowledge
sharing to enable councils to more effectively manage environmental sustainability and adaptation issues.
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02: Outcomes of the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord
2010–12
The past two years have further demonstrated the success of the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord as a
partnership between the State and local government.
The Accord’s 2010–12 program (Phase 2) has highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and climate
change issues within local government and established a platform for further work.
Independent evaluation has consistently found the Accord to be an influential and well-regarded program. For
example, 98 per cent of respondents to an MAV environmental sustainability survey found that involvement in the
Accord benefitted their council2.
The program has acted as a catalyst for local government action in:

prioritising sustainability and climate change within councils;

improving integration of social, economic and environmental priorities and initiatives;

delivering on-ground action.
The Accord’s partnership model has been especially important in enabling action across government boundaries. This
model has encouraged knowledge sharing, developing and implementing projects and improving efficiency of
investment.
The Accord has strengthened cooperation between local government and the State Government, helping to bridge the
gap between the two tiers of government and clarify their roles and responsibilities.
Local government’s support
The local government sector strongly supports the Accord – all 79 Victorian local councils voluntarily signed up to the
program. The local government bodies – Municipal Association of the Victoria, Victorian Local Governance
Association and Local Government Professionals – are partners in the Accord with the Department of Sustainability
and Environment and the Department of Planning and Community Development.
Councils see State Government as one of their most important stakeholders (second only to community groups) in
achieving better environmental outcomes 3.
2.1 Partnership benefits
State and local government are better connected with each other due to forming new relationships through the
Accord. State and local partnerships have been created throughout all aspects of the program.
The strategic priorities progressed through the Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee have involved
collaboration between the State and local government sectors with new partnerships created and existing partnerships
strengthened. Partnerships between the State and local government have
also been facilitated through the funding program. Sixty-three
per cent of councils reported that they had formed new relationships with government departments and agencies
through Accord-funded projects.
The Accord has also been particularly successful in improving partnerships and collaboration between and within
councils. Relationships between councils and external stakeholders such
as organisations, businesses and the community have also been built through the Accord.
The Accord’s funding program has been a catalyst for improving communication within councils – for example, threequarters of the project managers of Accord projects indicated that new relationships were formed because of their
project. The main benefits of these new relationships were identified as:
2
MAV Local Government Environmental Sustainability Survey Report 2010
3
MAV Local Government Environmental Sustainability Survey Report 2010
6

people better using each others’ skills and networks and working together on a range of matters (not just local
environmental sustainability and climate change);

improved knowledge, understanding and ownership of local environmental sustainability and climate change
issues;

less duplication and better co-ordination of activities across council.
7
“The partnership aspect is so important. Without these there is no way we would be as advanced in regards to the
environment as we are.”
Greg McKenzie, Manager Environment, Greater Shepparton City Council
“We are in regular contact with six other local government areas to share ideas on different approaches. This has
been very beneficial. This has been facilitated by the Accord.”
Lenny Jenner, CEO, Borough of Queenscliff
“The Accord has facilitated collaboration between councils at a regional scale. This cooperation has allowed small
shires to achieve things that they never could have in isolation.”
Manager, Rural Council
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A recent evaluation of the Accord found that 71 per cent of councils reported the program had helped develop intercouncil relationships and improved the level of collaboration both within and between councils on environmental
sustainability and climate change issues. The Accord has also facilitated councils working together at the regional
scale, which has been highly valued by the local government sector.
The impact of the Accord has also reached beyond councils. The Accord has facilitated or strengthened relationships
and enhanced communication between councils, State Government, industry sectors, businesses and the community.
Improved relationships with external stakeholders have also contributed to highlighting the importance of sustainability
(including resource efficiency and climate change adaptation) within councils.
While working in partnership can be challenging at times and requires effective communication, the success of
collaborative projects, such as the Planning Sustainable Futures for Melbourne’s Peri-Urban Region, has led to the
initiation of larger projects which may have not been possible if councils were operating in isolation.
Councils recognise the benefits of cross-collaboration between metropolitan and rural councils, and the development
of expertise and tools for addressing environmental sustainability and climate change issues.
Collaboration at the regional scale through the Accord had resulted in efficiency gains in over half of Victoria’s
councils. Efficiency gains and improved capacity to address environmental sustainability and climate change are key
outcomes of the Accord’s partnership approach. This has avoided potential duplication of effort by councils (the need
to ‘reinvent the wheel’) thereby strengthening the efficacy of investment by the Accord.
A large proportion of councils (61 per cent) have identified the Accord as providing a platform to pursue the
development of projects and leverage work. Councils value having access to initial Accord seed funding and support
for regional networks.
CASE STUDY
Local Energy Consumption Data Project
The Accord funded City of Yarra in partnership with Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (NAGA)4 to lead the
Local Energy Consumption Data (LECD) project. The project aimed to accelerate access and application of electricity
and gas consumption data from Victoria’s electricity and gas distributors. There is no legislation or regulatory
requirement for energy distributors to provide this data and many local councils have been frustrated by the
unavailability of LECD relating to their communities.
At the same time, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) was working on obtaining historical
statewide gas and electricity consumption data for similar purposes. This project saw DSE working closely with the
NAGA councils – contributing technical expertise working with LECD, while councils, through NAGA, were in a better
position to negotiate with energy distributors.
The access to energy use data is important for councils working with their communities to understand, monitor and
manage their own energy usage, easing the burden on the cost of living. Through this project NAGA worked closely
with energy distributors to gain and formalise access to energy end use data, overcoming institutional barriers that
have made this difficult in the past. The LECD project produced tools to expand the project beyond NAGA councils
and created an engagement model between local government and distribution companies that can be replicated
across all municipalities in Victoria.
The project has led to new partnerships between councils and industry, based on information sharing rather than
information provision. It has also resulted in councils having stronger links between NAGA members and industry on
related projects in planning and urban renewal. The project has also developed a Municipal Energy Consumption Tool
that can be used by other councils to assist in local data monitoring and analysis.
From a council perspective: “Through the project, we have developed a fantastic relationship with State
Government – it’s forward looking – it’s been a great success for all councils.”
From DSE’s perspective: “The project has been incredibly successful. We could not have achieved what we
achieved without NAGA.”
4
NAGA councils include City of Yarra, Hume City Council, City of Whittlesea, Nillumbik Shire Council, Moreland City Council, Banyule City Council,
Darebin City Council, City of Melbourne, Yarra City Council and Manningham City Council
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2.2 Council capacity to address environmental and climate change
issues
The Accord has been the catalyst for most councils (71 per cent) to prioritise environmental sustainability and climate
change within council and other corporate plans.
This has better integrated sustainability and climate change into council planning, business operation and thinking. In
addition, 85 per cent of project managers reported that the Accord funding helped raise the profile of environmental
sustainability and climate change within their council/network of councils.
In some instances, prioritising sustainability influenced organisational structural changes and helped to create jobs.
For example, in Boroondara City Council, its environment department grew from a few council staff to a dedicated
team and directorate with seven full-time staff.
The Accord, particularly through DSE regional staff and the development of a range of guidelines, has provided a
consistent environmental sustainability framework and principles for councils to use and adapt at the local and
regional level. It has also provided a framework and language for councils to use, encouraging the incorporation of
triple bottom line principles into the council’s internal discussions and engagement with the community.
The Accord has been instrumental in building capacity within councils to address sustainability and climate change
issues by helping councils to:

develop and implement environment strategies and action plans;

develop knowledge and awareness amongst both council staff and the community on sustainability and
climate change;

improve learning and knowledge sharing between councils;

establish their baseline sustainability capacity, particularly rural/regional councils;

provide a platform for further work;

provide leadership through action in the area of sustainability, particularly rural and regional councils.
In particular, implementing environment strategies has improved councils’ capacity to deliver environmental
sustainability and climate change outcomes through on-ground action.
“The Accord is getting agreed principles around sustainability and providing the practical support. The next step is how
councils apply these priorities; the Accord facilitates the practical application. For us this has been on green
procurement and different energy sources.”
Mark Florence, General Manager Sustainable Communities, Indigo Shire Council
“Accord funding for projects have helped to develop a range of strategies and action based approaches – not just
developing a strategy, developing a clear action plan associated with it, having some things on the ground.”
Aaron van Egmond, CEO, Hepburn Shire Council
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2.3 Local councils and their communities
Accord projects, particularly environment strategies, have assisted councils to focus and prioritise sustainability issues
within their organisation. They have also facilitated community involvement and ownership on a range of
environmental issues.
Figure 1: Have Accord funded projects resulted in new relationships with community groups?
Councils reported that the Accord had enabled them to focus on and improve the sustainability of their organisation
and use the lessons from this work to assist local businesses and organisations. In improving their sustainability
credentials, many councils now feel they can effectively demonstrate their commitment to being a sustainable
organisation to other businesses. This is important for improving the capacity of local businesses and their community.
CASE STUDY
Living Green in Gannawarra and surrounds
Living Green in Gannawarra and Surrounds – a collaborative project between Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon and Swan
Hill Shire Councils – used existing networks and community groups to engage with local people around three key
sustainability themes: water, waste and energy.
“The workshops created a real buzz about the town – everyone was talking about them, inspired by the guest
speakers.”
A total of 442 participants far exceeded the initial target of 240. Participants completed a commitment form outlining
sustainability measures they would undertake over the next three and six months. Of these, 129 participants
committed to water saving actions, 116 committed to waste reducing measures and 126 committed to decreasing their
energy use.
Participants were followed up to see if they had kept their commitments and the response was very positive. Most had
done what they said they would, often without realising. It had become a way of life!
“Funding [the] sustainability strategy was great at increasing our capacity. We have a plan now, through the
consultation process it was community education at the same time.”
Officer, Rural Council
“Seen as a bit of a leader within the community [as a result of the environment strategy]”
CEO, Rural Council
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03: Strengthening the Accord
The Accord has evolved and adapted and has remained relevant and influential due to several key drivers of success.
The Accord provides a framework for the Victorian Government to continue to support councils to work with their
communities on environmental sustainability and actions to adapt to a changing climate. Consultation with the local
government sector concluded that the Accord has been most successful when:

Local government and state government priorities align.

There is joint problem solving and ‘on ground’ tackling of particular issues of importance to both sectors.

Support for achieving Accord outcomes occurs at councillor, management and operational levels within local
government.

Councils collaborate at a regional scale (where issues are cross-jurisdictional).

Councils work in partnership with the community, business, government and other organisations, as relevant.

Barriers or constraints to addressing sustainability issues are clearly identified and then targeted for action.

A broad range of appropriate activities are funded to meet the differing needs of local government, e.g.
planning, implementation, promotion, review.

The Accord sticks to its ‘core business’ and complements other programs (Government and other), rather
than duplicating them.
The Accord is committed to continuous improvement and continuing to deliver relevance to the State and
local government and value for money.
In looking at strengthening the Accord, the recommendations in this report draw on extensive evaluation.
The Accord has reached a point of maturity. It has funded a broad range of projects that have delivered tangible and
practical outcomes for Victorian communities.
However, the funding program has focused heavily on supporting councils to develop plans and build baseline
capacity to be able to implement actions on environmental sustainability. The Accord has been successful in assisting
regional and rural councils develop environment strategies and now most local councils have (or will have soon) an
environmental strategy.
The success of this planning and capacity development puts the Accord and the local government sector in an ideal
position to further shift the balance of investment from ‘planning’ to ‘action’.
Figure 2: Indicative investment balance over time
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One of the strengths of the Accord has been its broad and flexible approach which can be tailored to meet the many
and varied needs of councils across Victoria.
Councils have differing levels of capacity to address waste, resource efficiency and climate change adaptation issues.
The Accord has generated a wealth of resources, tools, research papers, templates and project models. These
resources have been developed through a combination of individual, partnership and regional projects as well as the
progression of VLSAC priority issues. Building the awareness and broader application of these resources will further
support the transition from planning to action for all councils.
It will also be important to consider how the needs of the councils who are seen as the ‘leaders and innovators’ can be
supported and challenged through the Accord. These councils are important in progressing sustainability and climate
change issues and can share valuable knowledge with the sector.
Engaging senior managers and councillors
To make the transition to a more ‘action’ focussed phase of the Accord, and to ensure the full value of the Accord is
readily available to all 79 local councils, it will be important to re-engage senior management and councillors.
There is strong recognition of the Accord and its value at the operation level within local government, however,
engagement with councillors and senior managers has diminished. The VLSAC and DSE’s place-based support team
can play a strong role in this engagement. Improved internal communication about the Accord within council could
also be achieved by equipping officers with necessary information to conduct effective briefings.
Throughout the next phase of the program, the importance of communication with all levels within council should be
acknowledged. To ensure that engagement activities and communications about the program are effective, they
should be targeted at two main groups within council – councillors and senior executives, and environment managers
and officers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1
The Accord is a successful and well established model and should be continued.
1.1
State Government should continue to support the Accord to deliver knowledge sharing, funding
to local government, strategic projects and placed-based support.
1.2
The State Government should refresh the Accord partnership to ensure continued alignment of State
and local priorities.
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3.1 Environmental priorities for local government
Councils tackle a wide variety of climate change and sustainability-related issues in their strategic planning and dayto-day activities. Appendix 5 lists the current and emerging environmental priorities for Victoria’s local governments in
detail. In summary:

Waste management (90 per cent) continues to be an issue for local government along with land use
planning (72 per cent).

While a large number of local councils said climate change adaptation was a priority for them (75 per cent)
many also identified it as an emerging issue (51 per cent).
“Climate change adaptation has occurred but this could be done better. Will still need it to be a priority.”
Doug Sharp, CEO Rural City of Wangaratta

Supporting and developing sustainable local economies is emerging as a priority issue for councils (25 per
cent of councils said this issue was a priority but 52 per cent said it was an emerging issue).
“We have been able to deliver environmental sustainability outcomes and complement economic sustainability
outcomes, without conflicting”
Dave Barry, Director of Community and Corporate Services, Towong Shire Council

Transport (47 per cent) – including sustainable transport, access to public transport, reducing reliance on
cars (links with local job provision) and provision of infrastructure – and local government acting as a
knowledge broker and improving their external communication (41 per cent) were also identified as
emerging priority issues.
“Heart of this is community education. The more you educate the community the more gains can be made.”
Mark Byatt, Mayor, Wodonga City Council
Building on this information from the local government sector, there would be benefit in focussing on a smaller number
of priority issues which address both local and State priorities such as:

climate change adaptation

sustainable local economies, including resource efficiency as a local business opportunity (e.g. waste to
energy)

VLSAC may also consider acting as a conduit between State and local government sector to provide relevant
environmental and climate change considerations and opportunities for broader issues such as land use
planning and transport policy issues.
It is acknowledged that several of the emerging priority issues for local government will also be addressed by other
State government initiatives, such as the waste policy review and Sustainability Victoria’s new strategic direction. The
Accord should complement and not duplicate these and other initiatives.
“Different groups of councils are coming together on issues of commonality, those that are around the coast, those are
around city fringe and those that are inner city. Pick an issue that is fundamental to each of these groups of councils to
address – set priorities that are relevant, can’t be everything to everyone.”
CEO, Metropolitan Council
14
CASE STUDY
Planning for the Future of Melbourne’s Peri-Urban Rural Councils
As a result of rapid population growth, Melbourne’s Peri-Urban regions are facing significant challenges to ensure the
resilience and sustainability of future communities.
Aided by Victorian Local Sustainability Accord funding, the Peri-Urban Group of councils5, with RMIT’s School of
Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, undertook a critical research and scenario planning project to fill
information gaps and support good decision-making for a sustainable future.
The research, Planning for the Future of Melbourne’s Peri-Urban Region6, provides the group with clear information
and comprehensive data and maps about what will happen in their regions if they continue along their current
development path, and where land development pressures will occur 7.
“We wanted to end up with something that would help us develop a strategy, some sort of solution. We agreed that we
didn’t want something that would end up sitting on the shelf.”
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Importantly, this project has provided a focus for, and strengthened the Peri-Urban Group of Councils, and improved
its capacity to articulate relevant issues and engage with State Government on state policy issues.
“The project wouldn’t have been possible without the Accord funding. We wouldn’t have had the resources to do this
work otherwise, and it would have floundered.”
Moorabool Shire Council
The project demonstrates the results that can be achieved when councils collaborate by gaining a stronger voice
on key issues and more effectively sharing resources.
“Nothing like this has been done in Australia, and not much has been done internationally. It is genuinely innovative.”
RMIT University
5
The Peri-Urban Group comprises six councils: Bass Coast, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell, Moorabool, Murrindindi and Surf Coast
6
RMIT University (2011), Peri-Urban research at RMIT University website viewed 24 June 2011, www.periurban.org.au
7
A comprehensive report was produced, which received the Planning Institute of Australia (Victorian division) award for best Rural and Regional
Planning Achievement in 2009. It is publicly available on www.periurban.org.au
15
04: Delivering the Accord
4.1 Overview
Victoria’s councils play a crucial role in protecting Victoria’s environment. Providing a vital link between local
communities and the State Government, local councils work together with their communities on practical, localised
actions and initiatives.
The Accord increases the opportunities for joint participation in environmental decision-making and provides an
excellent vehicle for tackling issues that cannot be effectively addressed by either State or local government alone.
At the core of the Accord is an understanding that working in partnerships can be an effective and efficient way of
getting things done. The Accord’s focus on creating and building on partnerships:

provides a formal link between the two tiers of government and helps to clarify their roles and responsibilities;

allows for targeted investment into areas of shared priority;

delivers smarter use of resources by structuring grants to promote collaboration, build capacity and reduce
duplication to maximise return on investment;

helps to protect the environment by working with local communities to save water, improve waste
management and adapt to climate change.
The Victorian Local Sustainability Accord Committee – appointed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change
– oversees all aspects of the Accord (see Section 4.2). The committee provides advice to the Minister on sustainability
issues affecting local governments and ensures that funding directed through the Accord to councils aligns with the
Accord’s principles and priorities.
“The Accord has lifted the awareness and status of environmental sustainability and provided environmental officers
with a referral point and network to anchor their work on.”
CEO Peri-Urban Council
16
Figure 3: Structure of the Accord
17
4.1.1 Delivery pathways
The VLSAC established four delivery pathways for the Accord which described how the program would achieve its
goals. These delivery pathways complement the Accord principles. They are:

Connecting across State and local government: Identifying and progressing action on environmental
sustainability and climate change issues common to the State and local government sectors.

Supporting resource-constrained councils: Supporting resource-constrained (particularly rural) councils to
implement activities identified in their environment strategy (or other relevant documents) and building their
capacity to deliver sustainability outcomes and adapt to climate change.

Fostering innovation through collaboration: Fostering innovation and collaboration between councils to
address climate change and sustainability issues of common concern to local governments.

Supporting learning and knowledge-sharing: Supporting the State and councils to share knowledge on
sustainability and climate change initiatives, critically evaluate projects and learn from each other to build
capacity.
Evaluation of the outcomes achieved through each delivery pathway concluded:




Connecting across state and local government:
o
State and local government are better connected with each other due to new relationships formed
through Accord with 63 per cent of councils saying that they had formed new relationships with
government departments and agencies through Accord projects.
o
Councils are better connected with each other, with more councils involved in partnership projects
through the most recent funding round (84 per cent) than in previous rounds (65 per cent).
Supporting resource-constrained councils:
o
The number of resource-constrained councils receiving Accord funding grants increased over time
from 27 per cent to 89 per cent in the most recent funding round.
o
There has been an increase in the participation of resource-constrained councils in partnership
projects over time from 24 per cent to 71 per cent in the most recent funding round.
Fostering innovation through collaboration:
o
The Accord has connected councils with other agencies and interested groups and encouraged
experimentation with new technologies to address environmental sustainability issues;
o
Resource-constrained individual councils have demonstrated innovation and collaboration through
approaches such as forming project teams that included representatives from other areas of council
that did not traditionally work together, including councillors on project teams and involving the
community directly in projects to help direct and drive outcomes beyond council.
Supporting learning and knowledge-sharing:
o
The Accord has supported learning and knowledge sharing through a range of activities (see Section
4.4).
The delivery pathways provided a useful translation of the Accord’s principles to allow for more effective
communication and evaluation of the program. Further, simplification of the principles and delivery pathways into a
single set of non-overlapping principles would further enhance communication and evaluation of the Accord.
RECOMMENDATION
1.3
Accord’s principles, delivery pathways and priorities should be consolidated and clarified to enable
clear communication about the program, stronger brand recognition and more effective evaluation.
18
4.1.2 Budget and governance
Governance
The Accord is overseen by the VLSAC appointed by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Governance
arrangements are also in place requiring the Accord to report on budget and program achievements at regular
intervals. The Accord funding program uses a probity advisor and process to ensure the fair and appropriate judging
of funding applications. A risk management plan is in place and reviewed annually.
Budget
The following table summarises the Accord Phase 2 budget:
Funding
Funding Source Amount
Sustainability
Fund
$4.2m
Portion to Program Delivery
(Evaluation, forums and
workshops, VLSAC,
Secretariat and place-based
Initiative Funding Portion Allocated to Local staff, VLSAC strategic
Lifespan
Government Grants
projects)
2 years
$4m
$0.2m
State
$5m
Government
initiative funding*
5 years
$3.5m
$1.5m
Department of
$0.55
Sustainability
and Environment
N/A
$0
$0.55m
Total
N/A
$7.5
$2.25
$9.72
* A portion of this funding extends to 2015.
Delivering Phase 2 projects
The Accord Phase 2 has been delivered on time and to budget, as planned. All completed local government grant
projects have been delivered to budget. The contribution of funding by Department of Sustainability and Environment
has allowed a greater proportion of initiative funding to be directed to the local government sector through the Accord
funding program.
CASE STUDY
Valuing Urban Trees
Trees are a valuable part of our urban landscape. They provide shade to buildings during summer, reducing the need
for air conditioning, remove air pollutants, reduce rainwater flows through their canopies and root systems to lessen
the effects of flooding, reduce heat island effect and support habitats, thereby improving biodiversity. But how do you
put a value on a tree and the contribution it makes to our environment?
The Accord funded the City of Melbourne and the Melbourne Urban Forest Accord Group (MUFAG) – a coalition of
local and state government agencies established to deliver the project, supported by expert and interested bodies – to
adapt the i-Tree Eco calculator, a web-based tool that quantifies the dollar value of the environmental benefits of trees
for Victoria. This tool provides the evidence needed to justify investment in parks and gardens and demonstrates their
vital role in helping cities adapt to climate change. The tool is available for all councils to use.
https://sites.google.com/site/melbourneurbanforests/project-updates/usingi-treeecoforaustralia
19
4.2 Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee
The Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee (VLSAC) provides advice to the Minister for Environment and
Climate Change. The functions of VLSAC are to:

oversee the implementation and evaluation of the Accord;

act as a forum for strategic discussion and resolution of inter-jurisdictional issues between state and local
government;

represent local government interests for input into state policy making;

provide a pathway for the Victorian Government to engage with local government, local communities, and
regional environmental and climate change stakeholders regarding policy, strategy and program design.
The members of the VLSAC are (see Appendix 2 for full details):

One nominee each from Municipal Association of Victoria, Victorian Local Governance Association and Local
Government Professionals.

Three local government representatives.

Three ex officio positions: Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Environment, a senior representative
from the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment and a senior representative from the
Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.
Evaluation of the Accord program found that VLSAC has been effective in overseeing the implementation of the
Accord ensuring the funding program and evaluation activities are delivered in a timely manner and consistent with
Accord priorities and delivery pathways. The VLSAC has been responsible for facilitating strategic discussion on
priority issues and acting as a catalyst for new ideas. Opportunities exist for VLSAC to improve its effectiveness by
clarifying how local government staff can engage with the committee and to look at ways to further progress priority
issues, where possible.
The VLSAC reflected on its own achievements during this phase of the Accord. Building on a formal mid-term review,
end-of-term review discussions and the preparation of this report, the VLSAC made the following observations:

The composition of the committee with elected representatives from Councils, State Government and
observers has been a strength of the program.

The Accord aims to help local government work better with State Government. The focus of the Committee
should be about identifying issues and looking for ways to get better environmental outcomes. There is
significant value in having a committee that can provide advice to the Minister for Environment and Climate
Change on current and emerging local government issues, as requested or appropriate.

The committee may not be best placed to act upon all priority issues that emerge but could act as a conduit to
the appropriate government portfolio areas, passing on advice as appropriate.

The VLSAC’s terms of reference could be tighter and clearer.

Consultation with councillors and senior executives is important for testing the relationship aspects of the
Accord and the program’s ability to progress cross-jurisdictional issues.
20
4.2.1 VLSAC priority issues
The VLSAC identified five key issues for priority action during Phase 2. These are complex, cross-jurisdictional issues
that require action at both the State and local government level to facilitate environmental sustainability outcomes for
local communities and Victoria as a whole. The issues are:

Social impacts of climate change – councils play a critical role in identifying vulnerable communities, supporting
their communities to understand, respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change and strengthen community
resilience to climate change.

Planning and sustainable growth – working to drive sustainability outcomes through land use planning.

Sustainable local economies – recognising the opportunity and importance of developing sustainable industries
and improving the environmental sustainability of economic activities (for example, improving the sustainability of
procurement and supply chains).

Distributed energy generation – exploring the benefits and barriers to investing in the implementation of small to
medium scale distributed energy generation systems.

Managing carbon emissions – councils are keen to understand how to measure and report on their greenhouse
gas emissions in a consistent and effective way and how to best transition to a low or zero-carbon economy.
The issues were identified based on input from the Accord partners and extensive consultation with local government
across Victoria at the end of the first phase of the Accord.
Links between projects and priorities
The VLSAC looks for opportunities to represent local government and to influence state policy making. Ninety-two per
cent of respondents to an MAV environmental sustainability survey consider the Accord to be effective in progressing
local sustainability issues in state policy8.
The VLSAC initiated a number of projects and events to explore and progress the priority issues. The table below
shows the links between the projects and the priority issues.
8
MAV Local Government Environmental Sustainability Survey Report 2010
21
Project
Planning /
sustainable
growth
Distributed
Energy
Generation
Sustainable
local
economies
(Hosted by
Wyndham
City Council)
(Hosted by
LaTrobe City
Council)
(Hosted by
Shire of
Towong)
Social impacts Managing
climate
carbon
change
emissions
VLSAC Urban Forestry
Background Issues Paper and
Talking Trees event
Distributed Energy Generation
Situation Analysis Report
Distributed Energy Generation
Information Audit
MAV Victorian Local Government
Guide to Reducing Carbon
Emissions (Partner project with
MAV)
VLGA Resilient Neighbourhoods:
Integrated Approaches to Urban
Change (Partner project with
VLGA)
VLSAC Sustainable Local
Economies Round Table
Themed local government forums
at special VLSAC meetings
22
The projects produced the following outputs.
PROJECT
OUTPUTS
VLSAC Urban Forestry Background
Issues Paper and Talking Trees
event
Discussion paper published, exploring trends in urban tree canopy on public
and private land across metropolitan Melbourne.
Event for senior decision-makers across State and local government to explore
the issues and benefits trees provide in an urban environment.
Distributed Energy Generation
Situation Analysis Report
Investigation into the situation for distributed generation in Victoria and the
barriers and opportunities facing councils. Informed VLSAC on issue and led to
action on several findings.
Distributed Energy Generation
Information Audit
Acting on the finding from the Distributed Generation Situation Analysis around
local governments finding information varied widely in usefulness or
appropriateness, this report draws upon interviews with councils about their
experiences, undertakes an audit on various information sources and proposes
possible options for improvement. Report drafted.
MAV Victorian Local Government
Guide to Reducing Carbon
Emissions (partner project with
MAV)
Guide published on MAV’s website. MAV subsequently ran training workshops
for councils based on the guide.
VLGA Resilient Neighbourhoods:
Integrated Approaches to Urban
Change (partner project with VLGA)
Draft discussion paper published for consultation with local government sector.
Report to VLSAC to inform of project findings and outcomes. Framework for
addressing sustainable urban change and associated support materials
developed.
VLSAC Sustainable Local
Economies Round Table
Report of workshop outcomes published. Identifies priority challenges for local
governments and identifies possible actions.
Themed local government forums at
special VLSAC meetings
These forums informed many of the VLSAC projects and were the catalyst for
connecting with various government departments and agencies and other
organisations.
Submission to the review of the
Sustainability Fund Priority
Statement
The VLSAC made a submission to the Minister providing feedback on the
revised Sustainability Fund Priority Statement during consultation period.
23
All VLSAC priority projects have involved a range of State Government departments and agencies – as well as nongovernment organisations and local government officers – reflecting the complex and cross-boundary nature of the
sustainability issues the projects explored. Independent evaluation concluded this representation has helped facilitate
connections across and between levels of government, in line with one of the Accord delivery pathways. These
agencies included:

Department of Sustainability and Environment

Department of Planning and Community Development

Department of Primary Industries

Sustainability Victoria

Department of Business and Innovation

Department of Health

Growth Areas Authority

Heart Foundation

VicHealth

Places Victoria

Greenhouse alliances

University of Melbourne

Planning Institute Australia – Victorian Division

Victoria’s local governments.
Many of the Accord-funded council projects have, or are working to, progress the VLSAC’s five priority issues.
Consultation with the local government sector in mid-2012 identified several current and emerging issues for the
sector (see Section 3.1). The results should inform the future priorities established for the VLSAC and the Accord
more generally.
RECOMMENDATIONS
2
A new Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Committee should be established and its roles and functions
reviewed to ensure greater clarity and effectiveness
2.1
The State Government should consider establishing a new VLSAC with a more active strategic role in
identifying, analysing and providing advice to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change on
environmental sustainability and adaptation issues affecting local governments.
2.2
The State Government should consider appropriate mechanisms to enable the VLSAC to act as a
conduit into the State Government for addressing current and emerging issues for local government
and provide links into other State Government departments.
2.3
A new VLSAC should work across State and local government to progress priority issues
and respond to emerging priorities for the Minister and local government sector.
2.4
A new VLSAC term should be aligned with the local government election term.
“The Round 5 Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) Sustainability Training Project has three different components
that target: councillors and management, general staff and designated staff to train in carbon accounting.”
24
4.3 Accord funding program
The Accord’s funding program has been a critical element of the program’s success. Supported by the State
Government, this phase of the Accord (2010–2012) has seen significant growth.
On 1 August 2011, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, announced the recipients of Round
5 of the Accord grants program, allocating $5.67 million to 57 projects across three funding streams: regional grants,
partnership grants and individual grants for resource-constrained councils.
One of the Accord’s strengths is providing a strategic framework for allocating money through the program. This helps
to ensure that the program is well focussed and funds are allocated and spent to achieve lasting environmental
outcomes in line with the program’s priorities.
Continuous improvement and sharing knowledge and learning have been key features of the Accord’s funding
program. In Round 4 of the funding program, DSE introduced a series of improvements including simpler, more
consistent milestones for projects and created communication guidelines. In Round 5 (the most recent round), the
funding program evolved further and included the following improvements:

The introduction of a non-competitive funding stream for grants of up to $45,000 for resource-constrained
councils to implement activities identified in their environment strategy and build capacity to address
environmental sustainability and climate change issues.

The introduction of a regional funding stream for grants of up to $600,000 to support regional groupings of
councils to implement environmental sustainability and climate change projects consistent with Regional
Strategic Plans.

A probity auditor to oversee the grants selection process.

Workshops for grant recipients to clarify the requirement of funding and encourage knowledge sharing across
projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan development a requirement of project delivery.

A series of project planning, reporting and evaluation tools for grant recipients as well as communication
guidelines.
The probity auditor found that the grants application process, encompassing the application and evaluation processes
was conducted through processes that are visible, defensible and auditable.
4.3.1 Funding program evaluation
Independent evaluation of the funding program found a high degree of support for DSE’s funding approach with 92 per
cent of project managers agreeing with the approach. Commonly mentioned reasons for supporting the funding
approach were that it:

helps disadvantaged councils that would otherwise have difficulty attracting project funding;

enables councils to develop and implement environmental sustainability and climate change strategies, which
would not otherwise be possible; and

has been proven as a successful approach.
Ninety-eight per cent of project managers indicated that the funding was very important to the project’s success.
Ninety-six per cent of projects completed at the time of the evaluation were considered successful by the project
manager. Two project managers believed that their projects were only partially successful, in both cases due to the
consultants engaged not completely delivering the outcomes expected for the project.
As further evidence of continuous improvement, satisfaction with DSE’s support of projects increased with each round
of funding. By Round 4, 71 per cent of project managers indicated that they felt very well supported by DSE.
In addition to being well run, the funding program has contributed effectively to the broader goals of the program, in
particular building partnerships and relationships. For example:

75 per cent of environment strategy project managers reported that new relationships were formed within
council because of the project. These new relationships were sometimes in unexpected areas of council
including aged care, the arts, asset management, law enforcement and works and services.
25

For multi council (partnership) projects the relationships tended to be greater between councils than within
councils with 73 per cent of partnership projects reporting that Accord funded projects had resulted in new or
strengthened relationships between councils.

Almost half of the project managers interviewed reported that new relationships had formed with State
Government (and its agencies) through their project. A relationship with DSE was the most common. The
other main State Government agencies mentioned by project managers were Catchment Management
Authorities and urban and rural water businesses.

72 per cent of project managers reported that new relationships developed or improved between councils and
the community (not just community groups) because of the Accord funded project (86 per cent of environment
strategy project managers and 41 per cent of project managers of partnership projects).

53 per cent of project managers reported that new relationships developed or improved with industry,
because of their Accord funded project.
26
Overall, the Accord funding program has been very successful. As discussed in Section 3, to date, the funding
program has funded many projects with direct waste, climate change adaptation and resource efficiency benefits.
However, the program has also focussed on, and successfully supported, local government to plan and build baseline
capacity to be able to implement actions on environmental sustainability – particularly rural and regional councils.
There is an opportunity to build on the strategic work and put greater focus on funding actions identified in existing
plans in future funding rounds.
RECOMMENDATION
3
The funding program should have a greater focus on implementing actions identified in council and regional
strategies that demonstrate benefits to local communities.
4.4 Learning and knowledge-sharing
To support the Accord’s delivery pathway of learning and knowledge-sharing, an internal Learning and KnowledgeSharing Strategy was developed for this phase of the program. The Strategy cut across the entire program and
identified a series of actions to progress learning and knowledge sharing in all aspects of the program. Key actions
included:
For funded projects

Establishing learning and knowledge-sharing requirements into the Accord funding guidelines, an orientation
pack for councils receiving funding and contract deliverables.

Identifying and facilitating opportunities for collaboration across different Accord projects and promotion of
project findings.
Program wide

Working with MAV to improve and build usage of the MAV sustainability website which was relaunched on 13
September 2012. This site provides access to a library of information for local government regarding
sustainability in the natural and built environments and within council operations and was established under
the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord. http://www.sustainability.mav.asn.au/

Identifying opportunities to share information about the Accord and its products at key internal and external
events including supporting showcasing forums of Accord funded projects and discussion forums for
exchange between state and local government on VLSAC priority and emerging issues.

Ensuring that VLSAC strategic projects capture and disseminate lessons learnt via a range of knowledge
products.

Creating a communication pack of Accord branding for funded projects (including colours, logos, presentation
templates, key messages and identifying key mechanisms/pathways).

Providing a range of media for dissemination of Accord information.
4.4.1 Learning and knowledge sharing evaluation
The Accord has facilitated learning and knowledge sharing, however greater focus on this aspect the program would
be beneficial to maximise the value of investment through the program.
Respondents to an MAV local government environment survey found that councils thought that the Accord had
somewhat (67 per cent) or greatly (30 per cent) improved information and knowledge sharing across the sector.
“Grant funding from the Accord has allowed councils to work collaboratively and in partnership across local
government boundaries.”
Mayor, Rural Council
27
More than half of the councils interviewed as part of the Accord’s evaluation activities acknowledged that the Accord
had improved the knowledge and awareness of council staff and the community involved in Accord funded projects
and training. Lessons learnt and outcomes from Accord-funded projects have been made available and taken up by
other councils in a range of ways:

one-on-one contact between project managers from different councils;

through alliances and networks to publicise projects to other councils in the region;

distribution of reports and other project outcomes;

public launches of plans, tools and strategies that are the results of the projects;

MAV Sustainability portal.
Learning and knowledge sharing was particularly apparent among environment strategy project managers who
reported that during their project planning they contacted other councils to review their Environment Strategies and to
learn what worked. Improved partnerships and collaboration had assisted over half of councils to share learning and
knowledge between councils, particularly at the operational level.
There has also been significant learning and knowledge sharing and reflective learning within the program. For
example:

Bi-monthly meetings involving the regional Accord team and Accord policy team, providing a formalised
opportunity to exchange ideas and information.

Investing in formalised independent evaluations of various aspects of the Accord program, as required, and
using the outcomes from these evaluations to facilitate continuous improvement.

Routinely undertaking internal evaluations of on-going Accord activities and processes, through reflection,
recording of learnings identified and analysis of these evaluations to facilitate continuous improvement.

Formalised consultations with councils (e.g. the consultation and evaluation undertaken in July–August 2012).
The priority projects have used several methods for disseminating the outcomes and lessons learnt. For example, the
background paper for the VLSAC Talking Trees forum, along with a video of the event, are available on the MAV
Sustainability Portal (http://www.sustainability.mav.asn.au/sustainability-accord/urban-trees). The MAV Victorian Local
Government Guide to Reducing Carbon Emissions has been used as a basis of a series of well-received workshops
for councils and the outcomes from the VLSAC Sustainable Local Economies Round Table have been provided to the
workshop’s participants.
The Accord has generated a range of resources, tools, research papers, templates and project models. These
resources have been developed through a combination of individual, partnership and regional projects as well as the
progression of the VLSAC priority issues. However, there is limited awareness of the availability and broader
application of these resources.
95 per cent of project managers believed that their projects are relevant, or potentially relevant to other councils.
There is significant potential for the lessons and outcomes from Accord-funded projects to continue to be applied to
new projects within participating councils and councils outside of the original Accord project.
RECOMMENDATION
4
The Accord should actively promote current and past project outcomes to build capacity through knowledge
sharing to enable councils to more effectively manage environmental sustainability and adaptation issues.
“Key outcome of the sustainability training, the Accord has provided regional council officers to meet and collaborate.
This is particularly important in regional areas.”
Mayor, Rural Council
28
CASE STUDY
Evaluation Toolbox
In recognition of the difficulty and importance of evaluating behaviour change initiatives, the Whitehorse City Council,
in partnership with Bayside and Knox City Councils and Gannawarra Shire Council, received Accord funding of
$130,000 to develop a tool to evaluate community sustainability behaviour change programs.
The evaluation toolbox was successfully completed in 2011.
It includes a beginner’s guide to behaviour change; an explanation of the evaluation process; step-by-step guides to
develop monitoring and evaluation plans; evaluation tools and techniques; templates and case studies; information on
presenting evaluation results; and a user-friendly online interface that can be printed or saved as PDFs. The toolbox is
available on www.evaluationtoolbox.net.au.
Feedback has been very positive and it is considered a valuable resource for local, State and federal government, as
well as non-government and international development organisations.
The Evaluation Toolbox funded through the Accord not only helped the local councils involved in the project to better
evaluate their programs, but it has created a resource for all Victorian councils to use.
It is also being used as an important resource for all new projects funded through the program to share learning and
promote effective evaluation
29
Appendix 1: Accord Partners
All 79 Victorian local councils have joined the Accord. Victorian Local Government signatories as at October 2012:
Alpine Shire Council
Gannawarra Shire Council Mansfield Shire Council
Queenscliff Borough
Ararat Rural City Council
Glen Eira City Council
Maribyrnong City Council
South Gippsland Shire Council
Ballarat City Council
Glenelg Shire Council
Maroondah City Council
Southern Grampians Shire
Council
Banyule City Council
Golden Plains Shire
Council
Melbourne City Council
Strathbogie Shire Council
Bass Coast Shire Council
Greater Bendigo City
Council
Melton Shire Council
Stonnington City Council
Bayside City Council
Greater Dandenong
City Council
Mildura City Council
Surf Coast Shire Council
Baw Baw Shire Council
Greater Geelong City
Council
Mitchell Shire Council
Swan Hill Rural City Council
Benalla Rural City Council
Greater Shepparton
City Council
Moira Shire Council
Towong Shire Council
Boroondara City Council
Hepburn Shire Council
Monash City Council
Wangaratta Rural City Council
Brimbank City Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council
Moonee Valley City
Council
Warrnambool City Council
Buloke Shire Council
Hobsons Bay City Council
Moorabool Shire Council
Wellington Shire Council
Campaspe Shire Council
Horsham Rural City
Council
Moreland City Council
West Wimmera Shire Council
Cardinia Shire Council
Hume City Council
Mornington Peninsula
Shire
Whitehorse City Council
Casey City Council
Indigo Shire Council
Mount Alexander Shire
Council
Whittlesea City Council
Central Goldfields
Shire Council
Kingston City Council
Moyne Shire Council
Wodonga City Council
Colac Otway Shire
Council
Knox City Council
Murrindindi Shire Council
Wyndham City Council
30
Corangamite Shire
Council
Latrobe City Council
Nillumbik City Council
Yarra City Council
Darebin City Council
Loddon Shire Council
Northern Grampians
Shire Council
Yarra Ranges Shire Council
East Gippsland Shire
Council
Macedon Ranges
Shire Council
Port Phillip City Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Frankston City Council
Manningham City Council
Pyrenees Shire Council
31
Appendix 2: Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory
Committee
Members
Janet Bolitho Councillor
City of Port Phillip (VLSAC Chair)
Ian Rossiter
Executive Manager for Sustainability, City of Ballarat
Donna Petrovich
Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Environment
John Ginivan
Acting Executive Director, Planning Policy and Reform, Department of Planning and Community Development
Geoff Gough
Mayor of Manningham (MAV nominee)
Christine Richards
Councillor, City of Frankston (VLGA nominee)
Kerry Thompson
CEO of Wyndham City Council (LGPro nominee)
Paul Smith
Executive Director, Environment Policy, Department of Sustainability and Environment
Observers
Megan Dennett
Sustainability Coordinator, East Gippsland Shire Council
Mike Hill
Accord Director
Vera Lubczenko
Director, Engagement, Sustainability Victoria
Former VLSAC members include:
Catherine Dale
Chief Executive Officer, City of Boroondara, LGPro nominee (until Dec 2011)
Ruth McGowan
Councillor, Baw Baw Shire Council (VLGA nominee) (until June 2011)
Jane Rowe
Councillor, East Gippsland Shire Council (MAV nominee) (until April 2011)
Alison McClelland
Executive Director, Strategic Policy, Research and Forecasting, Department of Planning and Community
Development
(until December 2010)
Adam Fennessy
Executive Director, Environmental Policy and Climate Change, Department of Sustainability and Environment (until
April 2011)
Huong Truong
Environmental Planner, Brimbank City Council (Observer) (until December 2010)
32
Appendix 3: Recommendations
RECOMMENDATION 1 – The Accord is a successful and well established
model and should be continued.
1.1
State Government should continue to support the Accord to deliver knowledge sharing, funding to local
government, strategic projects and place-based support.
1.2
The State Government should refresh the Accord partnership to continue aligning State and local priorities.
1.3
Accord’s principles, delivery pathways and priorities should be consolidated and clarified to enable clear
communication about the program, stronger brand recognition and more effective evaluation.
RECOMMENDATION 2 – A new Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory
Committee should be established and its roles and functions reviewed to
ensure greater clarity and effectiveness.
2.1
The State Government should consider establishing a new VLSAC with a more active strategic role in
identifying, analysing and providing advice to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change on environmental
sustainability and adaptation issues affecting local government.
2.2
The State Government should consider appropriate mechanisms to enable the VLSAC to act as a conduit into
the State Government for addressing current and emerging issues for local government and provide links into other
State Government departments.
2.3
A new VLSAC should work across State and local government to progress priority issues and respond to
emerging priorities for the Minister and local government sector.
2.4
A new VLSAC term should be aligned with the local government election term.
RECOMMENDATION 3 – The funding program should have a greater focus on
implementing actions identified in council and regional strategies that
demonstrate practical benefits to local communities.
RECOMMENDATION 4 – The Accord should actively promote current and past
project outcomes to build capacity through knowledge sharing to enable
councils to more effectively manage environmental sustainability and
adaptation issues.
33
Appendix 4: Accord-funded projects and status as at
October 2012
FUNDING
(GST exclusive)
10,519,915
ROUND 1
(8) Projects
900,455
(7) Completed
(1) Discontinued
ROUND 2
(8) Projects
801,000
(8) Completed
ROUND 3
(21) Projects
1,822,650
(20) Completed
1,719,650
(1) Ongoing
103,000
(23) Projects
1,315,895
(17) Completed
1,015,895
(6) Ongoing
300,000
(57) Projects
5,679,915
(0) Completed
0
(57) Ongoing
5,679,915
Alpine Shire Environment Strategy
Alpine Shire Council
30,000
Council Bio-energy Support Officer
Ararat Rural City Council
45,000
Emission reduction action in Bass Coast
Bass Coast Shire Council
45,000
Sustainable and Energy Efficient – The West Gippsland Arts Centre
Baw Baw Shire Council
45,000
Climate Change impact Assessment and Adaptation Action Planning in the Benalla
Rural City
Benalla Rural City Council
45,000
Streamlining the Business Case and Implementation Options for Co/Tri-Generation at
New and Existing Victorian Council-Owned Leisure and Aquatic Centres
Boroondara City Council
120,000
Working Towards Carbon Neutrality in the Borough of Queenscliff
Borough of Queenscliff
45,000
ROUND 4
ROUND 5
34
FUNDING
(GST exclusive)
Harvesting Our Solar Energy
Buloke Shire Council
45,000
Implementing Shire of Campaspe’s Environmental Strategy
Campaspe Shire Council
45,000
Tracking Utility Data to Enable Council Reporting Against Targets
Cardinia Shire Council
45,000
Central Goldfields Sustainability Strategy and Sustainability Living
Central Goldfields Shire Council
45,000
Achieving Carbon Neutrality In Colac Otway Shire
Colac Otway Shire Council
45,000
Climate Resilient Communities of the Barwon South West
Colac Otway Shire Council
600,000
Building Corangamite’s Biodiversity Knowledge Base for Climate Change Adaptation
Corangamite Shire Council
45,000
Urban Waterway Strategy Development
East Gippsland Shire Council
45,000
Gannawarra Environment And Sustainability Strategy
Gannawarra Shire Council
45,000
Solar PV Cell Installation at the Glenelg Shire Council Buildings
Glenelg Shire Council
45,000
Golden Plains Shire Environment Strategy (Sustainability) Implementation Project
Golden Plains Shire Council
45,000
Creating a Climate – Resilient Southern Loddon Mallee
Greater Bendigo City Council
300,000
Green Infrastructure Standards
Greater Geelong City Council
250,000
Goulburn Broken Local Government Sustainability Training Program
Greater Shepparton City Council
213,280
Sustainable Building Management Plan
Hepburn Shire Council
45,000
Project Officer: Hindmarsh Roadside Management Strategy Review And
Implementation
Hindmarsh Shire Council
45,000
Building Local Government Change Agents For Resilient And Sustainable Communities
Horsham Rural City Council
247,377
The Green Print Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham Rural City Council
45,000
Mapping and Brokering Local Energy Solutions in Indigo
Indigo Shire Council
45,000
Reduce, Green and Sustain – Next Generation Procurement
Indigo Shire Council
240,000
Sustainability In the Early Years
Knox City Council
250,000
Adaptive natural Area Management Plans For Council’s Bushland Reserves
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
45,000
Communicating Energy Use In Local Communities Using Benchmarking
Manningham City Council
141,500
WAGA – Climate Change Risk Adaptation Response Plan
Maribyrnong City Council
100,000
35
FUNDING
(GST exclusive)
Growing Green Guide For Melbourne: A How To Guide For Green Roofs, Walls and
Facades
Melbourne City Council
250,000
Don’t Waste Go Solar! – Wallan Transfer Station and Depot Go Solar
Mitchell Shire Council
45,000
Greening Local Supply Chains for Local Government
Moira Shire Council
113,510
Putting the Poly in Your Pocket – Polystyrene Recycling in Moira Shire
Moira Shire Council
45,000
Permanent Ecosystem Protection Through Targeted Community Incentive Programs
Moorabool Shire Council
45,000
SDAPP Tools (STEPS & SDS) Integration And Upgrades
Moreland City Council
131,800
Building the Buzz – Boosting Our Team’s Sustainability Knowledge and Commitment
Mount Alexander Shire Council
45,000
Moving Moyne Minus Motors
Moyne Shire Council
45,000
Water Cycle Management Plan and Implementation Environment Strategy Actions
Nillumbik Shire Council
45,000
Empowering Change: Delivery of the Northern Grampians Shire Council
Sustainable Living Strategy
Northern Grampians Shire Council
45,000
Demonstrating Leadership & Climate Change Adaptation Through Operational Delivery
Pyrenees Shire Council
45,000
Building Community Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change through distributed
bio-energy
Pyrenees Shire Council
599,200
South Gippsland Shire Sustainability Works
South Gippsland Shire Council
45,000
Sustainable Gippsland E Community
South Gippsland Shire Council
248,248
Southern Grampians Energy Management Demonstration
Southern Grampians Shire Council
45,000
Surf Coast Shire Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management Plan
Surf Coast Shire Council
45,000
Smarter Buildings Project The Revolving Fund
Swan Hill Rural City Council
45,000
Towong Shire Council Sustainability Strategy – Triple Bottom Line Outcomes
Towong Shire Council
45,000
Rural City of Wangaratta – Development of Sustainability Capability
Wangaratta Rural City Council
45,000
A Plan for Climate Action
Warrnambool City Council
45,000
Progressing Sustainable Action Within the Wellington Shire
Wellington Shire Council
45,000
Sustainable Water Management Bonegilla Migrant Experience (BME)
Wodonga City Council
45,000
Yarriambiack Shire Council
Yarriambiack Shire Council
45,000
36
FUNDING
(GST exclusive)
Educating and Engaging A Sustainable Community
Mildura Rural City Council
45,000
Development of a Resource and Energy Efficiency Program for Key Council Facilities
Murrindindi Shire Council
45,000
Implement Loddon Shire Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Loddon Shire Council
45,000
37
Appendix 5: Current and emerging issues for Victorian local
government 2012
Table 6.1 Current issues for Victorian local government identified through consultation with all councils in mid 2012
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Current environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Regional
79
PeriUrban
Metro
Total
(%)
Waste management: cost and capacity to manage current/new/legacy landfill
17
6
6
9
38
48%
Waste management: reduction, recycling and recovery (incl. green waste, ewaste)
11
8
2
8
29
37%
Waste management: energy and local business opportunities
4
1
1
6
8%
73
92%
Waste management (total)
Climate change adaptation: council operation, plan, prepare, respond to
impacts
19
3
8
9
39
49%
Climate change adaptation: community (incl. resilience)
9
3
4
4
20
25%
Climate change adaptation: coastal councils, sea level rise and storm surge
(sub-set of above)
6
1
2
3
12
15%
Climate change adaptation: natural/built environment impacts (sub-set of
above)
4
1
2
4
11
14%
59
75%
Climate change adaptation (total)
Land use planning: urban growth and community wellbeing
1
4
10
8
23
29%
Land use planning: built/natural environment, ESD principles
3
2
3
9
17
22%
Land use planning: settlements, agriculture and food security
9
2
3
14
18%
Land use planning: mining (e.g. coal seam gas), agriculture and food security
3
3
4%
57
72%
32
41%
16
20%
9
11%
57
72%
Land use planning (total)
Native vegetation management: biodiversity
12
5
7
Native vegetation management: roadside vegetation and conservation
12
3
1
Native vegetation management: bushfire risk, community wellbeing and
planning
3
1
4
Native vegetation management (total)
8
1
38
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Current environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Regional
Land management: pest plants and animals
9
5
Land management: public land
6
3
Land management: biodiversity
3
2
Land management: sustainable land use and agriculture
5
2
79
PeriUrban
Metro
Total
(%)
4
4
22
28%
9
11%
7
9%
7
9%
3
4%
1
Land management: contaminated land
1
3
Land management: coastal and foreshore management
1
1
2
3%
Land management: salinity (incl. groundwater)
1
1
2
3%
Land management: soil erosion and degradation
0
0%
Land management (total)
52
66%
Energy: efficiency and cost, including carbon pricing
12
5
5
9
31
39%
Energy: sustainable public lighting (sub-set of above)
3
2
2
7
14
18%
Energy: defunding of Green Light sustainable public lighting program
(sub-set of above)
3
3
1
4
11
14%
Energy: sustainable and renewable energy opportunities
9
5
1
15
19%
1
1
2
3%
1
1
1%
49
62%
Energy: complexity of regulation
Energy: delivery and distribution
Energy (total)
Climate change mitigation: reducing emissions, implications of carbon pricing
7
2
6
9
24
30%
Climate change mitigation: transitioning to a low carbon future
7
2
2
3
14
18%
Climate change mitigation: peak oil
1
1
1
3
4%
41
52%
Climate change mitigation (total)
Water: efficiency, management, security and availability (incl. groundwater)
7
Water: WSUD
Water: quality
1
5
5
5
22
28%
1
4
5
6%
2
1
4
5%
39
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Current environmental sustainability and climate change issue
(%)
4
5%
1
1%
Water: storm water management
0
0%
Water (total)
36
46%
31
39%
31
39%
12
15%
10
13%
5
6%
27
34%
2
Regional
PeriUrban
Total
Water: Waterway management and health
Rural
79
1
1
Water: domestic wastewater management
Community engagement: community engagement and education
(incl. local business)
Metro
1
12
8
4
7
Community engagement (total)
Community: community sustainability
8
3
Community: managing expectations of the community in regards to
environmental sustainability
6
1
Community: food security and local food
4
1
1
3
Community (total)
Extreme weather events: flooding, infrastructure and land use implications
6
1
2
6
15
19%
Extreme weather events: drought
3
2
1
2
8
10%
2
3%
25
32%
Extreme weather events: bushfire
2
Extreme weather events (total)
Council internal: environmental and strategic planning, further development or
implementation
6
2
1
1
10
13%
Council internal: council sustainability, behaviour and practice change
3
2
1
2
8
10%
Council internal: monitoring, evaluation, sustainability data and benchmarking
2
2
3%
1
1%
1
1%
Council internal: EMS systems (ISO 14001)
0
0%
Council internal (total)
22
28%
13
16%
Council internal: state of the environment reporting
Council internal: sustainable procurement
Sustainable local economies: supporting businesses and economic
development
1
1
8
3
2
40
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Current environmental sustainability and climate change issue
(%)
7
9%
20
25%
8
11
14%
Built environment: protecting urban landscapes
4
4
5%
Built environment: urban heat island effect
3
3
4%
18
23%
7
12
15%
3
4
5%
16
20%
4
5%
4
5%
1
1%
1
1%
3
Regional
PeriUrban
Total
Sustainable local economies: living and working locally and the provision of
local jobs
Rural
79
2
Metro
2
Sustainable local economies (total)
Built environment: ESD and the built environment (incl. retrofitting)
1
2
Built environment (total)
Transport: sustainable transport, access to public transport, reducing reliance
on cars
1
Transport: provision of infrastructure
1
2
2
Transport (total)
Council external: need for knowledge broker and improved communication
2
Council external (total)
Air: quality
Air (total)
1
1
1
41
Table 6.2 Emerging issues for Victorian Local Government identified through consultation with all councils in mid 2012
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Emerging environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Regional
79
PeriUrban
Metro
Total
(%)
Waste management: cost and capacity to manage current/new/legacy landfill
19
8
5
6
38
48%
Waste management: energy and local business opportunities
9
5
3
1
18
23%
Waste management: reduction, recycling and recovery (incl. green waste, ewaste)
8
4
3
15
19%
71
90%
Waste management (total)
Land use planning: built/natural environment, ESD principles
6
1
7
7
21
27%
Land use planning: urban growth and community wellbeing
5
4
6
4
19
24%
Land use planning: settlements, agriculture and food security
8
2
5
15
19%
Land use planning: mining (e.g. coal seam gas), agriculture and food security
2
2
3%
57
72%
Land use planning (total)
Sustainable local economies: supporting businesses and economic
development
8
7
7
3
25
32%
Sustainable local economies: living and working locally and the provision of
local jobs
6
3
4
3
16
20%
41
52%
23
29%
1
17
22%
2
9
11%
7
9%
40
51%
Sustainable local economies (total)
Climate change adaptation: council operation, plan, prepare, respond to
impacts
13
7
3
Climate change adaptation: community (incl. resilience)
11
5
Climate change adaptation: natural/built environment impacts (sub-set of
above)
4
1
2
Climate change adaptation: coastal councils, sea level rise and storm surge
(sub-set of above)
3
1
3
Climate change adaptation (total)
Climate change mitigation: reducing emissions, implications of carbon pricing
7
6
3
2
18
23%
Climate change mitigation: transitioning to a low carbon future
7
6
2
2
17
22%
Climate change mitigation: peak oil
1
1
2
3%
37
47%
Climate change mitigation (total)
42
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Emerging environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Transport: sustainable transport, access to public transport, reducing reliance
on cars
11
Transport: provision of infrastructure
2
Regional
3
79
PeriUrban
Metro
Total
(%)
8
6
28
35%
4
3
9
11%
37
47%
2
18
23%
3
16
20%
Transport (total)
Energy: sustainable and renewable energy opportunities
8
5
3
Energy: efficiency and cost, including carbon pricing
10
3
Energy: sustainable public lighting (sub-set of above)
1
2
11
14
18%
Energy: defunding of Green Light sustainable public lighting program (sub-set
of above)
1
2
4
7
9%
0
0%
1
1%
35
44%
34
43%
34
43%
32
41%
32
41%
12
15%
10
13%
Energy: complexity of regulation
Energy: delivery and distribution
1
Energy (total)
Community engagement: community engagement and education (incl. local
business)
18
9
4
3
Community engagement (total)
Council external: need for knowledge broker and improved communication
17
5
2
Council external (total)
1
8
Land management: pest plants and animals
7
4
Land management: sustainable land use and agriculture
7
3
Land management: public land
4
4
5%
Land management: soil erosion and degradation
1
1
1%
Land management: coastal and foreshore management
1
1
1%
Land management: salinity (incl. groundwater)
0
0%
Land management: biodiversity
0
0%
Land management: contaminated land
0
0%
43
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Emerging environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Regional
PeriUrban
79
Metro
Land management (total)
Water: efficiency, management, security and availability (incl. groundwater)
4
2
Water: WSUD
2
1
Water: domestic wastewater management
2
1
Water: storm water management
2
1
2
2
1
1
Total
(%)
28
35%
8
10%
5
6%
4
5%
4
5%
Water: quality
1
1
1%
Water: Waterway management and health
1
1
1%
23
29%
10
13%
Water (total)
Native vegetation management: biodiversity
5
2
2
1
Native vegetation management: roadside vegetation and conservation
4
3
1
8
10%
Native vegetation management: bushfire risk, community wellbeing and
planning
4
1
5
6%
23
29%
Native vegetation management (total)
Community: community sustainability
5
4
1
2
12
15%
Community: food security and local food
6
1
1
1
9
11%
Community: managing expectations of the community in regards to
environmental sustainability
1
1
1%
3%
22
28%
2
7
9%
3
5
6%
1
4
5%
Council internal: state of the environment reporting
0
0%
Council internal: sustainable procurement
0
0%
Council internal: EMS systems (ISO 14001)
0
0%
Community (total)
Council internal: council sustainability, behaviour and practice change
1
2
Council internal: monitoring, evaluation, sustainability data and benchmarking
1
1
Council internal: environmental and strategic planning, further development or
implementation
3
2
44
NUMBER OF COUNCILS
Emerging environmental sustainability and climate change issue
Rural
Regional
PeriUrban
79
Metro
Total
(%)
16
20%
1
7
9%
1
1
1%
Extreme weather events: drought
0
0%
Extreme weather events (total)
8
10%
1
4
5%
Built environment: protecting urban landscapes
1
1
1%
Built environment: urban heat island effect
1
1
1%
Built environment (total)
6
8%
Air: quality
0
0%
Air (total)
0
0%
Council internal (total)
Extreme weather events: flooding, infrastructure and land use implications
5
1
Extreme weather events: bushfire
Built environment: ESD and the built environment (incl. retrofitting)
2
1
45
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, November 2012
© The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2012
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46
Victorian Local Sustainability Accord
A partnership between Local & State Government
47