Bellingen Shire Council has cemented itself as a leader on climate action among small rural councils, recording 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,” Mr Griffioen said.
“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,” Mr Griffioen said.
Many of the actions have delivered cost savings alongside the emissions cuts.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan noted this year marks the tenth anniversary of the world’s first climate emergency declaration, made by Darebin City Council in Melbourne, and said it was fitting timing for such a significant result.
“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. Year on year we are continuing to deliver tangible results for our community,” Mayor Allan said.
“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 per cent 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 that advocates for climate action and builds capacity in the local government sector. Coordinator Sally MacAdams commended the council’s continued efforts.
“Bellingen Shire Council is an active and engaged member of Climate Emergency Australia,” Ms MacAdams said. “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.”
“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.”
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