Council has adopted a target of net zero emissions for the community by 2050, in line with the NSW Government target, but has no plan for its role in achieving this target. Council has taken valuable steps to address emissions but now needs to increase its ambition. 

We call on Council to:

• Support an interim target of 50% reduction in community emissions by 2030, in line with the NSW Government 2030 target
• Develop a plan for its role in the community achieving both this 2030 target and the 2050 target of community net zero emissions
• Consult with the community on how to economically achieve emission reductions

We also call on Council to include these commitments in the Wagga Community Strategic Plan.

As the NSW Government states*, a commitment to halve emissions by 2030 can yield big benefits for regional communities with thousands of new jobs, billions of dollars of investment, and lower electricity costs.

Council has important roles to play in helping the Wagga community to achieve net zero emissions. It can empower, inform, engage, lead and collaborate with the community, as well as negotiate and advocate on its behalf.

Wagga Council’s promotion of net zero emissions in the Wagga area can:

• help businesses and residences reduce energy and transport costs
• keep more money in the local economy
• help local businesses benefit from the energy transformation investment boon
• promote tourism to the Wagga area with more chargers for electric cars
• assist low-income residents to have more comfortable and more affordable housing
• educate the community about the benefits of achieving net zero emissions

Other NSW councils** have adopted detailed plans to support their communities achieve net zero emissions. Wagga Council should learn from these and copy where appropriate.

Please sign the petition, share it, and let your voice be heard.

Climate Rescue of Wagga Inc (CROW), Climate Action Wagga (CAW), and Wagga Wagga Fridays for Future

*  NSW Gov't news release, "NSW set to halve emissions by 2030", 29 Sep 2021
** NSW Councils with detailed community net zero emission plans include Armidale, Hawkesbury, Clarence Valley, Canada Bay, Ku-ring-gai and the City of Sydney