Australian Local Government Climate Emergency Declarations

The survey examines the impact of climate emergency declarations made by Australian local councils and two state governments. Since the City of Darebin’s pioneering declaration in 2016, 86 councils and the ACT government have declared or recognised a climate emergency. The survey, conducted between November 2019 and January 2020, focused on how these declarations influenced council policies, programs, advocacy efforts, and budgets. Results showed that 63% of councils developed or updated climate action plans following their declaration, with many adopting more ambitious emissions targets, particularly those aiming for zero emissions by 2030 or 2050.

Community advocacy and councillor initiatives were the main drivers behind these declarations, with many councils also urging state and federal governments to declare climate emergencies and provide additional support. Councils with updated climate plans were more active in mobilising local organisations and advocating for stronger government action. While nearly half of councils prioritised climate adaptation, fewer committed to emergency-speed climate action. The survey also revealed mixed changes in the prioritisation and budget allocation for climate action within councils, highlighting areas for further investigation and follow-up.