NAGA advocates on behalf of its members to help create a zero carbon economy.
Our submissions to consultations can be found here.
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Planning for a Safe Climate
As part of advocacy to improve the response of the state planning system to climate change, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and CASBE commissioned a research report on the current state of the system. Conducted by Hansen Partnership, the report details areas for improvement in the current planning framework. Download the report here. |
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The Alliances are using the evidence in this report to ask for changes to the planning system to tackle climate change.
The interim report for the 2022 Inquiry into Protections within the Victorian Planning Framework noted the submission by the Alliances identifying the shortcomings in the current planning system.
The interim report for the 2022 Inquiry into Protections within the Victorian Planning Framework noted the submission by the Alliances identifying the shortcomings in the current planning system.
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Australian Councils call for stronger energy performance standards for new homes
NAGA was a signatory to a joint statement calling for Building Ministers to approve the first increase in energy efficiency standards for new homes in over 12 years, when they came together on 26 August at Building Ministers Forum. In those 12 years, there has been great improvements in building design, materials and technology. The ask of Building Ministers was successful. Following a transition period, all new homes will have minimum thermal performance standard of 7 stars (NatHERS equivalent) and a ‘whole-of-home’ energy budget for fixed appliances (heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, and pool and spa pumps). |
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Better performing homes mean lower energy bills, healthy, resilient and safe homes for Australians and an easy and low-cost way to meet Australia’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The increase to 7-Stars is achievable, cost-effective and financially beneficial to residents.
The full statement can be read here.
The increase to 7-Stars is achievable, cost-effective and financially beneficial to residents.
The full statement can be read here.
Electricity distribution price review
In 2020 and 2021, NAGA worked with other Victorian Greenhouse Alliances to lead the development of two sector-wide submissions to the AER in response to the 2021-2026 Victorian Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR). Through the EDPR, the regulator determines the prices distribution businesses can charge for electricity network charges. For councils, this includes setting the operation, maintenance and replacement (OMR) charges for public lighting.
The AER have ruled in favour of our submissions, which will assist councils across Victoria to avoid over $10.7M in OMR charges over the next five years, plus a further $19.8M out to 2046. Savings from the initiative exceed combined Alliance membership fees by a factor of 60.
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances response to the 2021-26 price review
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances response to the draft determination of the 2021-26 price review.
For the first time in Australia, councils have undertaken a coordinated negotiation with a distributor (AusNet Services) to secure a $6.9M funding contribution to upgrade old mercury vapour lights to LEDs. The project will deliver over 220,000 tonnes in emission reductions over the next 20 years. Councils in the AusNet network area will be invited to a meeting to discuss the co-funding arrangements for the LED upgrade program. As per the negotiation process with AusNet, this will be lead and facilitated by EAGA, GMCA, SECCCA and Ironbark.
The AER has approved for the implementation of smart lighting control systems, paving the way for councils to pursue smart lighting and smarty city programs. Whilst expenditure on smart lighting control systems have been approved, a change to the National Electricity Rules is required before the associated energy saving benefits can be captured on council electricity bills. This process is underway and councils are encouraged to assist forthcoming advocacy activities through their Alliances.
Distributors have also been authorised to upgrade the grid to support higher penetrations of local renewable energy resources such as solar and electric vehicles - a position supported through the advocacy submissions.
These benefits are in addition to the $22M in savings already captured by all councils through the NAGA and EAGA led submission to the 2016-21 EDPR. This previous submission to the earlier price review led directly to a $7.5 million saving for NAGA councils on street lighting operation and maintenance costs.
In 2020 and 2021, NAGA worked with other Victorian Greenhouse Alliances to lead the development of two sector-wide submissions to the AER in response to the 2021-2026 Victorian Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR). Through the EDPR, the regulator determines the prices distribution businesses can charge for electricity network charges. For councils, this includes setting the operation, maintenance and replacement (OMR) charges for public lighting.
The AER have ruled in favour of our submissions, which will assist councils across Victoria to avoid over $10.7M in OMR charges over the next five years, plus a further $19.8M out to 2046. Savings from the initiative exceed combined Alliance membership fees by a factor of 60.
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances response to the 2021-26 price review
Victorian Greenhouse Alliances response to the draft determination of the 2021-26 price review.
For the first time in Australia, councils have undertaken a coordinated negotiation with a distributor (AusNet Services) to secure a $6.9M funding contribution to upgrade old mercury vapour lights to LEDs. The project will deliver over 220,000 tonnes in emission reductions over the next 20 years. Councils in the AusNet network area will be invited to a meeting to discuss the co-funding arrangements for the LED upgrade program. As per the negotiation process with AusNet, this will be lead and facilitated by EAGA, GMCA, SECCCA and Ironbark.
The AER has approved for the implementation of smart lighting control systems, paving the way for councils to pursue smart lighting and smarty city programs. Whilst expenditure on smart lighting control systems have been approved, a change to the National Electricity Rules is required before the associated energy saving benefits can be captured on council electricity bills. This process is underway and councils are encouraged to assist forthcoming advocacy activities through their Alliances.
Distributors have also been authorised to upgrade the grid to support higher penetrations of local renewable energy resources such as solar and electric vehicles - a position supported through the advocacy submissions.
These benefits are in addition to the $22M in savings already captured by all councils through the NAGA and EAGA led submission to the 2016-21 EDPR. This previous submission to the earlier price review led directly to a $7.5 million saving for NAGA councils on street lighting operation and maintenance costs.
A Climate Positive, Post-Covid Stimulus
Local Governments can drive economic recovery through tested climate change solutions. A prospectus produced by the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances outlined how to align stimulus projects with climate solutions and offers five priority statewide projects that local governments could deliver/facilitate to boost the economy, create jobs and tackle climate change.
Local Governments can drive economic recovery through tested climate change solutions. A prospectus produced by the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances outlined how to align stimulus projects with climate solutions and offers five priority statewide projects that local governments could deliver/facilitate to boost the economy, create jobs and tackle climate change.
Parliamentary Inquiry into Tackling Climate Change in Victorian Communities
NAGA made a submission and spoke at this parliamentary inquiry in 2019. Due to strong advocacy for the role and needs of local government by all Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, the inquiry recognised the role of councils, and a key recommendation was to provide support for local government to strengthen Greenhouse Alliances.
Parliamentary Inquiry report 25 November 2020
NAGA submission to the inquiry
NAGA made a submission and spoke at this parliamentary inquiry in 2019. Due to strong advocacy for the role and needs of local government by all Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, the inquiry recognised the role of councils, and a key recommendation was to provide support for local government to strengthen Greenhouse Alliances.
Parliamentary Inquiry report 25 November 2020
NAGA submission to the inquiry
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One Million Homes Alliance
NAGA is a partner in the One Million Homes Alliance. The Alliance brings together Victoria's leading environment, social justice, local government and consumer organisations who share a commitment to a just transition to a sustainable society, where all Victorians enjoy equitable access to efficient, healthy housing and affordable clean energy. As part off this advocacy work, NAGA commissioned research into how similar standards were introduced in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The report from this research can be accessed by clicking on the image at left. |