We have joined a growing number of councils advocating for increased federal government assistance to cover the rising clean-up and repair costs of climate-related severe weather events.
During Tuesday night's meeting, our Council resolved to call on the Australian Government to establish a National Climate Compensation Fund, including a dedicated stream for local governments.
It will also ask the government to establish a parliamentary enquiry into the adequacy of the 2025 National Adaptation Plan and its implementation, and to consider introducing a climate pollution levy on coal, oil and gas corporations.
This would require the corporations to contribute to the costs of climate adaptation, resilience and disaster recovery.
A report presented to Council detailed the growing financial strain being placed on local governments to meet their obligations around climate change adaptation, emergency management and recovery.
The report highlighted the most recent summer as an example of the increasing frequency and severity of weather events such as floods, bushfires, drought and extreme heat in local areas.
While some of the extensive clean-up and repair costs from January's flash flooding in Lorne and surrounds can be recovered through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, significant direct and indirect costs remain unfunded.
Further, the report noted that climate-related sea level rise and coastal erosion will require ongoing investment to mitigate, including the protection of existing assets.
Councillor Phoebe Crockett said climate-related emergencies impacted residents, businesses and tourism, as well as Council's infrastructure and services.
"After a climate disaster event, it's the council and the community who pick up the cleaning bill," Cr Crockett said.
"After the floods our community came together, with neighbours helping neighbours clear mud from homes and businesses and get back on their feet.
"But that goodwill shouldn't be the only safety net we have.
"We need the government to back communities like ours with real, ongoing funding, not leave ratepayers to carry the cost of a crisis we didn't create."
Alongside other councils including the City of Sydney, Byron Shire, the City of Hobart and Bass Coast Shire, the Australian Local Government Association has also adopted a similar advocacy position.
Council's resolution is consistent with the Council Plan 2025-29 strategic priority of Climate and Environmental Leadership.
