Mareeba Shire Council’s
Greenhouse Action Plan
(2003)
Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
Table of Contents
1)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 4
2)
FORWARD................................................................................................................................................ 5
3)
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1) THE ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT ........................................................................................... 6
3.2) THE INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE ........................................................... 7
3.3) THE AUSTRALIAN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE .................................................................. 8
3.4) LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE ........................................................ 11
4)
TM
5)
MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL AND THE CITIES FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION PROGRAM
(CCP) .............................................................................................................................................................. 11
MILESTONE 1: MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL’S INVENTORY ANALYSIS .............................. 11
5.1) CORPORATE SECTOR RATIONALE AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS ......................................... 11
5.2) COMMUNITY SECTOR RATIONALE AND SUMMARY RESULTS ................................................ 12
6)
MILESTONE 2 – MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL’S GHG EMISSION REDUCTION GOALS ... 14
6.1) REDUCTION GOAL RATIONALE ......................................................................................................... 14
6.2) REDUCTION GOALS ADOPTED BY COUNCIL ................................................................................. 14
6.3) REASONS FOR ADOPTING REDUCTION GOALS............................................................................. 14
6.4) QUANTIFICATION OF THE EFFECTS OF REDUCTION GOALS .................................................. 15
7)
MILESTONE 3: DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL ACTION PLAN (LAP). ................................... 16
8) COUNCIL’S PRE-EXISTING GHG EMISSION STRATEGIES ............................................................. 16
9) COUNCIL’S PROPOSED GHG EMISSION STRATEGIES .................................................................... 17
9.1) CORPORATE SECTOR EMISSION STRATEGIES ............................................................................. 17
9.1.1) WATER AND SEWAGE TREATMENT / RETICULATION MEASURES ..................................... 18
9.1.2) VEHICLE FLEET MEASURES ............................................................................................................. 19
9.1.3) BUILDINGS MEASURES ....................................................................................................................... 21
9.1.4) STREET LIGHTING MEASURES ........................................................................................................ 23
9.2) COMMUNITY SECTOR EMISSION STRATEGIES ............................................................................ 24
9.2.1) RESIDENTIAL MEASURES .................................................................................................................. 25
9.2.2) TRANSPORT MEASURES ..................................................................................................................... 25
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
9.2.3) COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MEASURES ............................................................................. 26
9.2.4) WASTE SECTOR MEASURES ............................................................................................................. 26
10) LIST OF MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ....................................... 26
11) FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................................ 28
GREENHOUSE GAS ABATEMENT PROGRAM ......................................................................................... 28
GREENHOUSE ALLIES PROGRAM ............................................................................................................. 28
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
1) Executive summary
Mareeba Shire Council joined the Cities for Climate Protection Program TM (CCP) in 1998.
This program is partially funded by the Federal Government and helps Councils with the
quantification and management of greenhouse gas emission sources within their Shire
boundaries. Since then, Council has expended considerable time and resources on conducting
a greenhouse gas emission audit, developing greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and
finally developing a strategic plan to achieve significant greenhouse gas emission reductions
within the corporate (council) and community sectors. This report summarises the work
completed to date and paves the way forward for the successful implementation of a range of
greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies.
Council recognises that the implementation of greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies
are essential if it is to effectively manage the diverse range of ecosystems and natural
resources that exist within its Shire boundaries. It also feels that by participating in the Cities
for Climate Protection Program TM, Mareeba Shire Council will be contributing to national
and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst also mitigating the
problem of global warming. It is thus with considerable pride that Council presents ‘The
Mareeba Shire Council Greenhouse Action Plan.
Cr. Mick Borzi OBE
Mayor
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
2) Forward
Mareeba Shire Council is a member of the Cities for Climate Protection ™ Australia program,
an international program to assist local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In
Australia, the program is delivered by ICLEI (the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiatives), in collaboration with the AGO (the Australian Greenhouse
Office).
Mareeba Shire Council joined the Cities for Climate Protection ™ Australia Program in 1998.
The achievement of the following five Milestones was endorsed in Councils resolution to
adopt the program:
1. Conduct an inventory and forecast for Community and Corporate (council) greenhouse gas
emissions
2. Establish an emissions reduction goal
3. Develop and adopt a Local Action Plan
4. Implement the Local Action Plan
5. Monitor and report on achievements.
Each milestone has an internal (corporate) and a community component. Once Council has
accepted this report it will have completed the first 3 Milestones and will move onto
Milestone 4. The fourth milestone represents the implementation stage of the program. This
Greenhouse Action Plan contains a summary of work completed to date and an extensive list
of measures that could be implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the
Shire. Council will adopt reduction measures that it feels are appropriate on an annual basis in
line with Council’s budgetary cycle.
The list of measures will change over time in line with advances in technology and Councils
progression through the program. As such, Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
should be considered a living document and will be reviewed and amended on an annual
basis.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
Cities for Climate Protection TM Milestone 3 Report
3) Introduction
3.1) The Enhanced Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) include; water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
ozone (O3), nitrous oxides (NOx) and halocarbons. They exist in the earth’s atmosphere and
are essential for trapping heat generated by the sun. As such, GHG maintains the heat-balance
of the earth and sustains life on this planet.
Since the onset of the industrial revolution human activities have increased the level of GHG
(with the exception of water vapour) in the atmosphere. This has resulted in what is known as
the enhanced greenhouse effect or global warming (Figure 1).
Figure 1: The enhanced greenhouse effect (Graphics supplied by the AGO).
It is believed that CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are now about 30% higher than they
were 200 years ago. The major human activities associated with increased atmospheric CO2
concentrations are the burning of fossil fuels (primarily oil, coal and natural gas) and land
clearing.
There is now general scientific agreement that human activities are causing changes in
climatic patterns. However, the extent to which humans are influencing this change is still the
subject of debate. Information at present indicates that there has been an average global
warming of 0.6°C ±0.2°C since 1861 (when records began) and a sea level rise of 10 - 25
centimetres over the past century
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently predicted that the enhanced
greenhouse effect could result in an average surface temperature increase of up to 5.8°C, by
the year 2100. This rate of warming is much higher than anything observed during the 20th
Century. In fact, it is very likely without precedent during the last 10,000 years.
It is predicted that the rise in earth’s average surface temperature could cause increased
evaporation and aridity in some areas, whilst producing high intensity precipitation and
flooding events in others. The enhanced greenhouse effect is also likely to cause an increase
in the frequency and magnitude of cyclonic activity in subtropical areas, contraction of
various threatened habitats including coral reefs, arid and semi-arid land in south-west and
inland Australia, alpine systems and freshwater wetlands. It may also result in the spread of
tropical diseases and will cause marine inundation events in low-lying coastal areas. The
IPCC has predicted changes in climate will result in significant, often adverse, impacts on
food supplies, water resources and human health.
3.2) The International response to climate change
In 1988, the United Nations established the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) to review the present state of knowledge on climate change and produce an overall
assessment. The first IPCC report was produced in 1990 and formed the basis for the
development of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC). In
2001 the IPCC produced a third assessment report which synthesised over 3000 studies of
climate change impacts conducted since the late 1970s. The FCCC was signed by 155
countries, including Australia, in June 1993 and came into force in March, 1994. The primary
aim of the Convention was to achieve:
 Stabilisation of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent
dangerous anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate system. Such a level
should be achieved within a time frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to
climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable world economic
development to proceed in a sustainable manner.
To achieve this objective, the Convention contains a number of principles to guide the Parties
actions and a series of general commitments for Parties, including requirements to:
 Prepare national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and sinks;
 Develop, implement and report on national programs to mitigate climate change and
develop adaptation strategies;
 Cooperate in the development and transfer of technologies, practices and processes that
control, reduce or prevent the emissions of greenhouse gases; and
 Take climate change considerations into account in relevant social, economic and
environmental policies and actions.
The Convention places particular onus on what are called Annex 1 Parties (OECD and east
European countries, including Australia) to adopt policies and measures to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions, and to report regularly to the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) on these
policies and measures.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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The Convention leaves many of the details of its implementation to be determined by the
Conference of Parties. Of particular note is that the COP can adopt Protocols to the
Convention that are subsidiary treaties that would legally bind the Parties to the Protocol.
There have been eight COPs so far, with the COP in Kyoto in December 1997 producing the
Kyoto Protocol. It requires Annex 1 countries to collectively reduce their greenhouse gas
emissions by at least five per cent below 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012. Since then
COPs have been dedicated to working out the detail of the protocol.
Within this target, individual countries have agreed to differentiate targets ranging from an
eight per cent reduction to a ten per cent increase, depending on their economic circumstances
and differing capacities to make emissions reductions. Australia’s target is to reduce its
greenhouse emissions in the target period to no more that eight per cent above 1990 levels. In
achieving their targets countries can take account of emission reductions, sink enhancement,
and changes in land clearing.
Under the protocol, countries can use a range of flexibility mechanisms to meet their
reduction requirements, including emissions trading, joint implementation of measures with
other countries, emissions banking, and emission reduction credits for assistance to
developing countries.
The text of the Protocol was open for signature until March 1999 by which date it had
received 84 signatures. Those Parties that have not yet signed the Protocol may accede to it at
any time. The Protocol is subject to ratification, acceptance, approval or accession by the
Parties to the Convention. It shall enter into force ninety days after more than 55 Parties to
the Convention have ratified (incorporating Annex 1 Parties that account for at least 55% of
the total carbon dioxide emissions for 1990 from that group) it. On November 13, 2002, 96
countries had ratified the Kyoto Protocol, including the European Union, Japan, China, India
and Mexico. The United States, which accounted for 36.1% of the total CO2 emissions from
Annex 1 parties in 1990, has declared that it will not ratify the Protocol. The entry of the
Protocol into force is now seen as dependent upon the ratification of Russia, which is
expected in 2003.
3.3) The Australian response to climate change
Although Australia only produces 1.5% of global GHG emissions, its per capita emissions are
one of the highest in the world. On current projections there is likely to be substantial growth
in Australian emissions in the next decade. If no further specific actions were taken to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, Australia’s emissions would grow by 28% from 1990 to 2010
(excluding the effects of land-use change). Recent work shows that emissions rose almost
17% between 1990 and 1998 (excluding emissions from land clearing)
Australia’s emissions are a reflection of the country’s economy and lifestyle. Fossil fuels
supply most of our energy needs; our industries are energy intensive and we are a major
exporter of energy intensive products; our population growth is relatively high; and with our
widely separated and decentralised cities, transport use is high. Chart 1 shows the major
sources of Australia's Greenhouse Emissions.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
Forestry and
Agriculture
15%
May 2003
Industrial
Processes
2%
Fugitive
7%
Energy
57%
Waste
3%
Transport
16%
Chart 1: The Major Sources of Australia's GHG Emissions in 1998 [not including land
clearing]. (Graphic supplied by CCP TM)
The Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments recognised the need for a nationally
coordinated approach to the climate challenge and in 1992 endorsed a National Greenhouse
Response Strategy (NGRS). The NGRS was intended to ensure Australia met its obligations
under the FCCC. The parties agreed to an interim target to reduce Australian greenhouse gas
emissions by 20% by 2005, based on 1988 levels. This target has however been superseded
by the negotiations with the FCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
The NGRS’s goal was to contribute to effective global action to limit greenhouse gas
emissions, to improve knowledge and understanding of the enhanced greenhouse effect, and
to prepare for potential impacts of climate change. It contained a range of measures within a
‘no regrets’ framework, i.e. the measures had to have other benefits apart from reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and not have adverse economic impacts.
Priority measure in the NGRS included:
 Preparation of a national greenhouse gas inventory.
 Micro-economic reform in the electricity and gas sectors to promote competition between
suppliers and the promotion of greenhouse friendly energy sources.
 Increased energy efficiency within the residential and commercial sectors through energy
labelling and minimum energy performance standards; and
 More efficient transport systems through travel demand strategies and improved fuel
consumption in the national vehicle fleet.
In 1995, the Commonwealth government announced additional greenhouse measures in a
statement called ‘Greenhouse 21C’. A major new initiative was the establishment of the
Greenhouse Challenge program to encourage businesses to voluntarily commit to reducing
their greenhouse gas emissions.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
In response to the need to outline Australia’s position for the third COP at Kyoto, the Prime
Minister released a Statement in November 1997 on ‘Australia’s Response to Climate
Change’. This included the provision of $180 million over 5 years for a package of new
greenhouse measures and the setting up of the Australian Greenhouse Office.
The NGRS contained a provision that it would be reviewed in the light of changing external
circumstances. These external circumstances include:
 The strengthening of knowledge on greenhouse science;
 The development of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory which has clarified the major
sources of emissions;
 The progressive implementation of various Government policies and programs with direct
or indirect bearing on greenhouse matters; and
 The strengthening of the international commitment to address climate change through the
FCCC and the Kyoto Protocol
At the end of 1996, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments began work on a
new National Greenhouse Strategy (NGS). The NGS, launched in November 1998, builds on
the NGRS to provide a more focused and comprehensive approach to reducing Australia’s
emissions to meet Australia’s target under the Kyoto Protocol. It also incorporates the
measures announced by the Prime Minister in November 1997.
Priority measures in the NGS include:
 Improving the emissions data in the land use change and forestry sector to clarify its
contribution to greenhouse gas mitigation
 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from government buildings and operations
 Expansion of the Greenhouse Challenge Program for business
 A household greenhouse action program
 Accelerating and monitoring energy market reform
 Implementation of efficiency standards for power generation, residential and commercial
buildings, and domestic, commercial and industrial equipment;
 Strategic development of a renewable energy industry
 Improving travel demand management systems;
 Development of an environmental strategy for the automotive industry;
 Expansion of forest plantations;
 Sustainable management of native vegetation; and
 Minimisation of methane emissions from waste
The NGS provides a strategic framework and a broad menu of actions to achieve its
objectives of reducing emissions. Some of these actions will be implemented by
Governments acting individually, some by inter-governmental initiatives and some through
partnerships between government, business and the community. The Strategy acknowledges
Australia’s regional diversity by noting that some measures are not applicable or relevant to
all Governments and that Governments may pursue specific measures using different policy
approaches and depending on their own budget priorities. A progress report was released in
late 2000, which shows that nationally coordinated measures under the NGS suggest that they
may deliver reductions in the order of 58-64 MT by 2010 (or about half the emission increase
projected to occur between 1990 and 2010).
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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For further information on the NGS visit: http://ngs.greenhouse.gov.au/index.html.
For further information on the Australian Government response to greenhouse visit:
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au
3.4) Local Government Response to climate change
In response to recognition of the important role local government can play in the reduction of
greenhouse gases, the Federal Government allocated $13 million to the Cities for Climate
Protection™ Program Australia. The Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program TM is a
global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local government level initiated by
and for Local Government through the Australian Greenhouse Office and the International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). In May 2003, over 171 local
governments (representing over 71% of Australia’s population) had joined the program.
4) Mareeba Shire Council and the Cities for Climate Protection Program TM (CCP)
In 1998 Mareeba Shire Council was accepted as a member of the Cities for Climate Protection
Program TM (CCP). This international program helps local governments and their
communities reduce GHG emissions, which contribute to global warming.
The CCP TM Program operates on a five-Milestone framework. The five milestones are:
1. Establish a base year ‘emissions inventory’ and ‘forecast’ for the community a nd
corporate sector.
2. Set emissions reduction goal(s).
3. Develop and adopt a greenhouse reduction strategy - the Local Action Plan (LAP).
4. Implement the greenhouse LAP.
5. Monitor and report on emissions and implementation of actions and policies.
5) Milestone 1: Mareeba Shire Council’s Inventory Analysis
The inventory analysis of GHG emissions (milestone 1) for Mareeba Shire Council was
completed and accepted by CCP TM in February 2003. The audit was divided into 2
categories, namely the corporate and community sectors. Emission sources in these sectors
were calculated using separate methods. These methods are outlined below.
5.1) Corporate sector rationale and summary of findings
Emission sources in the corporate sector included council buildings, streetlights, sewage /
water reticulation and treatment facilities as well as the council’s vehicle fleet. GHG
emissions for this sector were calculated using the council’s internal finance system and
associated electricity tariffs and fuel costs. Data was collected for a base year (1998) and two
interim years (2000 and 2002). This information was then extrapolated to produce an estimate
of greenhouse gas consumption in a forecast year (2010).
Chart 2 quantifies the amount of GHG produced (tonnes eCO2) in a range of categories in the
corporate sector. Emissions are expressed in terms of equivalent carbon dioxide
concentrations (eCO2). In all instances base year emission levels (1998) were lower than
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
forecast year (2010) estimates. The sewage and water treatment / reticulation category is
responsible for the production of the greatest proportion of greenhouse gases (1929t eCO2 in
1998). The corporate vehicle and building categories were also significant contributors of
GHG emissions producing 1380 and 707t of eCO2, in 1998 respectively. The streetlight
sector only accounted for 367t of GHG, in 1998. The waste category in the corporate sector
has not been quantified, as no data was available for this area. Council has recently installed a
computerised weighbridge at Mareeba’s Refuse Disposal Site and this will allow the
appropriate data to be generated for the corporate waste sector over the next 10 -12 months.
The increase in eCO2 emissions between the base and forecast years can be attributed to
gradual population growth and the subsequent increase in demand for Council services. It
appears that the greatest increase in GHG emissions will occur in the water and sewage
sector. If left unchecked emissions produced by the corporate sector are expected to increase
from 4383t eCO2, in 1998 to 5303 t eCO2, in the year 2010.
3000
2463
2500
eCO2 (tonnes)
1929
2000
1635
1380
1500
1000
707
746
367
500
459
er
/
W
at
re
e
St
1998
se
w
tli
gh
ag
e
ts
s
le
ic
Ve
h
Bu
i
ld
in
gs
0
2010
Chart 2. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced by the corporate sector. Both the base
(1998) and forecast year (2010) is shown.
5.2) Community sector rationale and summary results
The Community emissions analysis was broken down into: residential, commercial,
industrial, transport and waste sectors. The inventory utilised census data provided by the
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to calculate community sector GHG emissions.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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Population growth factors were then applied to this data to produce an estimate of GHG
emissions in the forecast year (2010).
Chart 3 outlines the findings of the community sector emissions analysis. It shows that the
community sector was responsible for the production of approximately 260878t eCO2 in
1998. This is nearly 60 times the amount of gas produced by the corporate sector. The
industrial component was the greatest contributor of emissions in the community sector. It
accounted for nearly half of all base year community emissions. In 1998, the residential,
transport and commercial sectors were also major contributors of GHG producing 54148,
42525 and 34418 tonnes of greenhouse gas respectively. The waste sector produced another
5049 tonnes of GHG through the decomposition of waste at the refuse disposal site.
Based on a ‘business as usual’ scenario GHG emissions in the community sector are expected
to increase from 262711t eCO2, in 1998 to approximately 358673t eCO2 by the year 2010.
Most of this increase will occur in the industrial sector with some increase also occurring in
the residential, commercial and transportation sectors.
200000
182932
180000
eCO2(tonnes)
160000
140000
124738
120000
100000
80000
62451
54148
53462
51940
60000
42525
34418
40000
6882
20000
7888
w
as
te
n
rt
at
io
tr
a
ns
po
du
st
ria
l
in
ia
l
m
er
c
co
m
re
si
d
en
t
ia
l
0
1998
2010
Chart 3. GHG emissions produced by various sections of the community sector. Both base
(1998) and forecast years (2010) are shown.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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6) Milestone 2 – Mareeba Shire Council’s GHG Emission Reduction Goals
Mareeba Shire Council completed milestone 2 in March 2003. This required the development
of both corporate (Council) and community reduction goals. The reduction goals were
essentially ‘targets’ for GHG emission by the year 2010 and they are incorporated into this
Local Action Plan (LAP) (Milestone Three). The reduction goals provide Council with a
mechanism to evaluate (where possible) their efforts and monitor their progress. The goals are
flexible rather than mandatory.
6.1) Reduction goal rationale
The following considerations were taken into account when developing reduction goals for
Mareeba Shire Council. The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that population growth in
the Shire is expected to remain low up until the forecast year, of 2010. Additionally, new
technologies and advances in alternative power will assist Council in achieving its reduction
goals. At the time Mareeba Shire Council was developing it’s reduction goal (January 2003)
117 Australian Councils had already set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. 110 of
these had endorsed a 20% (or greater) reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, by the year
2010.
Discussions with Cities for Climate Protection Officers and Departmental Managers from
Mareeba Shire Council highlighted the importance of setting goals that would significantly
decrease GHG emissions.
In developing a community greenhouse gas reduction goal it was recognised that council has
far more control over its activities than it does over the community it represents. As such,
Mareeba Shire Council’s Community Reduction Goal was defined as a leadership statement
rather than a definitive goal.
6.2) Reduction Goals Adopted by Council
In March 2003, Mareeba Shire Council endorsed the following GHG emission reduction
goals:
1)
Council will attempt to reduce green house gas emissions in the corporate
sector by 20% of base year levels, by the year 2010.
2)
Through active leadership and community consultation council will attempt to
reduce green house gas emissions in the community sector by 20% of base
year levels, by the year 2010.
6.3) Reasons for adopting reduction goals
The shire recognised that adopting the 20 percent reduction goals would help to:
1) Contribute to global efforts to minimise the enhanced greenhouse effect.
2) Help Minimise the impacts of the enhanced greenhouse effect, such as extreme
weather conditions, the spread of tropical disease, and land degradation.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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3) Reduce the impact of pollution on the local community.
4) Enhance the local economy though savings in energy expenditure and use of
renewable energy.
5) Reduce energy costs associated with the purchase of fuel and electricity.
6.4) Quantification of the effects of reduction goals
Equivalent CO2 tonnes
Chart 4 shows that a 20% reduction in base year (1998) GHG emissions in the corporate
sector is equivalent to a reduction of 877t of eCO2. Given that GHG emissions are expected
to increase to 5302t eCO2 by the year 2010, this would represent a saving of approximately
1797t of GHG in the forecast year of 2010.
6,000
5,000
Emissions
Saved
4,000
3,000
Total
Emissions
2,000
1,000
0
1998 eCO2 emissions
Business as Usual forecast for
2010
Target eCO2 emissions for 2010
based on 20% reduction on 1998
levels
Reduction Goal
Chart 4. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the implementation of a 20%
reduction goal in the corporate sector. Total savings in 2010 would be equivalent to 1797t of
eCO2.
Equivalent CO2 tonnes
400000
350000
Emissions
Saved
300000
250000
200000
150000
Total
Emissions
100000
50000
0
1998 eCO2 emissions
Business as Usual forecast
for 2010
Target eCO2 emissions for
2010 based on 20% reduction
on 1998 levels
Reduction Goal
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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Chart 5. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with the implementation of a 20%
reduction goal in the community sector. Total savings in 2010 would be equivalent to 148504t
of eCO2.
Chart 5 shows that a 20% reduction in base year (1998) GHG emissions in the community
sector is equivalent to a reduction of 52542t of eCO2. Given that GHG emissions are
expected to increase to 358673t eCO2 by the year 2010, this would represent a saving of
approximately 148504t of GHG in the forecast year of 2010.
Clearly these figures represent substantial savings in GHG emissions and if achieved will
have positive flow on effects for Council, the environment and those people who live in the
region.
7) Milestone 3: Development of a Local Action Plan (LAP).
The development of this ‘Local Action Plan (LAP)’ represents an integral component of the
CCP program. The completion and endorsement of this document will represent completion
of Milestone 3 under the CCP TM program. The LAP links Mareeba’s participation in the CCP
TM
program with national and international efforts to reduce GHG emissions. It also outlines
measures that Council has / or will introduce to reduce GHG emissions in the corporate and
community sectors.
It is recognised that new technologies capable of reducing GHG emissions will become
available in the future. Additionally, Council’s strategies to reduce GHG emissions will
evolve over time. As such, this is a living document and should be reviewed periodically to
ensure that it contains the most up to date information and remains a useful tool in the
abatement of GHG emissions throughout the Shire. The objectives of the Local Action Plan
can be summarised as follows:
1) Help Council to fulfil its commitment to the CCP program,
2) Help Council to act in a globally responsible manner and protect current and future
generations by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse emissions.
3) Assist Mareeba Shire Council to become a Local Government that actively manages the
natural environment and recognises the value of preserving Australia’s abundantly
diverse and unique ecosystems.
It is important to recognise that measures outlined in this document are not exhaustive, nor are
they legally binding. As such it is recommended that Council adopt a range of measures from
different categories over time to meet its requirements under the CCP TM program.
8) Council’s pre-existing GHG emission strategies
The CCP TM program has provided Mareeba Shire Council with a strategic framework to
reduce GHG emissions. Joining CCP TM has also provided Council with the opportunity to
place all energy reduction initiatives under the same umbrella. This has a number of benefits
including increased awareness for Council staff and the Community, access to an Australian
network of participating Councils and possible funding opportunities. Council can claim GHG
emission reductions implemented since 1998. Below are a number of existing actions Council
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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has already implemented. Most of these measures have been implemented in the waste sector
and as such will result in a reduction in community sector GHG emissions.






Council has introduced a waste reduction program whereby the majority of recyclable
material bought to refuse disposal sites is now removed and sold to appropriate recycling
agents.
As part of its waste reduction program Council mulches all garden waste rather than
sending it to land fill.
Council sends putrescible household waste to Cairns where it is composted via aerobic
decomposition. The compost is then sold back to the community.
Council shreds waste office paper and then distributes it to be used as mulch in employee
gardens.
Council has already fitted some timers, sensors and thermostats to help reduce energy
consumption in various high use buildings.
Council recently purchased a grader that conforms to Australian Design Rule-80. ADR-80
places strict limits on GHG emissions associated with the combustion of fuels.
9) Council’s proposed GHG emission strategies
The remainder of this document will outline a series of proposed measures to reduce GHG
emissions within the corporate and community sectors. These measures will be outlined in the
context of emission sources. As such, the corporate (council) and community sectors will be
considered separately and broken down into their constituent components.
9.1) Corporate sector emission strategies
Chart 6 clearly illustrates that water and sewage treatment / reticulation processes were
responsible for 45% of all GHG emissions in the corporate sector, in 1998. Similarly Council
vehicles, buildings and street lighting were responsible for 31%, 16% and 8% percent of GHG
emissions respectively.
Buildings
16%
Water / sewage
45%
Vehicles
31%
Streetlights
8%
Chart 6 Percentage breakdown of sub-categories within the corporate sector in 1998.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
9.1.1) Water and sewage treatment / reticulation measures
Chart 7 breaks down the water / sewage category of the corporate sector into its constituent
components. Interestingly, the three water treatment facilities were responsible for the
production of over 70% of all base year GHG emissions in this category.
Mareeba and
Kuranda sewage
treatment
9%
Mareeba and
Kuranda sewage
reticulation
10%
Mareeba, Kuranda,
Dimbulah and
Chillagoe water
reticulation
9%
Mareeba, Kuranda
and Chillagoe
water treatment
plants
72%
Chart 7 Percentage breakdown of GHG emissions in the water / sewage treatment and
reticulation sector in 1998. Total GHG emissions in 1998 were 1928t eCO2.
Clearly measures to reduce GHG emissions in this category would have greatest impact if
targeted at water treatment facilities. Measures could include the use of energy efficient
equipment at treatment plants and educating the public on practical ways to reduce water
usage, including the reuse of water. In this way council will reduce the amount of energy it
uses through inefficient practices, whilst also minimising demand for water and sewage
treatment / reticulation processes. Specifically, Council should implement the following
measures:
1) Council should develop a purchasing policy for the water and sewerage department that
places a strong emphasis on the purchase of more energy efficient equipment.
2) Similarly, it should become mandatory for anyone providing a tender to supply or fit
electrical equipment to provide information on the relative energy efficiency of the
equipment to be supplied. This information should then be taken into consideration when
determining which tender is successful.
3) Council should develop energy efficient specifications for any new construction of sewage
and waste water facilities.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
4) Council shall encourage the use of home effluent treatment facilities. This will reduce the
energy costs associated with pumping effluent to sewage treatment facilities and the
subsequent treatment of this waste. Additionally, these systems will allow treated water to
be discharged into the garden reducing the need to pump treated water to the home for use
outdoors. These sorts of systems combined with the proper use of native gardens could
effectively negate the need for garden irrigation in an area with low rainfall and high
evaporation rates. The use of native gardens would also help to provide urban habitat for
wildlife, whilst also removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
5) Council should investigate introducing legislation that prohibits the use of sprinklers
during the heat of the day. For instance, legislation could require that all watering of
gardens with unsupervised watering equipment be limited to the hours before 9.00 am and
after 5.00 pm.
6) Council should investigate the barriers to re-use of water in urban centres and if possible
introduce legislation that allows for appropriate use of grey water around the home.
Similarly Council should promote the use of tank water for drinking in urban centres.
7) Council should over time introduce water supply charges that more closely reflect the cost
of production and take into consideration the cost to the environment.
8) In line with the introduction of new cost changes for water supply council shall distribute
practical information to members of the public on how to reduce water consumption
around the home. This could include information on the use of native gardens, low flow
shower heads and taps, half flush toilet systems, home effluent treatment facilities, use of
mulch in gardens etc.
9) Council shall liase with local suppliers to ensure that water efficient taps, shower heads,
sprinkler systems and the like are available for purchase within the shire at a competitive
price.
10) Council shall encourage the use of water efficient equipment by using it within buildings
and at infrastructure under its jurisdiction. In order to prevent large outlays of money
inefficient equipment could be replaced on an as required basis.
9.1.2) Vehicle Fleet Measures
The corporate vehicle fleet included: all light transport vehicles, trucks, tractors, rollers,
graders, excavators and loaders that Council uses in its day to day operation. General
gardening equipment was also included in this category. In 1998, the corporate vehicle fleet
was responsible for the production of approximately 1379t of eCO2 at a cost of $300 000. If
nothing is done these figures are expected to increase to around 1635t of eCO2 and $705 000,
by the year 2010.
Chart 8 shows that heavy trucks (>4.5t capacity), and light petrol vehicles produced the
greatest amount of GHG in the corporate vehicle sector (44% in total). Other major
contributors included graders, light diesel vehicles and light trucks (<4.5t capacity).
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
Light trucks (<4.5
tonne)
11%
Loaders
5%
Excavators
Rollers
5%
3% Tractors
2%
May 2003
general gardening
equipment
3%
Graders
15%
Light petrol vehicles
22%
Light diesel vehicles
12%
Heavy trucks (>4.5
tonne)
22%
Chart 8 Percentage breakdown of GHG emissions in the Corporate Vehicle Fleet in 1998.
Total GHG emissions in that year were 1379t eCO2.
There are many ways in which Council can reduce GHG emissions and associated costs
within its corporate vehicle fleet. The following measures would provide Council with a
simple cost effective way of achieving this:
11) Council will purchase e-10 petrol for its vehicles where it is available for bulk purchase at
prices comparable for standard unleaded petrol.
12) Over time Council will replace diesel vehicles with petrol or LPG equivalents. Particular
attention should be paid to the purchase of factory fitted duel fuel (petrol / LPG) vehicles
that combine the benefits of exceptionally long travel ranges with the environmental
benefits of reduced GHG emissions.
13) Where practical Council will replace 6 cylinder vehicles with 4 cylinder equivalents. Note
replacement should only occur where the 4-cylinder equivalent is capable of completing
the work required. For example, 4 cylinder vehicles shouldn’t be used where heavy loads
have to be carried.
14) Where no appropriate petrol, LPG or duel fuel vehicle can be purchased to complete a
particular task, Council will purchase a diesel vehicle that complies to Australian Design
Rule 80. This design rule places strict limits on GHG emissions associated with the
combustion of fuel in diesel vehicles.
15) Council will develop a purchasing policy that places a strong emphasis on fuel efficiency.
Since January 2001 all new vehicles have carried a label that indicates how many litres of
fuel the vehicle uses when travelling 100km. This will make it easy to determine which
vehicles have a high fuel efficiency rating.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
16) Council will conduct an in house driver awareness campaign to help promote sustainable
driving practices.
17) Work completed within the shire often requires that employees travel large distances to
complete certain tasks. Where this is the case Council will investigate the possibility of
utilising more flexible work hours to prevent excess travel to and from the job. For
instance, if a job requires 300km of travel and will take approximately 10.5 hours to
complete it would be a waste of Councils time and resources to send personnel out for 8
hours one day and 2 and ½ hours the next. Completing the work in a single trip would
save time, money and prevent the production of needless greenhouse gases. It is important
that both employees and management come to a mutually acceptable arrangement about
how this could be achieved.
9.1.3) Buildings Measures
Any building that council received an electricity bill for was included in this category. In
1998, the Council chambers, depots and swimming pool facilities accounted for over 62% of
GHG produced in this sector. Libraries, halls, recreational reserves, parks and gardens,
nursery, television transmission station, SES buildings, museums and public toilets were
responsible for the production of the remaining 38%.
In 1998, electricity consumption in the building sector resulted in the production of 707t of
eCO2 at a cost of $78 000. Based on a business as usual scenario GHG emissions in this
sector will increase to 745t in the year 2010. The cost of producing these emissions will also
increase to around $85 000.
Recreational reserves
6%
Public toilets
1%
SES buildings
1%
Television station
1%
Pools
21%
Parks and Gardens
5%
Nursery
3%
Libraries
Museums 6%
Halls
5%
Council chambers
28%
Depots
22%
1%
Chart 7 Percentage breakdown of GHG emissions in the Building Sector in 1998. Total GHG
emissions in that year were 707t of eCO2.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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Some of the options available to reduce energy consumption within the buildings sector
include:
18) Council should develop a purchasing policy that gives preference to energy efficient
lights, air conditioners, computers and other office equipment. The tendering process
should also be required to provide information about the relative energy efficiencies of
equipment and or services to be provided.
19) All new Council buildings should meet a set of minimum energy standards developed to
reduce the need for excessive energy use. These standards should require the use of
insulative materials, natural lighting, proper use of solar aspect, utilisation of solar hot
water cylinders or heat pumps and natural ventilation.
20) Replacing energy inefficient light-globes and tubes with new generation compact
equivalents will have a significant impact on energy consumption in this sector. These
globes utilise less than ¼ of the electricity used by standard globes. Certain brands also
come with a 3-year replacement warranty reducing their frequency of replacement.
21) Slightly increasing thermostat temperatures on all air-conditioning systems and educating
employees on the benefits of turning off air-conditioners when leaving an area for long
periods of time will reduce air conditioning loads significantly.
22) The use of automatic timers on air conditioning units should be avoided as this tends to
result in air conditioners being over utilised.
23) Ceramic roof paint could be applied to the Council Chambers and other high use
buildings. This paint can reduce surface temperatures below the roofline by as much as 15
degrees thus decreasing the need for air conditioning. The paint is not expensive and could
be applied next time the roof needs to be painted and or repaired.
24) Skylights could be used to reduce dependence on artificial lighting in Council buildings.
25) The sleep mechanism on all computers and other office equipment should be activated to
reduce energy consumption when this equipment isn’t being used.
26) Hot water cylinders that are not used should be removed, down sized or replaced with a
solar or heat pump equivalent. Local Government can now access Federal and State
Government rebates on solar and / or heat pump products. This makes the installation cost
of these products roughly equivalent to a network connected electric system.
27) Council should remove all hand driers from toilets and change rooms and replace them
with recycled hand wipe paper dispensers. Motion sensors should be installed on all
urinals.
28) Council should introduce a policy that requires the mandatory double siding of Council
documents and the use of paper products produced from recycled material.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
29) Council’s photocopiers should have one tray designated for paper that has already been
used on one side. This tray could then be used for less important documents reducing
paper waste considerably.
9.1.4) Street lighting measures
Council streetlights produced 367t eCO2 in 1998. This is expected to increase to 459t by the
year 2010. Similarly cost is expected to increase from $80 000 to around $142 000.
Streetlights are paid for on a per pole basis. However, cost does vary slightly depending on
light type. Three types of street lamps are used throughout the shire. They are fluorescent,
mercury vapour and sodium vapour. Sodium vapour lamps are the most efficient in terms of
light output per watt, mercury vapour lamps are the next most efficient followed by the
fluorescent lamps.
Chart 8 shows that currently sodium vapour lamps produce around 43% of GHG in this
sector. Mercury vapour lamps and fluorescent tubes produce 36 and 21% of GHG emissions
within this sector respectively.
Ergon energy is currently replacing fluorescent lamp types with mercury vapour equivalents.
However, the mercury vapour lamps have a slightly higher wattage than the fluorescent tubes.
As such, the new mercury lamps will use a similar amount of light to the fluorescent lights
they replace.
Flourescent lamps
21%
Sodium vapour lamps
43%
Mercury Vapour
lamps
36%
Chart 8 Percentage breakdown of GHG emissions in the Streetlight Sector in 1998. Total
GHG in that year were 367t of eCO2.
Mareeba Shire Council currently uses a lot of 40 and 50w globes in its streetlights.
Consequently, the chance of reducing GHG emissions through reduction in globe wattage is
minimal. The following measures should however, still be implemented:
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
30) Currently many streetlights in the shire are turned on before it is completely dark and
turned off well after the sun has risen. As such, Mareeba Shire Council should liase with
appropriate staff at Ergon Energy to reduce the amount of time lights are turned on.
31) The Council should also require that Ergon Energy continue to supply a range of options
for all new light installations. This allows council to select an appropriate energy efficient
lamp type thus preventing a blow-out in energy use in this sector in the future.
32) Recent information supplied by CCP indicates that in many cases solar streetlights can be
installed at the same price as hard wired equivalents. Where this is the case solar street
and park lighting should be installed preferentially. This will also reduce energy costs as
electricity is produced by the sun and not suppled by an electricity company.
9.2) Community sector emission strategies
In 1998, industry produced almost 50% of all GHG emissions in the Community Sector.
Residential, transport, commercial and waste components were also major producers of GHg
emissions. As a whole the community sector was responsible for the production of 262 000t
of eCO2, or nearly 60 times the amount of GHG produced directly by Council operations.
As in the Corporate Sector the emission reduction strategies that follow will be discussed
under separate sub-categories. It is recognised that Council will not adopt all the measures
outlined below. Rather, Council will work towards achieving its community reduction goal by
implementing a selection of strategies from the following list.
transportation
16%
waste
3%
residential
21%
commercial
13%
industrial
47%
Chart 9 Percentage breakdown of GHG emissions in the community sector for 1998. Total
GHG were equivalent to 262711t eCO2.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
9.2.1) Residential measures
GHG emission reduction measures in the residential category should include some or all of
the following:
33) Council will seek to reduce water consumption within the community sector using the
methods outlined in points 4 – 9 within the water and sewage sector above. This will
significantly reduce the amount of energy used in treating and pumping water to homes
and businesses.
34) Council will develop minimum energy efficiency standards for all new homes and other
buildings. These standards will promote the use of correct solar aspect, ceramic roof
paints and / or low albedo paint colours in conjunction with the use of other insulative
materials, skylights, natural ventilation, native plants, awnings and solar water heating.
35) Council will provide information to the public on the benefits of using energy efficient
equipment. It will also provide information on new technologies that may assist in
reducing energy consumption in the home.
36) Council will form networks with local businesses and community groups to establish a
residential tree-planting program. These trees will act as a carbon sink and could be
provided to home-owners to create shading for buildings etc.
9.2.2) Transport measures
GHG emission reduction measures in the transport category should include some or all of the
following:
37) Council will build support for the use of bio-fuels in the community sector by releasing a
series of public statements voicing its support for the use of fuels containing ethanol. It
will also lend political support to any project that helps develop infrastructure associated
with the production of e-10 fuels. Finally, it will promote the development of networks
with other Shires to promote regional backing for the development of e-10 fuels and
associated infrastructure.
38) Availability of LPG is one of the largest limiting factors for use of this fuel within the
Shire. Council will attempt to rectify this situation by liasing with service stations and
other businesses outside the Mareeba Township. Federal funding is currently available to
assist in the establishment of LPG fuel outlets in areas where they are not currently
available. At the same time Council will seek to actively educate members of the public
about the financial and environmental benefits of using LPG. It will do this through public
statements about its support for the product and by using the product in appropriate
Council Vehicles.
39) Council will run a public awareness campaign aimed at reminding people about the
benefits of using smaller vehicles, alternate fuel sources, frequent tunning motors
vehicles, car pooling and driving in an environmentally friendly manner.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
9.2.3) Commercial and Industrial measures
GHG emission reduction measures in the commercial and industrial categories should include
some or all of the following:
40) Council will establish networks with business, industries and the bodies which represent
them to: 1) demonstrate the benefits of reducing energy consumption, 2) identify potential
ways of reducing GHG emissions and 3) to highlight potential methods for the
development of heat recovery and / or green power production. Council will also
encourage local business and industry to become involved in ‘The Greenhouse
Challenge’. This is a voluntary Federal Government initiative that helps business and
industry to manage their energy consumption more efficiently.
41) Council will introduce a policy that requires new businesses and industries to show how
they will limit energy consumption. This will serve to reduce GHG emissions and
highlight potential cost savings to the developer.
42) Council will investigate waiving certain fees for energy efficiency improvements and / or
fuel switching in the commercial and industrial sector.
9.2.4) Waste sector measures
Council has established an excellent waste reduction program where garden waste is mulched,
recyclable material is removed and protrusible waste is composted in an aerobic environment.
This results in a very minimal amount of waste going to land fill where it would produce
methane gas. Council will be able to claim a significant GHG emission reduction for the work
it has completed in this sector. Other measures that Council could look at implementing in
this sector include:
43) Council will encourage local residents, businesses and industry to purchase products that
result in waste minimisation through reduced packaging etc.
44) Council will investigate the possibility of undertaking a methane collection program at its
refuse disposal sites. This gas can then be burned off or used in the production of
electricity. It is often possible to contract out this work at no cost to Council.
10) List of measures to be implemented this financial year
In the first year of the project it is proposed that a series of low cost trial and educational
programs are implemented. As such, around $10 000 has been allocated for the CCP TM
campaign this financial year. Some of the projects that will be completed include the
following:
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Commence public display of support for the current e-10 fuel trial, in Cairns.
Approach Caltex about purchasing e-10 fuel for Council’s vehicles.
Implement the energy efficient purchasing policies outlined in this document across all
Council departments.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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May 2003
Conduct a community awareness campaign to promote Councils participation in the
program. This could be done using radio, newspaper and television. School and industry
visits along with public meetings should be completed to develop a sense of community
ownership for the program.
Conduct an employee awareness campaign emphasising the importance of turning off
lights, air-conditioners and other office equipment when not in use. This campaign should
also highlight the importance of keeping certain doors in air-conditioned buildings closed
at certain times. Finally, it could be used as a forum to promote efficient driving practices
and to generate new GHG emission reduction measures.
Conduct a trial to determine the suitability of 40w compact fluorescent light tubes in the
office environment. The trial should take place in the main office building and will
involve replacing between 6 and 8 standard fluorescent light tubes with their compact
equivalents. The compact tubes use around ¼ of the energy of an equivalent fluorescent
tube.
Commence development of minimum energy efficiency requirements for Council and
community buildings.
Conduct a trial to determine if skylights are appropriate for use in the office environment.
The trial would involve placing 1 or 2 skylights in the Council Chamber office. This
would determine if the type of light provided is appropriate for that space. As skylights
use no power energy savings associated with the use of these devices could be significant.
Thermostats on all air-conditioned buildings should be increased a couple of degrees. This
will decrease energy consumption associated with these devices considerably.
Council will activate suspend mode on all computers and other office equipment where
possible.
Introduce mandatory double siding of photocopied documents and expand the use of
email for report distribution etc.
Set aside a tray in photocopiers for paper that has already had one side used.
Start to deactivate ineffective timers on electrical equipment.
Conduct a trial using insulative paint to determine its actual capacity to reduce the need
for air-conditioning. This should be done in a small building where internal temperatures
are currently a real problem.
Investigate the possibility of turning the tourist info centre and museum into an example
of an energy efficient building. This would require the addition of natural ventilation and
light in conjunction with insulative paint. The building already has high ceilings, large
verandas and most importantly it is visited by a large amount of people.
Council shall commence installation of self-closing doors in some buildings to prevent
influx of heat from the outdoor environment.
Council shall commence developing networks with local businesses, industries,
community and representative groups to highlight potential projects that could be
completed with or without funding.
Liase with IT and Finance Departments to streamline data collection process in the future.
This will most likely involve conducting an electricity account audit. This will allow
various electricity accounts to be directly correlated with categories used in the CCP
program.
Council will develop a folder containing information on building energy efficient,
environmentally friendly homes. This folder could contain information on water
conservation, home effluent treatment facilities, use of native plants, natural ventilation
and lighting, solar power, solar hot water cylinders and other relevant information. Quite a
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
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May 2003
few local businesses have expressed interest in supplying material. Purchase of equipment
from local businesses would have positive economic effects on the local community.
Council shall quantify the GHG emissions reduction credit available for the composting of
protrusible house waste. This should be done in around eleven months time when a full
years worth of weigh bridge data is available.
Council should look at setting up a program that provides native plants to householders,
local businesses and community groups for use in the urban environment. Plants could
either be donated for free or provided at production price.
Council should negotiate a reduction in hours of use for streetlights with Ergon Energy.
Council shall attempt to negotiate a special price on the purchase of green electricity for
council. This may be possible if Council offers to purchase green electricity for some of
its more public buildings (Halls, Heritage centre, swimming pools, Council Chambers and
the like) and advertise the use of Ergons green electricity product.
Council shall negotiate terms of peak load curtailment program using Council generators
with Ergon Energy.
Council shall commence submiting funding applications to State and Federal Government
for greenhouse reduction programs.
11) Financial considerations
Council has allocated $7500 dollars to commence implementing the energy reduction
measures outlined in section 10. Many of these measures will result in substantial savings in
terms of energy costs. As such, a revolving energy fund should be established whereby money
saved is directed back into the CCP campaign. This will reduce the amount of capital that
Council needs to inject into the program on an annual basis.
Additionally, completion and acceptance of Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
will represent completion of Milestone 3. This will allow Mareeba Shire Council to access a
range of Federal and State government funding opportunities including:
Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program
Round three of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement program opened on the 29th May 2003. It
provides funding for programs that result in very significant greenhouse gas emission
reductions. To date funding has been supplied for programs including the development of
ethanol production plants in Brisbane and Mossman, as well as co-generation facilities
throughout Australia. In all $400 million dollars is available for project implementation.
Greenhouse Allies Program
Completion of Milestone Three makes Council eligible to join the Greenhouse Challenge and
take part in Greenhouse Allies. Under the Greenhouse Allies initiative bigger companies,
industry associations and Local Governments that are members of the Greenhouse Challenge,
act as mentors (Greenhouse Challenge Partners) to groups of smaller businesses (Allies).
Greenhouse Challenge Partners help Allies develop greenhouse reduction and energy
management strategies.
Alternative Fuels Conversion Program
The Commonwealth Government provides funding to assist Councils with the cost of
converting, or purchasing vehicles with a carrying capacity greater than 3.5t to LPG or CNG.
Up to 50% of incurred costs will be paid under the scheme. Duel fuel vehicles (petrol /LPG
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
May 2003
and diesel / LPG) will also be funded under this program. This is particularly useful in a shire
where large distances separate LPG fueling stations.
Diesel and Alternative Fuels Grant Scheme
This Federal program provides fuel rebates for the use of LPG (11.925 cents / L), CNG
(12.617 cents / L) and ethanol (20.809 cents / L). Under this scheme Council could claim
these fuel rebates on those vehicles that are currently eligible for the Federal diesel rebate of
18.510 cents a litre.
Other funding opportunities
Both Federal and State Governments provide rebates on the installation of solar hot water
cylinders, heat pumps and solar voltaic systems. These rebates make installation costs
comparable with standard electric hot water cylinders. Federal Government funding is also
available to assist businesses or other interested parties in developing LPG refueling points
where they are not currently available.
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Mareeba Shire Council’s Greenhouse Action Plan
1
1