Climate Action

In 2018, the City of Ballarat formally acknowledged the climate emergency and the urgent need for action at all levels of government. This declaration was in response to global climate science, including findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and reflects Council’s commitment to leading meaningful change.

Ballarat is not alone. Globally, over 2,300 jurisdictions in 40 countries, representing more than 1 billion people, have declared a climate emergency, including over 100 councils in Australia (Climate Emergency Declaration).

In response, Council developed the Carbon Neutrality and 100% Renewables Action Plan 2019-2025. The plan outlines 61 actions aimed at reducing emissions across Council facilities and helping the broader community transition to a low-carbon future. We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and supporting the community to do the same. 

Climate change is not a distant threat, it’s already affecting Ballarat. We’re experiencing hotter, drier conditions, more intense heatwaves, and shifting rainfall patterns. These changes are projected to intensify unless global emissions are rapidly reduced.

Key changes in the Central Highlands region:

• Hotter temperatures: More hot days and nights, with rising average temperatures continuing beyond 2050.
• Longer, more intense heatwaves.
• Drier winters: Ongoing declines in cool-season rainfall.
• More intense storms and extreme rain events.
• Increased risk from bushfires, droughts, and floods.

View the Central Highlands Climate Projections 2024

View the Ballarat climate trends  

Ballarat City Council to be Carbon Neutral by 2025 (Corporate Emissions)

The City of Ballarat is on track to reach carbon neutrality for its operations by 2025. This means reducing emissions from Council buildings, vehicles, waste, and energy use as much as possible, and offsetting any remaining emissions.

Key actions delivered so far:

• Purchasing 100% renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) – the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by local governments in Australia.
• More than 6,400 streetlights upgraded to LED, saving over 26,000 tonnes of CO₂e across >20-year life of asset. The remaining non-LED lights are in progress of retrofit now.
• Partnered with LMS Energy to expand methane gas capture at the Ballarat Regional Landfill, taking renewable energy (electricity) generation to 10,846 MWh, delivered into the Victorian grid.
• Energy efficiency upgrades (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, LED lighting) at Ballarat Library, Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre, and Art Gallery.
• Electric vehicle transition, with 6 EVs and 1 plug-in hybrid added to the pool vehicle fleet.
• Solar power capacity expanded to 607kW in 2024. Total solar generation of these systems at 15 facilities is estimated to be about 700 MWh annually and saving over $100,000 per year in electricity costs.
• Upcoming: Electric heat pump project to be implemented at Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre; Installation of another 196kW of rooftop solar at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is in progress; FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collection service launching in 2025. 

In 2022, Council adopted the Carbon Neutrality and 100% Renewables Action Plan 2019-2025, which sets an aspirational target for the entire Ballarat community to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. The plan outlines actions across five key areas: Net Zero Outcomes on Business, Homes, New Developments, Transport and Waste. Ballarat’s community emissions were estimated at 1.5 million tonnes in 2020. Reaching net zero will require collaboration across sectors, innovation, and strong community leadership. 

To reach net zero emissions by 2030 requires a bold and challenging approach. The stakeholders involved in the development of this plan recognise the urgency to act and supported Council’s resolution for an aspirational target of net zero emissions by 2030. It reflects a recognition of what is required to address the climate emergency.

Key actions delivered so far:

• The City of Ballarat and Development Victoria are working in partnership to establish a Circular Economy Precinct in BWEZ. The Precinct will be a regional centre for businesses focused on resource recovery, job creation and innovation.  
• The Waste as a Resource: Our Circular Economy Strategy 2024-2028 Strategy was adopted in 2024 that provides a framework for how the City of Ballarat and the community will work together to advance our shared goal to reduce waste and support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy. 

While reducing emissions is critical, we must also prepare for the changes already happening. The City of Ballarat is working to build climate resilience by:

• Embedding climate risk into our planning, infrastructure, and service delivery.
• Supporting households and community groups to adapt.
• Advocating for policy change and regional partnerships. 

Working with and for our Ballarat community to create a thriving natural and built Ballarat.  

Phone: 5320 5500 and ask for Sustainable Environment Ballarat
Email: sustainableenvironment@ballarat.vic.gov.au
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