Local Government joins climate change talks in Copenhagen Following the conclusion of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Brisbane yesterday, President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Councillor Geoff Lake flew to Copenhagen to join the official Australian delegation to COP 15 (Conference of Parties). Councillor Lake joins the Prime Minister, Climate Change Minister Penny Wong, the South Australian Premier, the Queensland and Victorian Climate Change Ministers and senior Federal and State officials as part of Australia’s delegation. “We are pleased that the Australian Government has included Local Government in its delegation to Copenhagen,” Councillor Lake said. “The 565 councils across Australia have a significant role to play in responding to climate change and it is appropriate that they are represented at these discussions. “Councils are at the coalface in dealing with the effects of a warming climate, such as responding to rising sea levels and increased natural disasters, so is vital that Local Government has a seat at the table. “Local Government supports action on climate change and we are keen to play our part in reducing carbon emissions and supporting communities to adapt to the effects of climate change.” Councillor Lake is also a member of the newly established Coasts and Climate Change Council chaired by Professor Tim Flannery. He will be at Copenhagen from 8 to 15 December and can be contacted on +61 411 645 281 and at geoff.lake@alga.asn.au

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