Climate Action in East Fremantle

CARG Members 

In June 2020, the Town called upon its residents to indicate their desire to establish a Climate Action and Resilience Group (CARG) aimed at aiding in the following:

1. Identifying objectives, initiatives, and steps that both the Town and its residents can take to address the forthcoming hurdles associated with climate change.
2. Serving as a bridge between the Council and the community, offering suggestions to aid the Town in crafting a Comprehensive Environmental Strategy (CES) and Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP).

The CARG consists of a diverse composition, including scientists, consultants, community participants, and elected representatives.

Connect with CARG - East Fremantle CARG Facebook 

Current Members 

• Cr Tony Natale (Chair)
• Cr Cliff Collinson
• Cr Dean Nardi 
• Rebecca James
• Fraser Maywood
• Paul van der Beeke
• Christine Finlay
• Leigh Nicholas
• Wendy Wisniewski
• Miles Dracup
• Maureen Flynn
• Emma McSweeney 
• Blair Parsons 
• Connor Warn

Past Members 

• Roger Hughes
• Duanne Ginger
• Shelley Cocks 
• Jane Melvin

Strategic Objective 1 - Energy 

CES Vision:

• Council commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy by 2030.
• Council will encourage the community to transition to zero emissions by 2030.
• Council will advocate to service and infrastructure providers to accelerate the transition to zero carbon energy for both Council and the community.

What has the Town done? 

• The Town collaborated with 50 other Local Authorities in a power purchase agreement facilitated by WALGA to procure renewable energy for all Town facilities, including street lighting.
• Furthermore, solar panels have been installed at Dovenby House and the Tricolore Community Centre. The Town has also provided assistance to several Clubs in the installation of solar panels, notably the Tennis and Rowing Clubs. 
• CARG initiated a crowdfunding campaign to fund the installation of solar panels at the East Fremantle Kindergarten on George Street.

What can you do? 

• Installing solar panels on your roof.
• Purchasing renewable power.
• Choosing an electricity plan that includes renewable energy (e.g. GreenPower).
• Investing in appliances that have high energy efficiency ratings.
• Decreasing electricity consumption through enhanced insulation and the use of more efficient appliances, including lighting, air conditioning, ovens, washing machines, and dishwashers.
• Substituting gas-powered hot water tanks, heaters, ovens, and stovetops with electric alternatives.
• Viewing one of the CARG Workshops on Rooftop Solar and the Big Switch (provided below).

Useful Links:

Climate Clever

Installing Solar Panels in the Town

Energy Rating Calculator

  

The Big Switch, Electrifying Everything - East Fremantle CARG   

 All Things Rooftop Solar - East Fremantle CARG 

Strategic Objective 2 - Green Spaces 

CES Vision:

• Council commits to increasing the Town’s total vegetation canopy cover to 30% by 2030.
• Council will support greening initiatives on both public and private land.
• Council will collaborate with multi-disciplinary organisations to increase and protect green spaces.

What has the Town done? 

• The Town facilitates an annual native plant sale in May, allowing residents to access and purchase native plants.
• Residents within the Town can make a request for a free verge tree as part of the Town's services.
• The Town undertakes an annual planting campaign in parks and reserves to enhance greenery and biodiversity.
• Planting efforts are focused on areas prone to urban heat, known as Urban Heat Hotspots, contributing to climate resilience.
• The Town organises Community Planting Days, where community members come together to participate in tree planting and greening projects.
• The Town runs annual youth based planting days in partnership with Richmond Primary and East Fremantle Kindy on George Street. 
• The Town is an annual partner of the WA Tree Festival, hosting events relating to greening in the private realm.   

What can you do? 

• Plant trees and vegetation on your property
• Request a Verge Tree for your property 
• Install a Waterwise Verge Garden. 
• Utilise the annual Native Plant Sale at Apace Nursery 
• Only remove established trees when crucial to safety or infrastructure improvements.
• Offset necessary tree removals with nearby replacements. 

Useful Links:

Verge Tree Request

Verge Garden Application 

Verge Treatments and Street Trees

Annual Native Plant Sale

WA Tree Festival 

Strategic Objective 3 - Water 

CES Vision: 

• Council will reduce the consumption of scheme and groundwater by 3% per year.
• Council will support the community with incentives and education to reduce water consumption.
• Council will collaborate with stakeholders and external organisations to protect and preserve the state's water supplies.

What has the Town done? 

• Since 2020, the Town has proudly maintained its status as a Waterwise Council, showcasing its dedication to responsible water management. This commitment was acknowledged in 2023 when the Town received the esteemed recognition of a Gold Waterwise Council.
• Ongoing Waterwise education sessions at Richmond Primary School on water preservation.
• The development of the Waterise Verge Policy and Verge Greening Guidelines promoting water sensitive and sustainable landscaping.
• Ongoing drainage upgrades throughout the Town are being carried out to accommodate changing weather patterns.

What can you do? 

• Use water efficient fixtures and appliances, and reduce water use
• Plant climate-adapted species
• Water the garden early in the morning or at dusk
• Implement Water Sensitive Urban Design

Useful Links: 

Your Home - Water

Pool Cover Factsheet and Evaporation Calculator 

Water Corporation - Waterwise Advise

Water Corporation - Waterwise Plants

Waterwise Council

Strategic Objective 4 - Transport 

CES Vision:

• Council commits to no greenhouse emissions from its fleet by 2030.
• Council will enhance active transport infrastructure and encourage active and public transport options. 
• Council will advocate for better access to public transport with lower emissions technology.

What has the Town done? 

• The Town installed an EV charger in 2022 at the Town Hall on 135 Canning Highway.
• The Town purchased 2 E-bikes for staff and provides access to smart riders for work-related travel.
• The Town provides additional cycling infrastructure at the annual George Street Festival to promote active transport options. 
• Provision of E-bike and EV Car stalls at the 2022 East Fremantle George Street Festival to educate residents on sustainable transport options. 

What can you do? 

• Walk, cycle and catch public transport for short trips and opt for buses and trains for longer trips.
• Use electric rather than petrol or diesel powered cars. 
• Share journeys with others to decrease vehicle emissions and promote efficient resource usage.

Useful Links: 

West Cycle - Cycling Information

WA Electric Vehicle Strategy

Electric Vehicle Myth Busting 

Electric Vehicle Common Questions 

Strategic Objective 5 - Infrastructure 

CES Vision:

• Council commits to ensure adaptation and mitigation measures in all new and modified Council assets and infrastructure.
• Council will encourage the use of “Environmental Sustainable Design” through policy and incentives to promote green commercial premises and residential dwellings.
• Council will advocate and work with other government agencies to adapt and mitigate infrastructure to the impacts of climate change.

What has the Town done? 

• In 2021, the Town began its Coastal Hazard Risk Management Action Plan (CHRMAP) journey.
• CHRMAP's focus is on identifying at-risk assets within the Town river area which are susceptible to inundation and devising strategies for climate change adaptation.
• The Town continues to upgrade Town-owned assets, including the integration of LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, and solar panels.

What can you do? 

• Design homes to maximise sunlight exposure, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting.
• Install solar panels on rooftops to generate clean energy and decrease reliance on non-renewable sources.
• Choose eco-friendly materials and products when furnishing homes, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
• Use energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures to conserve resources and lower utility bills.
• Incorporate features like cross-flow ventilation and ample natural light in home designs to create healthier indoor environments while minimising the need for artificial cooling and lighting.

Useful Links:

Your Home - Australia's Guide To Environmentally Sustainable Homes

Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)

Installing Solar Panels in the Town

Energy Rating Calculator

Strategic Objective 6 - Procurement 

CES Vision

• Council commits to incorporating sustainable procurement and circular economy principles as key considerations for procurement.
• Council will support the community in making informed environmentally responsible purchasing decisions through education and information programs.
• Council will advocate to service providers for environmentally responsible purchase and investment decision making.

What has the Town done? 

• The Town collaborated with 50 other Local Authorities in a power purchase agreement facilitated by WALGA to procure renewable energy for all Town facilities, including street lighting.
• The Town has been tracking water, energy, and emissions data for Council assets since 2009. 
• The Town engaged Ironbark Sustainability to provide a business case for the transition to LED Street Lighting. 

What can you do? 

• Choose eco-friendly products, favouring minimal packaging and recycled materials.
• Embrace second-hand goods and support local, sustainable businesses.
• Reduce single-use items by using reusable alternatives and separate waste for recycling and composting.
• When making large purchases, think about the hidden cost of carbon emissions and how they affect the environment.
• Repair and maintain items to extend their lifespan and reduce the need for replacements.
• Participate in local swap events, educate others, and advocate for environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.

Useful Links: 

Shopping Sustainably

Strategic Objective 7 - Waste 

CES Vision

• Council aims to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030.
• Council will support community groups, residents, and commercial operations to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030.
• Council will advocate for waste management solutions to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030.

What has the Town done? 

• In 2019, the Three bin Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) service was introduced to all properties across the Town.
• The Town achieved the inaugural WasteSorted Waste Free Events Award in 2022 and is a Finalist for the WasteSorted Community Engagement Award in 2023.
• Fishing line bins have been installed along the river in partnership with DBCA.
• The Town supports ongoing cleanups conducted in collaboration with local community groups.
• The Town maintains an ongoing partnership with the City of Fremantle, providing residents with access to the Fremantle Recycling Centre and running workshops open to East Fremantle Residents.
• The Town partners with Plastic Free July for annual community education programs.  
• The Town provides a Cloth Nappy Rebate and associated Cloth Nappy Workshops for residents in the Town.  
• Consistent waste education initiatives are carried out at local schools, community groups, and clubs.

What can you do? 

• Prioritise using products and materials that can be reused or recycled to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
• When shopping, select items with minimal packaging or those that are easily recyclable.
• Choose products sold in bulk or without excessive packaging to minimise waste.
• Recycle products when they reach the end of their life by sorting and disposing of them correctly in designated recycling bins.
• Sorting your waste into recyclables, food and garden waste and non-recyclable items accurately, making recycling and waste management more effective.

Useful Links:

Fremantle Recycling Centre

Cloth Nappy Rebate

George Street Festival - Waste Avoidance

Page Centre - Plastic Free July