THE City of Kalamunda will consider formalising its position on climate change advocacy as part of a broader consultation process led by the WA Local Government Association (WALGA).

Council is already a signatory to WALGA’s climate change declaration and has several existing strategies addressing environmental sustainability, including its climate change action plan 2023–2034.

Mayor Margaret Thomas said adopting WALGA’s updated climate change advocacy position would strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for greater support from state and federal governments.

“Adopting WALGA’s reviewed climate change advocacy position would formalise the city’s support for stronger leadership, coordination and funding to assist local governments with emissions reduction and climate adaptation,” she said.

The city said climate change presents ongoing risks to the local environment, infrastructure, and economy, and that its current policies already aim to manage those impacts at a local level.

These include the local environment strategy, urban forest strategy, and local biodiversity strategy, which guide planning and decision-making across the district.

If adopted, the advocacy position would not introduce new regulatory requirements for Kalamunda.

Instead, it would align with existing policies and reinforce the city’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.

The policy would also support WALGA in advocating for increased funding and coordinated action across different levels of government.

Council will consider its position on the advocacy framework in the coming months as part of the WALGA consultation process.