Victorian Local Sustainability Accord

The Accord, established in November 2005, is a landmark partnership agreement to build better relationships between the local government sector and the State Government for progressing local sustainability.

In late 2009, the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and the Accord partner organisations (as listed below) recommitted to the Accord, recognising it as an important initiative that strengthens cooperative efforts between the State and local governments for the environmental sustainability of Victoria. The Accord’s partner organisations are:

• The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
• The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA)
• Local Government Professionals (LGPro)

• Explore and develop local action on climate change
• Build Victoria’s capacity to adapt to climate change and adjust to carbon pricing
• Act to reduce our overall levels of vulnerability to climate change

Accord principles

• Build shared understanding: demonstrate understanding of the common agenda to create true partnerships and involved communities

• Establish shared local goals and priorities: create a culture of collaboration and exchange to establish shared goals and clear responsibilities, conducted with trust, respect, timeliness and accuracy

• Develop long term strategic resource allocation and funding: develop joint approaches to funding allocation that meet delivery expectations and acknowledge resource capacity and constraints

• Pursue alignment and cooperation in service delivery: increase communication between and within levels of government for delivery of environmental sustainability and climate change programs, particularly for outcomes relevant to both spheres of government

• Improve procedures for regular, effective evaluation and review: ensure progress towards environmental sustainability, increase understanding of climate change and continually develop mechanisms for incorporating feedback into future planning.