Figure 7: Net zero commitments by local governments in NSW regional areas as at Dec 2021

2.4 Alignment with NSW State targets and other local governments

Wagga Wagga City Council is committed to the following targets:

• A corporate target of Net Zero Emissions by 2040 • A community target of Net Zero Emissions by 2050 and an interim target of 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 in line with the State

Council’s community target is aligned with the NSW State Government’s net zero target for NSW by 2050, and Council’s corporate target positions it as a leader for its community.

In addition to a net zero target by 2050 the NSW Government has an interim target of 50% emissions reduction by 2030. A Bill before the NSW Parliament (Climate Change (Emissions Targets) Bill 2021) may see these targets legislated in the near future10. As such, working towards Council’s corporate and community targets will position Council well for this scenario.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s net zero commitment also positions it alongside almost 30 regional NSW councils with ambitious emissions reduction and renewable energy goals.

FIGURE 7: NET ZERO COMMITMENTS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN NSW REGIONAL AREAS AS AT DEC 2021

10 Victoria has legislated 2050 net zero emissions reduction targets via its Victoria's Climate Change Act 2017, as well as 5-yearly interim emissions reduction targets. Similarly the ACT legislated net zero emissions by 2045, 100% renewable electricity and interim emissions reduction targets in its Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010.