Recent Submissions
EAGA and the fellow Victorian Greenhouse Alliances collaborate in coordinated advocacy efforts to state and federal governments, generating significant impact on climate action. Read through this page to view the submissions, which provide insights and recommendations on various issues, contributing to informed decision-making and positive change.
Letter to Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen on Accelerating EV Charging Program (June 2026)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances wrote to Chris Bowen MP in regards to the federal government’s Accelerating EV Charging (AEVC) program. We highlighted the unique and indispensable role of local government in the roll-out of public EV charging infrastructure, called for structured engagement of the sector in program design and delivery and consideration of the wealth of existing work that local government has undertaken in this space in the form of regional EV charging strategies, plans and policy development.
VGA letter to Minister Chris Bowen – AEVC Program
Victorian Government Inquiry into Renewable and Affordable Energy for Apartments (February 2026)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and CASBE made a shared submission to this inquiry. Recommendations included updating the Owners Corporation Act 2006 to unlock sustainability and energy upgrades for apartments, establishing a Strata Commissioner similar to other Australian jurisdictions and establishing a dedicated apartment energy upgrade program.
Updating of Victoria’s Electricity Metering Framework (February 2026)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances made a shared submission to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), relating to the update of two legal Orders dealing with the installation of electricity meters. These rule changes affect local governments through their management of street lighting.
Response to Australian Energy Regulator’s draft determination of Electricity Distribution Price Review (January 2026)
As part of Victoria’s Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR) process for the 2026-31 pricing period, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) published a draft determination in December 2025. This was followed by updated pricing proposals by the Victorian electricity distributors. The Alliances submitted this response to the AER urging further consideration of various items related to street lighting prior to publication of the final determination.
Victorian Government Inquiry into Electricity Supply for Electric Vehicles (October 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances made a shared submission to this inquiry, highlighting the critical facilitation role that local governments continue to play in the development of EV charging networks across Victoria. Recommendations included collaboration with local governments to ensure equitable community access to EV charging infrastructure, development of a statewide EV charging strategy and implementation plan and incorporating circular economy principles into all stages of EV policy.
VGA submission to Inquiry into Electricity Supply for Electric Vehicles
Essential Services Commission (ESC) Review of the Public Lighting Code (September 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a letter to support the ESC’s proposal to revoke the Public Lighting Code and transfer the relevant obligations to the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice. It was noted that the Code is clearly out of date due to technology changes, which impacts the operation and management of street lighting. Direct feedback on recommended changes was also provided as comments on a marked-up draft of the Code.
Submission to the Essential Services Commission
Productivity Commission Inquiry into “Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation” (September 2025)
In this submission, EAGA responded to a number of recommendations within the Productivity Commission’s interim report. These included approaches to reducing emissions in the electricity sector, emissions reduction incentives for heavy vehicles, actions to improve housing resilience and multi-level governance as an opportunity to maximise emissions reduction impact.
Submission to the Productivity Commission
Letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (August 2025)
This letter was sent to the Prime Minister in the lead up to the federal government’s announcement of the 2035 emissions reduction target and the submission of Australia’s 2025 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UN. EAGA urged the government to set an ambitious science-based target linked to limiting global warming to 1.5oC, to recognise the contribution of local government in Australia’s NDC and to establish a multilevel governance approach to climate action.
Letter to Prime Minister Albanese
Victorian Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR) 2026-31 (May 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances partnered with Ironbark Sustainability to submit a joint local government response to the Australian Energy Regulator as part of the 2026-31 EDPR. The submission made recommendations in relation to public lighting, the energy transition, regional supply and stand-alone power systems, vegetation management, climate resilience and voltage management.
VGA submission to 2026-31 EDPR
Victoria’s Draft 30-year Infrastructure Strategy (April 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) made a joint submission to Victoria’s 30-year Infrastructure Strategy. The Infrastructure Strategy is an important strategy in relation to climate change, and the submission focused on the areas of; infrastructure emissions, energy infrastructure, transport, planning and land use, waste infrastructure and circular economy.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Strategic Review (March 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances made a number of recommendations to the Victorian Government in response to the VEU Strategic Review Discussion Paper. These included the creation of a sub-target that incentivises additional upgrades for eligible low-income and vulnerable households, and a separate sub-target for small to medium sized enterprises. It was recommended that an additional fee be recovered from each Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) to fund trusted intermediaries to facilitate the upgrades for these sub-target groups through engagement and information sharing activities.
VGA submission to the VEU Strategic Review
Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) (February 2025)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances expressed support for the Victorian Government’s nation leading reform proposals on the phase out of gas and also made a number of recommendations to improve and complement the proposed measures. These included an increase in support for low-income households and renters to electrify their homes and expanded collaboration with Local Government, including investment in place-based outreach and facilitation programs for home energy upgrades.
VGA submission to the Building Electrification RIS
Ministerial Direction: Climate Change Consideration (November 2024)
In collaboration with the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE), the VGAs submitted a response to the draft Ministerial Direction on Climate Change Consideration in the planning system. A number of modifications to the Direction were suggested to improve clarity, as well as recommendations to increase the scope of the Direction to more effectively address climate change at a precinct and planning amendment scale as intended.
Electricity Distribution Price Review Consultation (August 2024)
Ahead of the 2026-31 Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR), EAGA coordinated Victoria’s local government response to distributors’ consultations on replacing old inefficient public lights with LEDs in the next regulatory period.
VGA response Jemena Public Lighting (PDF 64KB)
VGA response CP-PC-UE Public Lighting (PDF 53KB)
Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances (VGAs) responded to the Commonwealth’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap with several recommendations. They urge the government to adopt science-based targets aligned with limiting warming to 1.5°C and establish a multilevel governance model for climate policy. The Alliances stress the importance of supporting local councils in promoting active transport modes and committing to zero emissions targets for new cars and heavy vehicles. They also call for the acceleration of electrifying the rail network and the implementation of Ultra-Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ) and Low Emissions Zones (LEZ).
VGA response to the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap (PDF 82KB)
Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses Consultation (July 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances jointly responded to the Victorian Government’s consultation on the Minimum Energy Efficiency and Safety Standards for Rental Properties and Rooming Houses. They commended the proposed reforms for improving rental building stock, supporting renters in the energy transition, addressing market failures, and reducing household operating costs. The Alliances emphasised the need for fast-tracking the introduction of minimum standards, enhanced regulation on rental increases, and proper enforcement of compliance to protect the rights of lower income tenants. They also recommend additional measures such as top-up insulation, low-cost ventilation improvements, performance-based standards tied to mandatory disclosure, and phasing out gas stoves in favour of induction cooktops for health benefits and decarbonisation.
Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances provided several recommendations in a submission to the Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience. The Alliances suggested advocating for increased federal funding for local projects, developing a funding program for asset risk assessments, and adopting betterment as an eligible expense. They emphasized supporting programs like the Victorian Climate Resilient Councils Program and expanding the Adaptive Community Assets project. Other recommendations included implementing climate change planning recommendations, capturing benefits of green infrastructure, improving the CERA process, investing in climate resilience in community facilities, and establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Climate Resilience (PDF 209KB)
Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (June 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted to the Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services, highlighting the effects of cost shifting from higher levels of government to local councils and the sustainability of the existing revenue structure. Recommendations included establishing a multilevel governance approach to climate adaptation and advocating for direct financial support to enable councils to transition and support their communities in adapting to climate change. The submission suggests an example of this would be a dedicated funding program to support local governments in assessing and improving their assets in relation to future climate projections and risk modelling.
VGA submission to Victorian Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services (PDF 145KB)
Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (May 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a response to the federal inquiry into local government sustainability, highlighting financial challenges and changing responsibilities in the face of climate change. The submission emphasised that local governments play a critical role in climate adaptation, but limited resources and increasing damages to council-owned assets hinder their efforts. Direct financial support is needed to address climate change effectively. The Alliances call for a multi-level governance approach to ensure the sustainability of local governments and their communities in the face of climate change.
VGA Submission to Federal Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability (PDF 136KB)
Climate Change Authority’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (May 2024)
In their response to the Climate Change Authority’s 2024 Issues Paper – Targets, Pathways and Progress, the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances recommended adopting science-based targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5°C and transitioning to zero emissions or below across all sectors. They called for a multilevel governance model to strengthen collaboration in setting climate policy and allocating resources. Additionally, the Alliances emphasised the importance of recognising the additionality of emission reductions from voluntary action, as the current policy framework in Australia falls short in this regard.
VGA Submission to CCA’s Consultation on 2024 Issues Paper (PDF 62KB)
National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (April 2024)
The Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances jointly submitted their response to the federal government’s National Adaptation Plan issues paper. Based on the experience of the local government sector, they emphasised the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to climate adaptation through multilevel governance. The joint submission recommended increased direct financial support to enable all councils to accelerate local-level adaptation efforts. Additionally, it urged support for embedding adaptation through a whole-of-organisation approach, acquiring up-to-date climate risk data, clarifying financial disclosure requirements, and ensuring betterment principles were followed to enhance the resilience of assets. Finally, the organisations called for the incorporation of future climate scenarios and acceleration of adaptation through national levers such as construction policies and building codes.
MAV and VGA Submission to the National Adaptation Plan Issues Paper (PDF, 229KB)
Open Letter for Expansion of Household Energy Upgrades Fund (March 2024)
EAGA is one of the signatories to an open letter to federal government ministers regarding the Household Energy Upgrades Fund, a Commonwealth program that allocates $300 million for energy performance retrofits in social housing. In collaboration with 73 other organisations, Better Renting coordinated the joint letter, urging the government to take the following actions: set targets and monitor progress to retrofit all social housing by 2030, significantly increase funding up to six times the current amount by 2030, and establish a dedicated funding stream to prioritize remote social and Aboriginal-controlled housing.
Open Letter for Expansion of Household Energy Upgrades Fund (PDF, 671KB)
Federal Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (March 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances’ March 2024 submission to the federal inquiry on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) provided several recommendations. The Alliances suggested adjusting truck regulations and road-user charges to incentivise a diverse supply of efficient, affordable, and second-hand EVs. The submission also emphasised addressing residential charging barriers, improving visibility of network capacity, implementing national standards of service delivery, developing an EV Battery Recycling Program, and introducing low and zero-emissions zones in city sectors. These recommendations aim to promote equitable access to EVs, accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, and ensure sustainable transportation practices.
VGA Submission Inquiry into the Transition to Electric Vehicles (PDF, 121KB)
First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Consultation (February 2024)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to the federal government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Consultation Paper, emphasising the importance of First Nations leadership and collaboration in the clean energy transition. They support the draft principles and goals outlined in the Strategy, recommending a multi-level governance approach to ensure equitable access to clean energy. The submission highlighted the need for increased funding, capacity building, and engagement with First Nations organisations to support their active participation in the transition.
VGA Submission First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (PDF, 165KB)
Climate Active Program Direction Consultation (December 2023)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a response to the Climate Active Program Direction Consultation. The submission advocates for the enhancement of the Climate Active Program and provides eight key recommendations for consideration. The Alliances express concerns about the costs associated with Climate Active-certified organisations and emphasise the importance of local climate action and co-benefits in offset outcomes. Furthermore, the submission states that local governments can play a crucial role in stimulating the demand for diverse and affordable domestic offsets.
VGA Submission Climate Active Program Direction Consultation (PDF, 108KB)
Multilevel governance: Letters to Federal Ministers (October 2023)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances wrote to the Minister and Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, advocating for a ‘multilevel governance’ approach to climate action. The letters to Minister Bowen and Senator McAllister request that state, local, and federal governments work together to speed up the transition to net zero and enhance community resilience. Specifically, the Alliances emphasised the collaborative opportunities presented by the Energy Savings Package and the National Energy Performance Strategy.
Multilevel governance letter to Minister Bowen (PDF, 116KB)
Multilevel governance letter to Senator McAllister (PDF, 116KB)
Local Government Partnerships: Letters to Victorian Ministers (September 2023)
The Greenhouse Alliances wrote to two state ministers to request a new strategic partnership between state, local and federal government to address the challenges of climate change. The letters to Planning Minister Kilkenny and Climate Action Minister D’Ambrosio advocated leveraging the respective capabilities and resources of all levels of government to ensure the best outcomes for Victorian communities.
Local Government Partnerships Letter Minister Kilkenny (PDF, 80KB)
Local Government Partnerships Letter Minister D’Ambrosio (PDF, 90KB)
Federal Inquiry into Residential Electrification (September 2023)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances submitted a response to the federal Senate Economics References Committee’s inquiry into Residential Electrification. The submission included evidence of the compelling economic case for residential electrification as well as the emission reduction opportunity it provides. The submission also called for energy efficiency standards for rented homes and appliances, and a need for federal initiatives to leverage the experience of councils in this area.
VGA submission Federal Residential Electrification submission (PDF, 80KB)
Response to 2022 Flood Event in Victoria (May 2023)
The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances and CASBE jointly responded to the parliamentary inquiry into the 2022 flood event in Victoria. The submission focuses specifically on supporting the parliamentary committee to understand how the Victorian planning framework can ensure climate mitigation is a consideration in future planning decisions.
VGA and CASBE Victorian Flood Inquiry Submission (PDF, 125KB)
Fuel Efficiency Standard Consultation (May 2023)
The Australian Government has committed to introducing a fuel efficiency standard (FES). In April 2023, the government released a consultation paper detailing how an FES would incentivise suppliers to provide more fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric vehicles and hybrids. The Victorian Greenhouse Alliances responded to the consultation paper with key recommendations for the design of the FES to facilitate the transition to a zero-emissions transport sector.
VGA submission Fuel Efficiency Standard Consultation (PDF, 183KB)
Safeguard Mechanism Reform (Feb 2023)
The joint submission from the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances includes three key recommendations focused on reforms that will assist Australia reduce its emissions in line with the latest climate science.
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