Use your council election vote for action on the climate emergency and building local democracy.

Read your council candidates' climate and democracy questionnaire responses here

We are in a world of escalating crises. Climate breakdown is beginning, and democracy and social bonds are under threat. How can councils help us build stronger communities and work together to meet the challenges we face? We won't get the strong action we need on the climate emergency without improving democracy at all levels of government. We need the voices of ordinary people to be heard when councils - and governments - make tough decisions that affect all of us. 

This is a briefing paper on climate and democracy that was sent to all the council election candidates. It has lots of useful links the increasing use of Citizens' Assemblies as a way of breaking political deadlocks. 

First find out which council area and which ward you are in by going to the VEC website.

Read your council candidates' climate and democracy questionnaire responses here

 Use your council election vote to help stop five waste-to-energy incinerators being built and prevent councils locking in to contracts to suppy waste to be burnt.

If we want to move towards a circular economy, we need to massively reduce waste and ensure that scare resources are used over and over again. If councils refuse to sign up to supply waste, this could stop these toxic waste incinerators in their tracks. 

Find out more here and check if your council candidates have signed the pledge here

See also lots of information on local council elections including dates of candidates' forums from Darebin Climate Action Now, Climate Action Merri-bek. Lighter Footprints (Boroondara), and Nilumbik Climate Action Team.