Vincent backs fossil-fuel levies and national fund for local climate costs

City of Vincent councillors have backed a proposal for taxes or levies on coal, oil and gas industries, with the revenue used to help local governments pay for climate adaptation. The motion passed 7-0 and will be submitted to the WA Local Government Association by 30 July 2026.

The proposal calls for a federal parliamentary inquiry into whether the 2025 National Adaptation Plan provides enough funding for councils to meet their climate responsibilities. It also seeks a National Climate Compensation Fund with a dedicated funding stream for local governments.

The motion says councils face rising costs from storm, flood and bushfire recovery, as well as community resilience work for heatwaves and sea-level rise. It identifies an inequity in local governments and communities carrying those costs while major coal, oil and gas corporations are responsible for 75 per cent of climate pollution.

The proposal does not impose a levy on Vincent ratepayers or create a new local charge. It is an advocacy measure directed through WALGA to the Federal Government.

It also calls for stronger climate leadership from the Australian and Western Australian governments, together with funding, guidance and practical support for councils planning for, mitigating and adapting to climate impacts.

Mayor Alison Xamon moved the motion, seconded by Cr Sophie Greer. All seven councillors present voted for it. Cr Ashley Wallace was absent, while Cr Ashlee La Fontaine was on approved leave.

The endorsed submission supports a motion passed unanimously at the Australian Local Government Association’s national conference in June 2026. That motion calls for revenue sources linked to the climate damage caused by fossil-fuel products and for funding commensurate with the financial risks identified in the 2025 National Climate Risk Assessment.