We are a network of 15 committed local government, catchment management, & alpine resort partners across the Goulburn and Upper Murray regions, responding and adapting to climate change through innovative projects and research
Members
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Latest news from our Members...
ABC story features Naturally Cooler Towns
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April 2026
The ABC has highlighted Goulburn Murray's Naturally Cooler Towns programme, noting that some regional Victorian towns could soon lose more than half of their tree shade. In some towns, including Kyabram, Rochester, Gunbower and Lockington, that could climb to more than 80 per cent within 30 years,. Many regional councils creating their urban forest plans are facing stark warnings of further canopy decline without action, due to aging trees. Campaspe Shire Council's Aborist Jason Warren noted their public trees are worth an estimated $170 million. Some large river red gums are worth more than $72,000 each, while returning about $440,000 in environmental benefits through removing air pollution, storing carbon, and soaking up run-off. |
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Seven councils across the Goulburn Murray now offering Solar Savers for residents and business
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February 2026:
Residents across the Murrindindi, Mitchell, Wangaratta, Strathbogie, Alpine, Indigo and Shepparton local government areas are eligible to access the services of fully vetted providers of solar, batteries, home EV chargers, hot water heat pumps, induction cooktops, insulation, heating and cooling, draught proofing and home energy assessments. The program has a tendered panel of providers and installation specialists who are regularly audited for quality. You can find out more or submit an EOI for quote at www.goulburnmurraysolarsavers.org.au. |
JOIN OUR BUSINESS RENEWABLES BUYERS GROUP
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August 2024:
Participating Victorian Councils are establishing a buying group for large businesses to purchase renewable electricity:
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PAPER ON NATURALLY COOLER TOWNS PUBLISHED IN AUSTRALIAN PLANNER
A paper on the Naturally Cooler Towns project, facilitated by GMCA was recently published in Australian Planner 'Urban greening beyond the major cities: insights from the 'Naturally Cooler Towns' initiative in Victoria's Goulburn Murray region' written by Judy Bush and Brian Coffey et al. It focuses on urban greening beyond the major cities and the great work of collaborative local governments.
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS: IN THE MEDIA
Shepparton News
December 2022
December 2022
GMCA LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH NEW FOUR YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
In August 2022 the GMCA has, after nearly 12 months of solid internal consultation, endorsed its new four year 2022-26 Strategic Plan. The plan continues the Alliance's focus on mitigation, adaptation, capacity building and advocacy, but also draws from the overarching global targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
"The global goals have been 'localised' and given relevant targets and indicators that align them to the SDGs, but keep them firmly grounded in regional Goulburn Murray interests", said GMCA Chair, Cr Rohan Webb. "Members of the GMCA recognise climate change is a global phenomenon and undertaking. We want to be connected to a solid, global list of integrated priorities, with our actions positively impacting communities, the environment, and the economy, and enabling us to achieve results on the ground, and at a higher level."
The new GMCA 2022-26 Strategic Plan can be viewed here.
"The global goals have been 'localised' and given relevant targets and indicators that align them to the SDGs, but keep them firmly grounded in regional Goulburn Murray interests", said GMCA Chair, Cr Rohan Webb. "Members of the GMCA recognise climate change is a global phenomenon and undertaking. We want to be connected to a solid, global list of integrated priorities, with our actions positively impacting communities, the environment, and the economy, and enabling us to achieve results on the ground, and at a higher level."
The new GMCA 2022-26 Strategic Plan can be viewed here.
URBAN FORESTS OF THE GOULBURN MURRAY
In September 2021 Member representatives, council arborists, and member specialists from the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, commenced a project exploring opportunities to add to greening in the urban areas of regional and rural northeast towns with the Naturally Cooler Towns project. Members reviewed the effect of drought tolerant urban forest species suited to this region, and the challenges and opportunities available operationally and regionally. The outcomes, species lists, and recommendations can be found on our Naturally Cooler Towns project page.
EV FAST CHARGING IN THE NORTH-EAST
Transport emissions make up some 18.8% of Australia's national greenhouse gas inventory. The Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance joined other Victorian Greenhouse Alliances to review and propose a prioritised fast charge electric vehicle network in regional Victoria. The Report "Charging the Regions" which we finalised from this collaboration, showed placing infrastructure in regional areas is essential for local economies as EV uptake increases. Importantly Charging the Regions has been a key reference for major funding allocation and demonstrated how important the Greenhouse Alliances are in bringing low-carbon technologies to regional areas.
Funding for charging infrastructure at Broadford, Kilmore, Cobram, Wodonga, Wallan, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Beechworth, Corryong, Alexandra, Mansfield, Bright, Nagambie, Yackandandah, Tahbilk, Tatura and Echuca was received from the Victorian State Government in late 2021. Locations are now coming online on sites such as Plugshare as infrastructure is installed.
Funding for charging infrastructure at Broadford, Kilmore, Cobram, Wodonga, Wallan, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Beechworth, Corryong, Alexandra, Mansfield, Bright, Nagambie, Yackandandah, Tahbilk, Tatura and Echuca was received from the Victorian State Government in late 2021. Locations are now coming online on sites such as Plugshare as infrastructure is installed.
COUNCILS SIGN UP FOR CORPORATE RENEWABLES
The Goulburn Murray Climate Alliance is proud to contribute to the Victorian Energy Collaboration, a local government led renewable power purchase agreement, and the largest local government greenhouse gas mitigation in Australia. VECO saw 46 councils join to use 100% renewable energy, which prevents 260,000 tonnes of CO2 entering our atmosphere every year. Our Members proudly contribute more than 19,000 tonnes annually of this grand total. Many GMCA councils have taken a big step in getting to net zero emissions in joining this initiative, with six more of our Members recently signing up. You can read more about this historic project here.