I’m spending my fellowship in Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, Australia. Going in I was aware that in both the United States and Australia many local governments have been taking the lead on climate change, with limited engagement of the federal government. I have learned considerably more about this from the Australian side of things since arriving on Monday (October 17). The national government in Australia, however, has now become much more engaged, with the passage of the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) and the passage of a climate bill or “Clean Energy” bill by the House of Representatives. The Upper House will take up the matter soon. As described on the Australian government website the Clean Energy legislation, a package of 19 bills, “will put a price on carbon pollution, promote investment in renewable and clean energy technologies and support action to reduce carbon pollution on the land.” Much more information is available at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au.

On my second full day in Australia, Wednesday, I was able to attend a session where Eliza Murray of the Australian Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, who was visiting Coffs Harbour from Canberra, briefed local Coffs Harbour staff on the new CFI bill and answered questions about the pending legislation as well. I was able to participate in the subsequent question and answer session. 

I have also learned a lot of specifics on the ongoing climate and sustainability efforts of the Coffs Harbour government. I have also found similarities to my home town of Austin. One thing that I have found that Coffs Harbour shares with Austin, and other places where I have visited with employees of City government, is dedicated City employees who care deeply about their community and work hard to preserve it and make it a better place. I am also impressed by the amount of work and accomplishment done by a relatively few people. 

Daryl Slusher