Who Pays for Climate Change? Exploring a Climate Compensation Fund

Bathurst is already experiencing the growing impacts of climate change, including flooding, heatwaves and drought. These events place increasing pressure on local infrastructure, essential services, community wellbeing and council budgets.

At the recent Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra, the City of Sydney’s motion to establish national climate adaptation funding and accountability for Australian cities was unanimously adopted.

The motion calls for a nationally administered Climate Compensation Fund, financed through a levy on coal and gas export corporations. The revenue would be dedicated to helping communities manage climate-related disasters and invest in adaptation and resilience measures.

With Bathurst Regional Council considering a new Floodplain Risk Management Study, the question of who should pay for climate adaptation is especially relevant. Local councils have limited revenue-raising capacity, and continually passing rising costs on to ratepayers is neither fair nor sustainable.

Join us at Green Drinks to hear from Elaine about the proposed fund, the “polluter pays” principle and what this could mean for Bathurst. Elaine will also discuss her efforts to bring a Make the Polluters Pay motion before Bathurst Regional Council—and how community members can help support further action.

ABout Green Drinks

Looking for things to do in Bathurst? This is an event for environmentally-minded Bathurstians (and other local people) who meet for a monthly drink to socialise, network and explore collaborations. It is a space created for those interested in environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency, and is hosted by Greening Bathurst.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Fourth Thursday of the Month
🕒 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: The Greens on William, 29 William St, Bathurst
🎟 Entry Fee: $5 (cash at the door - Free if you are a student)

Highlights:

60-Second Soap Box: Step up and share your thoughts on local conservation and sustainability. Keep it respectful, and let your passion shine!
Tasty Nibbles: Enjoy snacks before the presentation.

For more information, visit the website HERE

Contact the host of Green Drinks Bathurst September