Published on Friday, 13 November 2026 at 12:05:15 PM
When Maureen Flynn joined the Town's newly formed Climate Action Reference Group (CARG) in 2020, she was looking for a practical way to help tackle climate change close to home.
Six years later, as one of the group's founding members, the East Fremantle local looks back fondly on a journey that has helped shape climate action and inspire community involvement.
“I've always believed in the adage ‘think globally, act locally',” Ms Flynn said.
“CARG is a great way to make a positive contribution in the face of a global crisis. It gives me the opportunity to work with local people who want to do something about climate change.”
The Town’s climate action journey began in 2019 when Council officially recognised the Climate Emergency and pledged to reduce the Town’s impact on the environment.
Shortly after in 2020, in response to a community members request at the Annual Electors meeting, the Town resolved to form a Climate Action Reference Group (CARG), to assist with creating a Climate Emergency Strategy and Climate Emergency Action Plan.
A collaborative community-council partnership was formed.
The group acts as a vital link between Council and the community, contributing ideas, providing feedback on projects, and helping to shape local climate responses.
For Ms Flynn, the group has played an important role in bringing together residents and the Town.
"It created a way for the Town and community to work together to address the climate emergency at a local level," she said.
One of CARG's earliest achievements was helping to identify the key objectives that would form the foundation of the Town’s Climate Emergency Strategy 2022-2032. The Strategy was adopted in March 2022.
The next step in the process was to develop the Town's Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), which guides how the Town and community members can reduce emissions.
Three-step approach
The Town’s climate action response is guided by a three-step approach: Climate Emergency Strategy, Climate Emergency Action Plan and implementation.
The strategy and action plan incorporate seven strategic objectives: Energy; Green spaces; Water; Transport; Infrastructure; Procurement and Waste.
Over the years, CARG members have also played an active role in community education and engagement.2
A major focus over the past three years has been helping residents’ transition away from fossil fuels and embrace all electric living.
Through a series of workshops and home open events, community members have been able to learn from other residents who have successfully electrified their homes and installed solar energy systems.
The group has also provided advice on grant opportunities to fund initiatives that support outcomes in the CEAP.
Ms Flynn said the most significant success was assisting the Town to secure $400,000 in Federal Government funding for a solar and battery storage system at East Fremantle Community Park.
“It is great to see that the solar and battery system was recently installed at the Park,” she added.
“The project will help reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of the facility.”
Beyond projects and funding, CARG members have continued to champion climate action through community events, workshops and awareness activities to help keep the goals of the CEAP front of mind for residents.
For Ms Flynn, the achievements reflect what can be accomplished when local government and residents work together with a shared purpose.
“One of our greatest achievements has been engaging with the community to promote better outcomes for climate change in the Town,” she said.
One of the highlights of their engagement has been their involvement in East Fremantle’s George Street Festival over a number of years. This included encouraging visitors to reduce waste, focusing on single use coffee cups.
In 2021, the Town banned single-use plastics from all areas of the festival and opted for reusable alternatives. The ban remained in place through each festival year and by 2023, the Town had provided 22,000 reusable items to all food and beverage vendors at the 2023 festival.
The sustainability achievements at the 2023 festival saw the Town named finalist for the Waste Sorted Community Engagement Award.
In 2025, to celebrate Plastic Free July, CARG gave out 100 reusable bags to shoppers who took the pledge to go plastic free.
Today, CARG boasts eight community members and three Council Members.
“The members are committed to action on climate change,” added Ms Flynn.
“It is great to get to know people who want to do something about climate change and working with others builds community and fosters hope for the future.”
Key sustainability achievements through the Town’s Climate Emergency Action Plan:
- SMRC Winner Waste Sorted Awards for 20 year project Regional Resource Recovery Centre (2021)
- Town has been a Gold Waterwise Council for the past three years
- Finalist in the 2023 Community Waste Award for East Fremantle’s George Street Festival.
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