The Reporting Framework

The GCoM Common Reporting Framework provides a standardised reporting process for sub-national governments to contribute to National climate obligations (e.g. NDCs or SDGs) or other state/regional commitments. This covers the areas of municipality-wide greenhouse gas reporting and targets, identification of climate risk, hazards and adaptation goals. The preliminary reporting is then used to develop a climate action plan for adoption by the Council covering both mitigation and adaptation responses.

The framework is underpinned by comprehensive methodologies, resources and a global network of local council/cities networks, governments, academia and business. The reporting mirrors the approach adopted internationally by Nations that have signed the Paris Agreement.

Outcomes and Findings

Through the consultation we met with more than 77 individuals and held 33 meetings. In general, departmental staff represented their relevant Premier or Minister. Over 60 invited stakeholders provided input at two National Roundtables held in Canberra. The consultation found more than 29 programs delivered by state governments, local government associations and NGOs that provide partial alignment with the GCoM Common Reporting Framework (CRF) commitments (view the list of identified programs and initiatives). The outcome documents, including a Final Report, identifies the process, findings, opportunities and recommendations for future development of GCoM across Australia.

Alignment with State Government policies and programs

The GCoM offers State Government programs a robust platform for accountability through a standardised reporting, validation and monitoring process. State Governments are encouraged to use the GCoM framework to ensure a simple and consistent way to account and report on some or all of their program outcomes. The reporting framework can assist State Governments to identify the local government sector contribution to their own programs and to national reporting obligations (such as determined by the Paris Agreement).

Alignment with Local Government Associations, regional networks and climate interest groups

Many programs for local councils exist and have been developed from initiatives by local government associations and/or council networks as well as those within the NGO/NFP sector. While each initiative or project has value in and of itself, the GCoM reporting framework offers a level of consistency and support to these complementary programs. Alignment and partnership with GCoM offers a pathway for discrete programs to further help councils develop a more strategic and embedded approach to local government climate plans. This embedding reflects and includes assessment of the policy context, formal council adoption process, identification of budget and financing, and implementation and review steps.