The Metro Council hosted Dr. Brad Pettitt, mayor of Fremantle in Western Australia, for a brown bag lunch on Thursday, Sept. 9 to learn about the city’s recent strides in addressing climate change. Mayor Pettitt has been traveling around the United States to study innovative sustainability practices and share what his city has learned. He arrived in Portland after visiting New York City.
Fremantle is the first carbon-neutral local government in Western Australia and the second in Australia after Sydney. Mayor Pettitt’s talk outlined some of the key sustainability projects the city has embarked on making it an example for the country. Projects include new investments in solar power and sustainable transportation options including light rail. Fremantle has also become a bike-friendly city by diverting highway funds toward bike and pedestrian infrastructure and developing free bike sharing programs.
A key issue facing all cities in Australia is an increase in periods of drought and decreased water supplies. Fremantle has addressed this through community based education programs that encourage residents to use drought friendly landscaping. The city provides free native plants and food plants to residents interested in replacing water dependent lawns. Fremantle also boasts between 60 and 70 percent waste recovery through composting and recycling.
Mayor Pettitt attributed the city’s success to a council committed to principles that support carbon-neutral practices and the ability to show a direct correlation between financial gains and sustainable choices.
Pettitt expressed appreciation for the lessons and examples of sustainable planning he has seen visiting the region. The Metro Council is actively engaged in the creation of long-term investments that result in a healthy environment, strong economy and vibrant communities.