The council of Nedlands in Australia has voted to require all new homes and some commercial buildings to include on-site clean power generation, such as solar panels. The mayor of Nedlands, Max Hipkins, proposed the amendments to promote sustainability. The proposal passed by a narrow margin of six votes to five. However, the state government could still veto it and the council would need to approve it again when three absent councillors vote. The mayor hopes this leadership on sustainability will encourage other councils to implement similar initiatives.

1. Turning Rooftops into Generators
by Marta Malchevski
The council of Nedlands ​has voted to make on-site clean power generation on all new homes and
some commercial buildings mandatory. The proposal by Mayor Max Hipkins, a former town planner
and architect, was passed at a council meeting last week. The amendments to town planning stated
that ​‘All new development and at Council’s discretion, substantial additions to existing development
shall provide on-site power generation by solar, wind or other means, approved by Council as follows:
● For each residential dwelling – a minimum capacity of 1.5kW; and
● For each non-residential development with a value exceeding $1 million – capacity
determined by Council with due regard to roof area and height.
Max Hipkins considers sustainability as more than a political buzzword, it’s a vision for Australia’s
towns and cities. “Sustainability is now core business for all levels of government – a necessity, not an
option. National governments are often slow to take up new ideas, so cities – and mayors – need to
show leadership in sustainability and response to climate change.”
The council amendment pulled through in tenuous fashion, ​with the motion only passed six in favour
to five against. Mr Hipkins had to use his casting vote to get the measure through.
However, the motion can also be vetoed by state government, which Mr Hipkins said there was a 50
per cent chance of happening. And even if the move gets through state, it could be defeated by
Nedlands when it comes back for approval. With three councillors away for the vote, Mr Hipkins said
he didn’t know how the numbers would fall next time. Though with national recognition to such
leadership gusto, perhaps other council leaders may follow in suit to tap in support on platforms of
sustainable development too.

2. 8/10/14