By Shannon Meilak
In recent years, the demand for genuine climate action and sustainability initiatives at the local level has intensified, particularly as more residents express frustration with policies that appear more performative than transformative.
In Melbourne’s western suburbs, five councils—Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Merri-bek, and Moonee Valley—have declared a climate emergency. But the question remains: are these declarations leading to meaningful change, or are they merely symbolic gestures?
Brimbank City Council for example, has developed a Climate Emergency Plan that highlights the importance of transitioning to a plant-rich diet as a critical step in addressing the climate crisis. However, the council’s actions have not lived up to its rhetoric. Despite acknowledging the benefits of plant-based diets, Brimbank has yet to actively promote them or even ensure their availability at public events. When questioned about the absence of plant-based options at community gatherings, the council pointed to the inclusion of vegetarian choices, though it failed to provide any evidence. Having attended numerous local events, I can attest that the only plant-based option I’ve encountered is soy milk for coffee. Likewise, the Meals on Wheels program does not accommodate vegan preferences, a significant oversight for a council that claims to prioritise sustainability.
Brimbank’s actions seem contradictory at times. While professing concern for the environment, the council continues to host petting farms during school holidays; events that inherently promote the animal agriculture industry—a major contributor to climate change. This kind of mixed messaging not only undermines their goals, but confuses the public about what true sustainability looks like.
This lack of commitment stands in contrast to the City of Port Phillip, where Brimbank’s current CEO worked for 15 years. Port Phillip detailed the availability of plant-based options at a recent meeting and expressed a willingness to expand these offerings. While Brimbank seems content to defend its status quo, Port Phillip is actively seeking ways to enhance its sustainability efforts.
The issue of animal agriculture looms large in the climate debate. Approximately one third of all greenhouse gas emissions is estimated to come from food production. Plant-based diets can reduce emissions by 75%, compared with diets containing even moderate amounts of meat. Advocates of regenerative farming argue for its potential to mitigate these impacts, but research from Oxford University suggests that even the best-case scenarios for regenerative practices fail to offset emissions adequately, making it an insufficient solution on a large scale.
So, what can be done? One straightforward action is for councils to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, as Darebin Council did in June. This global movement encourages a shift to plant-based diets and reforestation efforts. With endorsements from 30 cities, several Australian politicians, and numerous councillors, the treaty’s three core principles—relinquish, redirect, and restore—offer a roadmap for sustainable urban living.
For councils in Melbourne’s west, the second principle—redirecting from animal-based to plant-based food systems—holds particular relevance. Transitioning to plant-based meals in cafeterias, at community events, and through programs like Meals on Wheels, councils can make an immediate impact. Moreover, they can educate residents on plant-based diets through workshops and social media campaigns.
With local elections on the horizon, now is the time for voters to demand more from their candidates. Endorsing the Plant Based Treaty and committing to motion the same from councils, could mark a turning point in the fight against climate change at the local level.
The opportunity to effect real change is here, and it starts with us.
Visit plantbasedtreaty.org to learn more and endorse the treaty. Residents can also email their councillors and urge them to endorse the treaty by visiting plantbasedtreaty.org/australia-action/
