Darebin Council join the Plant Based Treaty in Victoria

Darebin Leads the Way: First Australian City to Endorse the Global Plant Based Treaty

In a groundbreaking move, Darebin has become the first city in Australia to endorse the Plant Based Treaty, marking a significant step in addressing food emissions and climate change.

The motion passed with overwhelming support, receiving eight votes in favor and only one against, joining the ranks of 30 towns and cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Edinburgh.

Darebin’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Darebin Mayor Susanne Newton expressed her enthusiasm for the Council’s decision, which was inspired by a local resident’s email urging endorsement.

Mayor Newton stated,

“I encourage other Australian councils and our region to consider the Plant Based Treaty. As one of the regions of the world that could suffer some of the worst climate impacts, we should and can be doing all we can to change our habits for the better.”

She added,

“We are one council leading the way at this point, but my hope is that this is a bit like our climate emergency declaration: once one council does it, more and more can consider it until it becomes a social movement that eventually simply becomes our new normal.”

Global Momentum for the Plant Based Treaty

The Plant Based Treaty calls for a global shift towards a plant-based food system in alignment with the Paris Agreement.

This international initiative has already garnered support from 30 cities, including notable endorsements from Los Angeles, Amsterdam, and Edinburgh.

The treaty has also been endorsed by 150,000 individuals, five Nobel laureates, IPCC scientists, and over 3000 groups and businesses.

At COP28, the Plant Based Treaty launched its Safe and Just Report, which assesses the food system’s impact on planetary and social boundaries.

The report outlines plant-based solutions necessary to create a safe and just operating space for communities worldwide.

What Does the Endorsement Mean for Darebin?

The endorsement follows a comprehensive motion passed in August 2023, which requested a Plant Based Treaty impact assessment report.

This report recommended several key actions, including:

• Incorporating a plant-based approach to food and food purchasing in Darebin’s climate emergency plan review.
• Promoting sustainable and affordable food practices through Council’s communication channels.
• Liaising with local businesses, schools, and community groups to support campaigns such as Meat Free Mondays and Plant Powered Fridays.
• Increasing plant-based food options at council events and meetings.
• Partnering with community groups to establish seed distribution hubs and promote homegrown produce.
• Ensuring environmentally friendly plant-based options are available at events on council land.

A Call to Action

Sheena Chhabra, a campaigner for Plant Based Treaty Australia, welcomed Darebin’s endorsement, emphasizing the urgency of adopting a global Plant Based Treaty.

She stated,

“Darebin is setting a powerful example in promoting plant-based food and recognizing the urgency of adopting a global Plant Based Treaty to agree on a safe and just food system. Now is the perfect time for individuals to sign the Plant Based Treaty and encourage their councils to endorse it ahead of COP29.”

The Road Ahead

The endorsement by Darebin Council is not just a symbolic gesture but a call to action for other Australian councils and communities worldwide.

By recognizing the critical role of food production and consumption in the climate crisis, Darebin is leading the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

For more information and to get involved, visit Plant Based Treaty and join the movement towards a plant-based future.

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