Draft Fossil Fuel Advertising & Sponsorship Policy

On the 24th of March 2021, Council resolved to adopt the City of Fremantle Climate Emergency Position Statement.

In support of this position statement and declaration, the City of Fremantle does not support advertising of, or by, companies involved in the production or supply of fossil fuels on Council owned or managed land and will not accept sponsorships from companies involved in the production or supply of fossil fuels.

During the Finance, Policy, Operations and Legislation Committee meeting held on 12 October 2022, Council requested the Chief Executive Officer to investigate and report back to Council with options for:

1. Controlling or restricting advertising of fossil fuels on any City of Fremantle owned or managed property. In doing so Council consider any implications this may have for sporting and community organisations who currently use Council managed property or sporting venues.
2. Restricting the acceptance of sponsorships from companies or organisations whose main business is the extraction or sale of coal, oil, or gas.

The City considered the Notice of Motion’s requests and in response drafted a Fossil Fuel Advertising and Sponsorships Council Policy. This policy provides direction for individuals, organisations, clubs, and events which may be affected by the City of Fremantle’s position of not supporting advertising of, or by, companies involved in the production or supply of fossil fuels.

At the 26 June 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council endorsed the draft policy for the purpose of public advertising and community engagement. The draft Fossil Fuel Advertising & Sponsorship Policy is open for community comment.

The City recognises that the adoption of this policy may affect sporting clubs, local groups and other stakeholders within the community. This engagement process seeks to inform the public of this policy proposal and collect feedback from individuals, groups, and organisations for Council to consider before its final adoption.

Before the Council makes a final decision on the Policy, we are asking the community to:

• Review the draft Fossil Fuel Advertising & Sponsorship Policy, Key Documents and Frequently Asked Questions.
• Contribute feedback by completing the survey below.
• Provide a written submission or request a 1:1 meeting with a City Officer.

City Officers aim to:

• Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
• Work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are duly noted, provide clarity on questions that may arise.

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss this policy and your feedback?

• 1:1 Meeting: Would you like to meet 1:1 with City Officers to get clarification on the policy, and how to best submit your feedback? You can request a meeting by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au. Please note, we'll aim to meet all requests subject to staff availability.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

• By Mail
  PO Box 807
  Fremantle WA 6959
• In Person
  Walyalup Civic Centre
  151 High Street
  Fremantle WA 6160
• By email - communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au
• Online via the submission form below

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Hard copies of the draft Fossil Fuel Advertising & Sponsorship Policy are also available at the Walyalup Civic Centre, 51 High Street, Fremantle between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please note submissions will close on 23 September 2024.