Media response - C40 World Mayors Summit

Published on 21 October 2025

Enquiry - The Advertiser

I'm following up a story regarding the decision for Mayor Moira Were to attend the C40 conference in Rio next month. We have received some concerns about the council's decision and I'm just looking for some comment from the Mayor if possible. Please see questions below:

• The concern has been raised that local government must prioritise local issues, with claims that this conference is not. How does the Mayor respond to these claims?
• The question has been posed on if it's right to go to the conference when the local community has experienced so much hardship lately with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, and the harmful algal bloom. Why is it important for the Mayor to attend, and would the theme of climate change and urban sustainability, how could it be beneficial?
• Calls have been made by some constituents for the council to rescind its approval of the Mayor's attendance. What is the Mayor's response to this call?
• Is there any other general comments that the Mayor would like to provide at this time?

Response

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

I was invited to join Adelaide Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith’s delegation at the C40 World Mayors Summit. The summit brings together mayors from nearly 100 cities to focus on climate change and urban sustainability, and it's a chance for Onkaparinga to be part of a global conversation and showcase the work of local government in South Australia.

The visit also supports Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 next year, which – if secured – is expected to generate over $500 million in economic benefits to our state, boost off-peak tourism demand and attract new investment in green technology. These benefits would flow to Onkaparinga businesses and communities, and give us exposure on the world stage.

All travel and accommodation costs are being covered by the Local Government Association of South Australia (LGA) by resolution of their board. As a board member of the LGA and Chair of the Greater Adelaide Regional Organisation of Councils, I’m attending in a broader leadership role.

The remaining costs are to be self-funded. The trip isn’t being funded by the City of Onkaparinga, and I don’t intend to claim reimbursements for incidentals, which I indicated to the CEO before the trip was approved by elected members at the 14 October Council meeting.

I agree that local governments must prioritise local issues, and addressing climate change impacts is one of the most challenging local issues we face, as evidenced by the current harmful algal bloom that’s seriously impacting our coastline.

ENDS