Councils overwhelmingly support a national levy on coal, oil and gas companies to help them cope with escalating climate damage.
A City of Sydney-led motion to set up a climate compensation fund has been formally adopted unopposed as an Australian Local Government Association position.
It calls on the federal government to explore pathways for coal, oil and gas corporations to help fund disaster relief, mitigation and adaptation.
Councils face mounting costs to repair and maintain roads, drainage, parks and coastal defences under global temperature rise that are well outpacing revenue growth.
City of Sydney deputy lord mayor Jess Miller said climate change was imposing huge costs on councils, with some coastal local governments spending millions moving sand around to protect homes and assets.
