Conservation Council of South Australia and climate communications charity Comms Declare have welcomed Adelaide City Council’s decision to progress work on restricting fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship, with a detailed report due in May 2027.
The decision builds on last month’s landmark vote and creates a pathway for Council to examine how restrictions can work across public spaces, sponsorships and major events.
Cities across Australia and around the world are already demonstrating that world-class events and strong climate commitments go hand in hand.
The review will give Adelaide, a leading climate action council, an opportunity to draw on these examples, address existing contractual arrangements and develop practical policies that reflect its climate commitments.
Comments attributable to Kirsty Bevan, CEO, Conservation Council of South Australia:
“Adelaide’s move to explore the practicalities of a fossil fuel ad ban is a testament to its commitment to leadership in this space, in alignment with their climate strategies and declarations”
“We urge the council to use these steps to develop real, actionable pathways that ensure Adelaide remains a leader in sustainability.”
“South Australia has lead the nation before, from the tobacco advertising ban to climate commitments, now we have the chance to be leaders again in stopping the promotion of fossil fuel companies, which directly undermine our climate goals at every government level.”
Comments attributable to Belinda Noble, founder, Comms Declare:
“World-class events and strong climate commitments go hand in hand.
“Edinburgh is preparing to host the Tour de France next year while maintaining its restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship. All around the world we’ve seen cities allow for existing coal, oil and gas sponsorships to end while ensuring new ones are not started.
“Adelaide has a proud history of climate leadership, and we’re pleased to see this important conversation moving forward.
“Working through existing contracts and major event arrangements is a sensible part of developing effective policy. Other cities have already done this work, and Adelaide can learn from their experience.
“We look forward to seeing a clear pathway for Adelaide to bring its advertising and sponsorship policies into line with its climate commitments and community values.”
The Council will also seek advice from the South Australian Government on how sponsorship arrangements align with state climate commitments.
Background
From Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to AFL matches in Melbourne and major international sporting events, councils are showing that protecting their climate commitments need not come at the expense of vibrant sporting and cultural calendars.
- Sydney, Australia – New Year’s Eve and major events: In August 2022, the City of Sydney voted to investigate restrictions on fossil fuel advertising on Council-controlled property and events. It subsequently incorporated restrictions on fossil fuel companies into its corporate sponsorship policy. Sydney continues to host major events including New Year’s Eve celebrations and the Lunar Festival, demonstrating that councils can establish clear sponsorship standards while maintaining a thriving events calendar. City of Sydney Council decision | Corporate sponsorship policy
- Yarra, Melbourne – AFL at Victoria Park: Yarra City Council introduced restrictions on fossil fuel advertising across Council property in July 2023, including Victoria Park, which hosts AFL-related football matches. Council engaged with sporting stakeholders to work through the implications for the ground, introducing restrictions as existing agreements expired or were renegotiated. This provides a practical Australian example of applying fossil fuel advertising restrictions to a major sporting venue while respecting existing contracts. Yarra Council policy decision
- Edinburgh, Scotland – Tour de France: Edinburgh will host the start of the Tour de France in July 2027. The city already restricts fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship on Council-controlled assets. The Council has confirmed that its rules will apply to activities it organises, such as fan zones, while recognising that the Tour de France organisers control the race’s own sponsorship deals. This is a particularly relevant example for Adelaide and the Tour Down Under. Edinburgh Council decision.
- Sheffield, England – World Snooker Championship: Sheffield introduced restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in April 2024. Its policy allows existing contracts to run their course and includes arrangements for major events. In September 2026, the Council signed a new agreement securing the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield until at least 2045. Sheffield advertising policy | World Snooker Championship agreement.
These cities show that councils can develop clear advertising and sponsorship rules while continuing to host major sporting and cultural events.