Although the Federal Government is responsible for Australian policy responses to international greenhouse concerns, much of the burden for dealing with them falls upon local governments (Fowke &: Prasad 1996). Local government is able to influence activity that contributes about 50% of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions (Lumb 1994). Thus, local government has a key role to play in reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments vary in size and resources. This paper considers the performance of Australia's largest local government authority: The Brisbane City Council (BCC) administers a population exceeding 850,000 people with over 6,000 employees. Because of its size and consequential resource base it has the potential to lead local government in the development of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since 95% of BCC's greenhouse gas emissions are from energy use (Table 1); energy policies will be at the core of any strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. BCC has developed a forward-looking strategy, and backed this commitment with strategic planning objectives. The paper includes a brief review of some of the resources available to government to guide the development of energy and greenhouse policies. We consider the policy options for transport, urban form, building design, asset management, and waste management. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of community participation and a short summary of the Council's performance.