Officers presented 12 actions the council could do to draw down emissions following councillors narrowly declaring a climate emergency in October.

But six councillors voted to defer making a decision for another month on those actions at Tuesday's council meeting, stating more needed to be on the list.

Officers had recommended a $100,000 bid for next financial year's budget to trial solar-powered lights on toilets and barbecue shelters, to replace street lighting with LED lights, and retain a carbon offset program.

They also suggested increasing the council's environment grants by $100,000 from July and allow them to contribute to renewable energy improvements.

Cr Jill Parker, who moved to defer the decision, said introducing electric vehicles and charging points, and increasing the council's carbon offset program were among actions she wanted included.

"I think that we have even more opportunities that we can include in this recommendation," Cr Parker said.

Cr Ian Smith said he "reluctantly" supported the deferral. "A lot of work has gone into this motion, but there may be more things we need to look at," he said.

Cr Jordan Lockett, who had the climate emergency declared last year, implored councillors to consider implementing some of the actions.

He said afterwards the outcome was disappointing, but the next report due in February "would be better".

"I'm disappointed we have declared an emergency on something and then we're deferring it," he said.

"But we need more discussion of the exact funding, really fleshing it out to make sure we're doing the right thing by climate change and our ratepayers."

Cr Daniel Meade said the officers had responded to the situation quickly in the three months since the emergency was declared.

"We are thankful for that but we want to make sure we get it right," he said.

RELATED: Moyne Shire Council narrowly backs calls to declare a climate emergency

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.