July 2nd, 2023Unanimous: local council adopts new climate strategy
Mount Alexander Shire Councillors have unanimously endorsed the adoption of the council’s new Climate Change Strategy at the council’s most recent scheduled meeting last month.
The Climate Change Strategy sets the direction for Council’s climate action now, and into the future. It is an organisation-wide document that will influence future priorities and projects across the council.
The strategy had been informed by extensive community feedback, collected through an online survey at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au, community workshops and pop-up sessions, and from information provided by Council’s Climate Change Community Reference Group.
“Climate change affects all of us, and we recognise the importance and urgency of the issue – that’s why this strategy is so important,” mayor Cr Rosie Annear said.
“It clarifies Council’s role in responding to climate change, and highlights how we’re changing the way we do things so that climate change is front-of-mind across our operations and service delivery.”
“The story of our commitment to tackling climate change began over twenty years ago with the adoption of Council’s first greenhouse gas action plan. More recently, community momentum for the 2019 declaration of the climate emergency highlighted just how important it is that we all work together and play our part.
“We’ve continued to listen to our community’s feedback on the issue, and referenced much of that input in the drafting of this strategy.
“Thanks to everyone who’s provided feedback along the way – your input is helping us work towards achieving something great,” said Cr Annear.
The new Climate Change Strategy sets six long-term climate change response goals for Council.
These focus on integrating climate action, supporting just and equitable transitions, enhancing our natural environment, incorporating climate into our infrastructure planning and renewal, supporting community connections, and moving toward a circular economy. Council’s role in fulfilling these goals is clarified through action areas.
Alongside the strategy is an action plan which details the steps Council will take to deliver the strategy in the 2023/2024 financial year. The action plan will be updated each year and available for community input through an annual climate response planning meeting with local community groups.
Actions identified for this coming year include:
- promoting sustainable programs and rebates to the community
- reviewing how climate change is considered when we build and maintain assets
- reviewing land use planning policies to strengthen climate change considerations
- partnering with community organisations to educate and promote benefits of making homes more resilient to climate impacts.
The strategy complements Council’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, which is guiding us toward net zero emissions for Council’s operations by 2025.
Community members and interested others are able to view the council’s newly adopted Climate Change Strategy at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/climate-change-strategy with hard copies also available through the Civic Centre in Castlemaine during business hours.
