The City of Whittlesea has partnered with 23 other Victorian councils to work towards greater sustainability requirements for new developments.
The council has lodged a planning scheme amendment with the State Government, looking to introduce a planning policy that prioritises sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourages a move towards net zero carbon development.
The amendment is intended to build on the current Environmentally Sustainable Development, ESD, requirements for new developments in an effort to better protect the natural environment and reduce resource and energy consumption, as well as support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.
Administrator Peita Duncan said the City of Whittlesea was committed to creating a more sustainable environment and proud to be taking action through the proposed measures.
“We are thrilled to be joining with councils from across the state on this incredibly important work,” she said.
“Local governments have long led work towards net zero carbon in new builds, but we need governments across all levels – state and federal – to work together if we want to create real change.”
Under the proposed changes, new developments would produce net zero carbon emissions; reduce household bills through greater energy efficiency; provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for occupants; better manage water quality, use and collection; protect and enhancing greening and biodiversity; and be more resilient to changing climate impacts.
The 24 councils part of the joint agreement, including neighbouring councils of Mitchell Shire, Darebin, and Banyule, represent about half of the Victorian population and planning activity.
The City of Whittlesea council has also written to new Planning Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, seeking her support for the amendment and to acknowledge the current planning requirements do not reflect the need to address climate change.
The City of Whittlesea is undertaking the work as a member of the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment, CASBE, supported by the Municipal Association of Victoria, MAV.
