City of Whittlesea residents are being invited to have their say on two key documents that set to shape the municipality’s environmental priorities over the next decade.
The draft Sustainable Environment Strategy Action Plan 2022-24 and Climate Change Plan outline the council’s approach to achieving environmental goals for the future and will create a roadmap for a sustainable environment and action on climate change.
The draft Sustainable Environment Strategy Action Plan sets out the commitments to introducing the Sustainable Environment Strategy over the next two years, integrating actions to address climate change, biodiversity, city forest, green wedge, water, waste, recycling and community empowerment.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said creating a sustainable environment was one of council’s key goals, and the documents would guide the City of Whittlesea’s approach to tackling issues.
“Becoming a resilient, climate-ready community means that we all have to play a part in minimising the impact on our environment – it is a shared responsibility,” she said.
“Council and community must work together to reduce overall emissions, protect and enhance our environment and commit to taking action to mitigate or adapt to climate change.”
Ms Wilson said it was important for the council to transition to a net zero emissions community by 2036 to ensure people, businesses and the environment are resilient to a changing climate.
“These draft plans have been informed by extensive community consultation with residents, businesses, school children and industry stakeholders, and take into account state, federal and global plans, priorities and targets,” she said.
“We know that our community are passionate about the environment and are committed to achieving a clean and sustainable future for the City of Whittlesea.”
Last year, the council signed the largest carbon emissions reduction project ever to be undertaken by Victorian local governments, joining 45 other Victorian councils to purchase renewable energy over the next 10 years.
By signing the Victorian Energy Collaboration agreement, the City of Whittlesea commits to using 100 percent renewable energy to power its buildings and community facilities – reducing greenhouse emissions by 260,000 tonnes of C02-e every year.
The City of Whittlesea wants to hear the community’s thoughts on the priorities and vision outlined in the draft plans and is inviting feedback on how council can work with the community to achieve shared goals.
Consultation is open until October 4, 2022.
