Council commits to action on climate change
Published on 17 December 2021
Gannawarra Shire Council has confirmed its commitment to long-term climate adaptation, developing a Climate Change policy that sets environmental goals for the delivery of Council’s services.
Adopted at the December 2021 Council Meeting, the policy applies to all Councillors, staff, contractors and volunteers undertaking Council work related duties that impact directly or in-directly on the environment.
“Council is committed to demonstrating environmental best practice in its operations, fostering environmentally responsible behaviour and using its experience and influence to promote actions towards sustainability and climate resilience in the wider community,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“Council has already undertaken a range of positive actions in relation to climate change, including incorporating solar installation on its buildings, reducing its carbon footprint, undertaking heat mapping assessments and promoting the construction of renewable energy and transmission assets in the region.
“This work has helped the initial steps towards combating climate change, but this policy will help Council recognise the need to consolidate its actions and create a planned response to adapt and mitigate climate change.”
Developed in partnership with the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, the key objectives of the policy are:
- Transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy and corporate net zero emissions by 2025, and net zero emissions at Council-managed landfills by 2040;
- Undertaking actions that lead the community in achieving a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040;
- Responding to the risks of climate change to Council assets and services, and assist the community to be more resilient to the effects of climate change; and
- Actively join climate change initiatives that promote education, economic growth and the community to become more sustainable and increase liveability.
“One of the strategic objectives outlined in the Growing Gannawarra 2021-2025 Council Plan is to support community resilience through climate change adaptation, clean energy, environmental sustainability and waste management programs, and Council’s Climate Change policy is one step in the journey to achieving this,” Mayor Gillingham said.
To view the Climate Change policy, please visit the Policies section of Council’s website, located at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents