Council
28 March, 2024
Shire to action new climate change efforts
MOYNE Shire Council has resolved to create a new Environmental Sustainability Strategy to develop framework for future actions on climate change.
During the final update on the Climate Emergency Priority Actions at this week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council it was reported all 10 of council’s Climate Emergency Priority Actions have been acted upon, with seven completed and three in progress.
Among progress noted through to the end of December 2023 was the installation of a pool blanket and roller system for Mortlake Community pool and LED lighting upgrades at the Mortlake shire office, preschool, bowls club, senior citizens centre and the recreation reserve.
In her report before council, director of environment, economy and place Jodie McNamara said the final update was the “culmination of a couple of years of hard work” by the environment and sustainability team.
“The highlights of deliverables include our carbon offset program, we’ve had some energy efficiency initiatives which include solar installation, pool blankets and LED lighting on a couple of council’s buildings.
“Our public street lighting program has also been a highlight.”
Council will also begin its review of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Review.
Under the new strategy new actions will be developed to roll out as council seeks to further its efforts to address the threat of climate change.
“The environmental strategy will come back in to council for input and will also include community feedback,” Ms McNamara said.
The motion was moved by Cr Karen Foster, and seconded by Cr Jordan Lockett.
“I think responding to the climate emergency is not only a key plank to our council plan but also our My Moyne, My Future 2040 document, which was developed by the community,” Cr
Foster said.
“I think there is also a very strong expectation in the community that we, as community leaders, do what we can – that we do our part for the environment.
“I loved reading this report, I loved reading about the initiatives – most of them are very pragmatic and practical, making a genuine difference for all of us and perhaps setting an example to other organisations and other businesses about what they can do.
“We all have a part to play.”
Cr Lockett said he felt Moyne Shire Council was “more than carrying our weight” when compared to other councils.
“It’s great to see, and great to see the actions are being ticked off as we go along,” he said.
“As Cr Foster said, we all have our bit to play in this.”
Cr Daniel Meade also spoke in support of the item, stating he had heard concerns from the community not enough was being done, but felt Moyne had positioned itself well.
“It is a positive list here of what has been achieved since it was first initiated four years ago,” he said.
“I know that at times council has had feedback from the community that we’re not doing enough since that motion was passed, but I hope people look at this list and see we are being proactive and have made a real difference on the ground with practical solutions.”
Moyne Shire Council first recognised Australia as being in a state of climate emergency in October 2019, resolving the issue required urgent action and acknowledging the region was likely to be further impacted.
The motion was carried unanimously.