Groups come together for climate change

A NEW collaboration has been established to help guide Greater Bendigo to becoming a zero-emissions city by 2030.

The Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration was launched on Tuesday as a way for sectors including local government, businesses, community groups, schools and households to work together to combat climate change.

Coordinator Ian McBurney said over the next year, six forums will be held to discuss ways to transition to zero carbon emissions with a focus on energy, buildings, transport, food, nature and a circular economy.

“We’ve created a framework where people can get involved, come to these forums, we can learn, we can act ourselves and collectively, and really make a difference,” he said.

“We’re going to enhance and support projects going well and where there’s gaps we’re going to help create new projects.

“If there’s no one looking at community batteries, let’s set a project up and we can get Bendigo Bank, Coliban Water and the Bendigo Sustainability Group and work together.”

The City of Greater Bendigo is leading the collaboration, which is financed by several businesses, community organisations and government services.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said zero carbon emissions by 2030 can be achieved by working together.

“It’s big and audacious and that’s exactly what science tells us we need to do,” she said.

“Our community has told us they want to take up the opportunities that can be realised by doing our bit on reducing emissions.

“Many of us are already doing so much but it’s only by working together that we will have the impact that’s needed.

“Paris is taking cars out of the city and prioritising cycling and pedestrian opportunities. Other cities are overhauling buildings, so they make energy from the sun, and private enterprise is making incredible advances in waste reducing manufacturing. Anything is possible if we are prepared to work together.”

The forums will culminate in a Greater Bendigo Climate Summit in May 2023 with a zero emissions plan to be established.