Inaugural sustainability committee announced

MEMBERS of the city’s inaugural sustainability advisory committee were announced last week with work set to start this month.

The 12 successful candidates were picked from a competitive pool of 72 applicants to become leaders in the region’s sustainability matters.

Each member will play an important role in guiding council in its decision making, with the first order of business to provide advice on the city’s Sustainability Targets and Measures draft.

Committee members include Andrea Pape, Annie Woolard, Brad Keating, David Spear, Emma Connan, Dr Jane Stanley, Joe Calafiore, Karen Campbell, Dr Sally Hutchinson, Sanja Van Huet, Simon Reeves and Wayne Pales.

Each member of the committee was handpicked based on their prior experience including backgrounds in business, environmental planning, science, health and education, while displaying expertise in social and community planning as well as financial and risk analysis.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher welcomed the appointment of the new committee members and the role they will play in creating a more sustainable Geelong.

“Forming this committee is one of many actions we’re taking as we progress the objectives outlined in our Sustainability Framework and Action Plan,” Cr Asher said.

“Our community has a variety of needs and expectations when it comes to addressing future challenges such as climate change, population growth, infrastructure development and social equity, and this committee will help bring those perspectives directly to council.”

Committee members will consider, advise and monitor the implementation of the city’s Sustainability Framework and Action Plan, previously adopted in July 2020.

The recommendation to appoint the independent committee was established at the time of adopting the framework.

“I look forward to hearing their insights as we work together to make Greater Geelong a sustainable city-region and a healthy, diverse and inclusive place to live for present and future generations,” Cr Asher said.

Members of the Sustainability Committee are appointed to serve a three-year team on a volunteer basis.

The first meeting will take place this month to provide recommendations to the city ahead of tabling its Sustainability Targets and Measures draft in May.