New strategy sets Geelong Sustainability's course to net zero goal

CLIMATE action-focused community group Geelong Sustainability last week unveiled a new five-year strategic plan, as it aims to drive greater impact across the community and push the transition to net zero forward.

Centred on a vision for a connected and resilient community that is taking urgent action on climate change together, the plan outlines three key goals for the organisation. They are:

Collaborating with a range of partners for an ambitious and just transition to net zero, with a target of reaching net zero by 2035.
Mobilising the community to act urgently on climate change, by inspiring, educating and supporting the community through a variety of programs, and initiatives, including its highly successful Electric Homes program, launching again next week, and
Ensuring Geelong Sustainability is a health and high performing organisation, allowing it to lead by example, demonstrate strong governance practices and support the wellbeing of its staff, members and volunteers.

In the strategy’s foreword, Geelong Sustainability chair David Spears said the net zero revolution was speeding up, bringing both challenges and opportunities.

“We are experiencing more frequent and intense weather driven by climate change, and energy, insurance and other costs are rising,” he said.

“The demand for sustainability and energy related information, advice and services has never been greater. We must ensure everyone in our community can access what they need to thrive and be resilient.

“Over the next five years we will build on our proud history of delivering real change for people in our community; in their homes, businesses, community organisations and groups. We will accelerate action.”

Speaking at the strategy’s launch at North Geelong restaurant 1915 last week, Geelong Sustainability chief executive Jane Spence said “everyone has a role to play” in the transition to net zero.

“It’s about delivering impactful programs and initiatives to households, businesses and community, and it’s about embedding climate justice into everything we do to ensure that there is nobody left behind.”

She confirmed Geelong Sustainability’s highly successful Electric Homes program would be launching for another year in the coming weeks, while its popular Sustainability House Day event will return in October.

For more information, or to read the full strategy, head to geelongsustainability.org.au