Youth Council urge city to aim high on climate goals

THE City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Council has used its fourth and final report to advocate for stronger climate change response measures and improved sustainability goals from the city, alongside an increased focus on developing the region’s bike parks and associated facilities.

The report tabled at the council’s December 13 meeting is largely supportive of the city’s environmental policies and procedures to date, but lists a number of areas it believes peers can do more to achieve higher standards including at its newly-opened administration building.

“For Wurriki Nyal to achieve the 6-star NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) sustainability rating, council needs to divert more waste that is collected on site, from landfill,” the report stated.

“Youth Council would like the council to support a circular economy by collecting and repurposing larger quantities and varieties of waste at Wurriki Nyal. These recyclable materials can then be used to create locally made products for use across the municipality.

“Golden Plains Shire has recently implemented this process in the town of Bannockburn where bollards, benches and tables have been made from recycled products that do not rot, split, or crack and need very little maintenance.”

The report celebrated the introduction of online learning modules for city staff to expand their knowledge on climate change, and urged that the modules become mandatory for all employees.

Its third piece of advice is for the council to realign its environment and sustainability grants so that funding was redistributed and allocated into the Climate Change Partnership Fund.

“This change will result in an increased number of impactful mitigation projects that can be delivered in our region, creating a community that is better equipped to drive change and innovation while driving down emissions.”

The report suggested council objectives around improving community health and equity through grant streams would also benefit if they were coupled with environment and sustainability practices.

An area the 12-member Youth Council found to be lacking was support for bike users, in particular user-built bike jumps at specified bike parks.

“Council does an amazing job at maintaining its football ovals, netball and tennis courts,” the report said, but noted bike riders had to travel to neighbouring councils’ areas to get access to such  spaces.

“The bike parks and trails Geelong does have are not receiving the maintenance they require.”

Junior Mayor Finn Rowbottom said that in a year dominated by the lingering impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, it was pleasing to see work progress towards establishing a youth dedicated space in central Geelong.

“If young people have access to a space where they are safe, can access services and supports and fun things to do, it will positively affect the mental health of those who use its services.”