A FIVE-point plan was proposed to reduce emissions from municipal operations to net zero by the end of 2030 by the City of Greater Bendigo at its regular council meeting on Monday evening.<\/p>\n
The five steps aim to calculate emissions, implement reduction plans, offset residual emissions, validate carbon neutral status, and provide a public statement of carbon neutral claim.<\/p>\n
The basis of the plan is \u201cthe rapid electrification of the City\u201d and Cr Julie Sloan said the approach would need to be carefully considered, but is required.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will need a scaled approach to enable infrastructure to catch up with the market that is moving forward on net zero emission plans and to avoid offset where possible,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis resolution recognises that climate change will impact Bendigo\u2019s services as it does with all services and requires appropriate council budget allocations to address the associated issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Margaret O\u2019Rourke said council would have some tough decisions to make in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor zero carbon and net emissions, that is going to take some brave decision making in terms of the budget over the years to come,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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Airport lot leased<\/strong><\/p>\n A 25-year lease agreement has been reached for a lot at Bendigo Airport with a rent review every three years.<\/p>\n A hangar will be built on the 216-square-metre lot to house a recreational aviation school and to hold all equipment and aircraft.<\/p>\n Cr Greg Penna said the development of an aviation school on the site was a sign of continued growth for the airport precinct.<\/p>\n \u201cThis gives me even more confidence in the airport\u2019s strong future given the development of the new terminal building,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are only two vacant sites left now with the uptake of the 11 leases given and granted in the past two years.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Off-leash dog park opposed<\/strong><\/p>\n Council received a petition with 93 signatures in opposition to an off-leash dog park proposed for Molesworth Road in Kangaroo Flat.<\/p>\n The petition claims the proposed area is not appropriate due to surrounding households that already contain pets and they could feel threatened by the presence of other dogs.<\/p>\n The petition also stated the area was home to native flora which could be put at risk, as well as the proposed site being popular place for local children to play.<\/p>\n Cr Rod Fyffe was pleased to receive the feedback and said he wanted to hear from more pet owners about animal management plans.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to encourage people who own pets, particularly dogs and cats to put in a submission regarding the domestic animal management plan,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir responses will certainly be used to guide our offices and the community as to the best way of looking after our animals.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contracts awarded<\/strong><\/p>\n Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises acting as Trustee for Djandak Fixed Trust was awarded a 10-month contract for the Bendigo Creek instream works with an option of an extra 12-month contract period.<\/p>\n Djandak will oversee project management, engagement, and design of the works with a budget of more than $100,000.<\/p>\n Cr O\u2019Rourke said this was a substantial contract, and it was great to see local businesses continuing receive municipal jobs.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the great thing about the City\u2019s work, the businesses that receive these contracts through the procurement process are mainly local,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can\u2019t always happen, but we have in these past few years increased the appointment of locals by 20 per cent.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n