Shire adopts new climate action plan

THE Surf Coast Shire council has announced a new climate action plan detailing the next two years’ objectives.

Released at the council’s meeting in Lorne last Wednesday, the shire’s Climate Emergency Action Plan for 2023-2025 will support its overall Climate Emergency response for 2021-2031.

Torquay Ward councillor Kate Gazzard said the new action plan will enhance efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while pursuing renewable energy opportunities.

“Council is committed to demonstrating climate leadership as an organisation, but it is so important that our community, and businesses and organisations within our community, are Taking meaningful steps as well,” Cr Gazzard said.

“We all need to be working together to make a difference.”

The shire, as part of 2023-2025 Climate Action Plan, will aim to:

• Become carbon neutral
• Generate, store and use renewable energy
• Adapt to the changing climate
• Work with local Registered Aboriginal Parties and First Nations on climate change
• Facilitate and empower community responses to the Climate Emergency, and
• Be a Climate Emergency leader.

Council noted at its September meeting the objectives it hit as part of the previous 2021-2023 Climate Action Plan.

This included a reduction in non-landfill greenhouse gas emissions by 41 per cent since 2020-2021, a transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity and saving $173,000 in utility costs.

The shire has also established a Climate Emergency Grants stream to support community-led action, developed a Climate Adaptation Planning Framework, secured $1.5 million in external funding to progress climate action; and achieved Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard certification.

“Delivery of goals in the 2021-2023 Climate Emergency Action Plan demonstrates the importance of having these shorter-term plans providing focus and targets within our overarching 2021-2031 Climate Emergency Response Plan,” Cr Kate Gazzard said.

“While there is still so much to do, many significant things have been achieved under the goals within the 2021-2023 plan and among the most important is helping to further inspire and support community climate action.”

For more on the shire’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Environment/Climate-Emergency