Shire votes to support climate response plan

THE Surf Coast Shire council has supported its 2019 climate emergency declaration and commitment to climate change by endorsing a 10-year Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan.

The response plan includes an immediate two-year action plan for the 2021-23 financial years with six key goals including that the council is a carbon neutral operation; generates, stores and uses renewable electricity; and facilitates and empowers community-led responses to climate emergency.

The council has committed to aligning with local registered Aboriginal parties’ Country Plans, adapting well to a changing climate and as an organisation, is a climate emergency leader.

“This is about local government making a difference at a grass roots level and that’s what the Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan allows us to do,” Cr Kate Gazzard said.

“It focuses on six key goals that have achievable and tangible objectives, measures and targets.

“The plan embodies council’s vision for our community and environment to be thriving in a safe climate.

“It’s about empowering our people to implement climate solutions at work, supporting our community to take action, advocating our position, and joining in with others responding to the climate emergency.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions represents our top priority, and accordingly Council commits to purchasing 100 per cent renewable electricity and becoming a carbon neutral organisation in 2021-22.

“One of our goals is for council to serve as a model for other organisations and we look forward to collaborating with our community on how we can collectively work towards a low emissions future for the Surf Coast Shire.”

The plan includes council targets for its own corporate energy, greenhouse gas emissions, water, waste, land use and biodiversity targets.

New initiatives will build on council’s work in energy efficiency and renewable energy, transport, waste, land management, open space operations and emergency management.

The Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan 2021-2031 was endorsed seven votes to one, with Cr Paul Barker opposing the motion.

Cr Heather Wellington was unwell and had left the meeting at the start of the item before the vote.