The Greater Bendigo City Council has released its draft Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2026 for community comment.
The draft strategy features six action areas along with flagship projects underway and actions for the community and stakeholders. The action areas are:
- Zero carbon
- Circular economy
- Sustainable and active transport
- Sustainable food systems
- Water sensitive Bendigo
- Biodiversity and regeneration
The goals and targets in each action area have been set by Council in consultation with community, business and agency partners to meet the Council Plan and the City's Community Vision.
City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the draft strategy is seeking to take strong action on climate change and environmental sustainability by setting targets and actions to reduce Greater Bendigo's emissions, facilitate active transport, divert waste from landfill to create a circular economy, regenerate our local biodiversity and waterways, create more sustainable food systems and support the delivery of the Council Plan 2021-2025.
"Council acknowledges the seriousness of the biodiversity and climate breakdown that is occurring and is committed to acting to protect the community and the ecosystems we depend on. Our health and future are directly linked to a healthy environment," Cr Alden said.
"We all need to play a part and do it together and the strategy builds upon the previous Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy 2016-2021 which has enabled the City and the broader community to make significant progress towards a more sustainable future but it's now time to take the next step.
"The updated strategy includes clear and measurable targets to focus the City's actions and investment. The targets have been directly aligned to the new Community Vision for Greater Bendigo so there is a clear line of sight between the Community Plan and the Climate Change and Environment Strategy.
"The development of the strategy has been informed by community input captured by the Imagine Greater Bendigo process, staff expertise and engagement with relevant agencies. It continues to use the One Planet Living Principles and focuses on six selected key action areas."
"I encourage everyone with an interest in the environment to view the draft and provide the City with their feedback."
The draft strategy is available to view at
https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/climate-change-and-environment-strategy-2021-2026
Comments and feedback must be received by the City by September 14, 2021.
