Following an extensive public exhibition period and community consultation, the Central Goldfields Climate Action Plan 2022-2030 was adopted during this week's Ordinary Council Meeting (28/06).
The Plan provides strategic direction to 2030 through six priority areas and nineteen goals. This includes a Net Zero emissions by 2030 target for Council's operations. The Plan also reflects the aspirations of community, particularly in terms of elevating council's leadership role in tackling climate action locally.
The priority areas are:
- Education, collaboration and mobilisation
- Built environment and transport
- Health and wellbeing
- Waste and the circular economy
- Renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Land and water
It draws on expert advice from Ndevr Environmental, identifies priority areas and actions to be carried out in the next two years and beyond.
The Draft Plan was placed on exhibition from March 31 to April 21, with 19 submissions being made. Feedback was also received during the Public Consultation Session on April 12. This feedback has informed the final Plan.
The Plan has been developed in conjunction with the community over a 12-month period, commencing in June 2021 which involved identifying local projects and initiatives as well as key risks and opportunities, followed by key actions and priority areas.
Central Goldfields Shire Flynn Ward Councillor and Climate Action Stewarding Group member Liesbeth Long said the Plan outlines Council's role as a leader in our local response to climate change and recommends the establishment of a partnership approach (collaborative model) for the ongoing activation and enhancement of local community action.
"The Plan uses a plain language approach and is designed to engage people new to climate change.
"It articulates actions and responsibilities including the way forward for a partnership approach with Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, community leaders, community services, schools, health organisations, farmers, industry business and regional agencies for the ongoing activation and enhancement of local community action.
"Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide detailed and well-considered feedback into this Plan.
"This Plan will be driven by the community and will need action across all sectors of our Shire in order to see action."
Climate Action Collaboration committee member Tony Macer said the community has been heavily involved in the development of the Plan.
"This is great news for residents who attended the climate action rally in 2020.
"The community has had a significant say in shaping this excellent Plan and, importantly, regular ongoing community input has been built in to make the climate plan a 'living document.'"
Every two years an implementation plan will be developed with actions aligned to each of the goals.
The initial two years will be split into three phases:
- Phase one: set up the Central Goldfields Climate Action Partnership (June 2022-December 2022)
- Phase two- Consolidate Council's leading role (towards net zero emissions and climate adaption) (September 2022- June 2024)
- Phase three- Community outreach (June 2023- June 2024)
Council is required to consider climate risk in Council activities, under the Victorian Climate Change Act 2017 and the Victorian Local Government Act 2020.
This project was funded in part by the Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership (CVPCP).
