"In 2021 we became the 100th Council in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency and just the third to pass this Notice of Motion unanimously," Cr Binks said.
"We believe leadership is needed on this issue.
"The Climate Change science is undeniable, and we must act now to protect the future for the generations to come."
Since declaring a Climate Emergency, Council has been working with its community to prioritise and set mitigation, adaptation and resilience actions.
Through this process it has developed a Draft Climate Change Action Plan that is now open for public feedback.
"The development of our Draft Climate Change Action Plan is an excellent example of how we are working with our community to make better decisions and deliver better plans and strategies," she said.
"We have sought advice from our community to help us understand key focus areas and priorities and all this input is reflected in our draft plan.
"The draft plan will embed climate emergency responses into all Council activities and decisions.
"It will accelerate our climate change adaption and mitigation actions and it will direct our efforts to engage and empower our community and businesses to foster cultural shifts so that ongoing climate action becomes the new standard."
Cr Binks urged the community to visit www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to read the draft plan and provide feedback.
"Here you can also pledge your support for Climate Action in Strathbogie Shire on our wall of support," she said.
"During our Councillor roundtables we heard our community was keen to show its support for climate action so we've created a platform where you can show your support by sharing words, pictures and videos."
The draft plan has been split into five main areas with corporate and community actions for each target area. The areas are:
- Protecting our natural environment
- Reducing our emissions
- Our climate resilient community
- Moving sustainably
- Advocating for change
Overall, there are 50 actions, of which implementation is expected to start in 2022/23.
"Across each of these Strategic Focus Areas Council, residents, businesses, farmers and community groups have different roles to play in driving climate action," Cr Binks said.
"By working together and taking a partnership approach we can build a climate resilient, net zero community."
Feedback is open for six weeks, from Tuesday, April 26 to 5pm on Tuesday, June 7. To have your say go to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Copies of the draft plan are also available at Council's offices in Euroa and Strathbogie and feedback can also be provided in writing and posting to PO Box 177, Euroa VIC 3666.
