At Tuesday night's meeting, Council adopted the Sustainability Policy, which will help the City continue towards its ambition of becoming a sustainable city-region.
This ambition reflects the high priority Council places on sustainability, climate change resilience and the protection of the region's natural environment for the enjoyment, health and wellbeing of present and future generations.
The Sustainability Policy outlines the key principles the City will apply to create a culture of sustainable decision-making while supporting the delivery of the Sustainability Framework and Action Plan which outline priority areas and actions to be undertaken.
The policy includes commitments to:
- Create cleaner, greener community spaces which enhance our rich and diverse environment and provide opportunities for improved health and wellbeing for the whole community;
- Ensure decisions are based on consideration of social, economic and environmental issues equally and are informed by the best available evidence and understanding of global, national, state and regional issues;
- Embed sustainability as a principle so that there is a consistent understanding and application of sustainability across City operations;
- Report regularly to the community on the City's performance; and
- Build partnerships with key community groups to help generate awareness of sustainability and how everyone in the community can contribute.
Mayor Stephanie Asher said the policy was another significant element of the Sustainability Framework putting long-term thinking at the centre of all decision-making at the City.
"The adoption of the Sustainability Policy is another strategic step towards our goal of becoming an enduring city-region and making sustainability integral to all decision-making," Mayor Asher said.
"This policy will provide an essential driver in strengthening the City's focus on finding positive solutions to address future challenges such as climate change, population growth, infrastructure development and social equity."
'Sustainability' is a key theme in a number of City policies and documents and refers to a continual way of thinking that focusses on the best outcomes for the community, environment and the economy now and in the future.
Sustainability is also a key theme of the Council Plan 2018–22 and a strong focus of the community's 30-year clever and creative vision.
Councillor Belinda Moloney, Deputy Chair of the Sustainability Performance portfolio, said the Sustainability Policy is significant in our region's journey.
"This policy is another positive, deliberate step towards the City becoming more sustainable in terms of the environment, economy and the community," Cr Moloney said.
"I thank community members for helping to shape this policy. We are listening, pushing for action and taking responsibility on sustainability."
The development of the Sustainability Policy was outlined as a key action in the Sustainability Framework and Action Plan, adopted in July 2020.
