Bass Coast Shire Council has declared a climate emergency and is committed to developing a Climate Change Action Plan for 2020-2030.
At its December meeting, Council endorsed the establishment of a Community Reference Group and a Project Control Group, to provide stakeholder input, feedback and direction to assist in the development of the Plan.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the Groups will work together to ensure that the Plan meets the direction and objectives identified by Council.
“The establishment of these Groups will ensure community ownership of the Plan and its actions,” Cr Tessari said.
“It is important that we fully engage with the community to put together a really comprehensive Plan for the future.”
The Project Control Group will oversee the internal project management and will comprise of Council officers, a Councillor and appointed consultant/s. This Group will facilitate and monitor the development of the Plan from start to finish.
The Community Reference Group will harness local knowledge and expertise to assist in the development of the Plan and will include members from the broader community, as well as community organisations and industry representatives.
“Cr Michael Whelan and Cr Geoff Ellis will represent Councillors on the Reference Group, which will meet monthly between January and June 2020, to advise Council on how to best respond to climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community,” Cr Tessari said.
“Council is now calling for five community members and three Community Organisation/Group representatives to join the Community Reference Group.
“If you, or anyone else in the community you think may be suitable is interested, we very much look forward to receiving your nomination,” Cr Tessari concluded.
Nominations are now open and close at 5pm on Sunday, 5 January 2020. To download the Nomination Form and Terms of Reference visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/climateaction.
