Murrindindi Shire Council is committed to fighting climate change. We must take immediate action to dramatically reduce climate pollution. This is why Council is developing a Climate Action Plan – and we need your help!
In the last 60 years, humans have generated an enormous amount of pollution. Our pollution stays in the air for thousands of years, creating a thickening blanket that traps heat in the atmosphere – this is known as climate pollution.
This heat in turn changes our climate, causing more dangerous and unpredictable weather including more frequent flooding, bushfires and severe storms. This endangers the environment, and both animal and human life.
The Plan will act as a roadmap in coming years to help us achieve our goals and work together towards net-zero emissions by 2035. Your ideas and input will be used to create the Plan.
Council’s Resource Recovery and Environment Portfolio Councillor Karine Haslam said while the challenge of dealing with climate change can feel overwhelming, if we all work together we can make a big difference.
‘Everyone in our community needs to be thinking about climate change and the things they can do – no matter how big or small – to ensure our Shire remains a safe and prosperous place to live, work and visit’, Cr Haslam said.
‘Council wants to know how we can support you to take climate action. Every business, household, and landowner has a role to play and we are here to help in any way we can.
‘When it comes to taking action to stop climate change, we need to consider the many additional benefits that will also result from our efforts, including cheaper and more reliable power, extra income from renewable energy production and carbon credits.
‘Climate action will also result in a healthier community that supports the production of fresh, local food and chooses to walk or cycle instead of drive if they can.
‘Many climate actions, such as planting trees, taking care of our bushland, diversifying agricultural production, and boosting soil carbon will support our tourism and agricultural industries, which drive our economy.
‘As well as supporting the community to act, the Plan will include actions we will take within Council to reduce our climate pollution and adapt our operations so that we can keep providing essential services into the future. While Council has made some good progress already, we recognise that we can still do more’, said Cr Haslam.
‘I encourage everyone in the community to provide your input and ideas by completing a survey on our online engagement platform, The Loop. You can also find helpful information there about climate change in our Shire and ask any questions you may have.
‘Alternatively, you can come along to one of our pop-up events around the Shire during March. Pop-up events are being held at the following times and locations
- Tuesday 8 March from 2.30 to 4.30 pm, at the Alexandra Library
- Saturday 19 March from 9.30 am to 12 noon, outside Alexandra FoodWorks
- Sunday 27 March from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm, at the Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market
‘You can also complete a paper survey at one of our Library and Customer Service Centres in Alexandra, Kinglake, Yea or the Mobile Service’, added Cr Haslam.
