Greater Shepparton City Council adopted the Our Climate Safe Future – Climate Emergency Action Plan at Tuesday’s Council Meeting, in a bid to facilitate a climate safe future for our region.
It comes after Council declared a Climate Emergency in March 2020 and resolved to develop a Climate Emergency Action Plan which sets a roadmap for action, including Council’s role and the resourcing required to mitigate and adapt to the current and projected impacts of climate change.
The Action Plan is underpinned by a strong partnership approach between the community and Council, while being supported by science-based evidence. It builds on the work Council and the Greater Shepparton community are already doing to reduce emissions, prepare the region for a changing climate, and to maximise opportunities for a sustainable and prosperous future.
A draft Climate Emergency Action Plan was released for public consultation in February this year, resulting in six new actions added to the plan. The final document identifies 80 actions falling under four strategic priorities of climate change leadership, transitioning to net zero emissions, building a climate resilient community, and supporting a thriving and climate ready agricultural sector.
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali thanked community members for providing their feedback on the draft plan and helping inform Council on what matters most to them.
“The community feedback received was extremely valuable in understanding the climate needs and desires of our community,” he said.
“We received 125 formal submissions which touched on the main themes of public and active transport, Council support for community groups, promoting local produce, community education, promoting rebates and funding opportunities for residents, and the increased use of solar.”
Cr Sali said Council would continue to collaborate with other agencies and organisations to ensure a climate safe future by transitioning to sustainable products and services.
“We hope the Climate Emergency Action Plan gives the local economy confidence that there will be support as we transition to low emissions products and services,” he said.
“By adopting this plan, Council has committed to acting in a manner that supports a safe climate for our community, now and into the future. Adoption and implementation of the Climate Emergency Action Plan will provide a roadmap to address Council’s Climate Emergency Declaration and ensure the municipality is ready to take advantage of a decarbonised economy for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
View the adopted Climate Emergency Action Plan
