The City of Greater Geelong Council has voted to join stage two of the Elevating Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Targets planning policy project.
The project is a joint advocacy effort among participating councils, aiming to bring about change in Victoria’s planning system to empower a clean energy future and create net zero developments.
Together, Councils are seeking to amend state government laws in order to strengthen environmental standards in new developments.
The proposed planning scheme amendment will support innovation and allow flexibility in the design for new buildings, and will also help new developments achieve net zero carbon outcomes.
The key environmental themes which will be improved via the proposed amendment are energy, sustainable transport, integrated water management, indoor environment quality, circular economy and climate resilience.
Joining stage two of the project will allow member councils to present a united voice and demonstrate significant support for change to the Minister for Planning.
Participating councils will also share costs associated with the planning scheme amendment process, including panel costs such, legal representation and expert witnesses.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Cr Peter Murrihy;
I am pleased that Council would be joining the next stage of project.
We are committed to this joint project which sees the City of Greater Geelong unite with other Councils across Victoria.
It is important that the environmental issues addressed as part of this project remain a focus for all councils as we look to reduce our carbon footprint moving forward.
As part of its Climate Change Response Plan 2021-2030, the City is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the municipality and make our region more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
State government implementation of the proposed amendment would be a significant climate change action for the City, helping to reduce the use of fossil fuel-based energy by households, businesses and transport activities.
Environment portfolio Chair, Councillor Jim Mason;
It’s important the City remained vigilant in its push towards net zero.
I am proud of Council’s record when it comes to our civic and community response to the region’s long-term environmental and sustainability challenges.
Council has taken a strong leadership position in this space because we want to help create a more sustainable community to live and prosper in.
It remains our aim that by 2035 the Geelong region will have net zero carbon emissions.
The proposed new policy and provisions in the Elevating ESD Targets project build on the Council’s existing ESD policy, adopted on 9 April 2019.
