The City of Whittlesea has set a clear plan to tackle climate change and environmental sustainability following the adoption of a new long-term strategy and plan at the Council meeting on 21 November 2022.
The Sustainable Environment Strategy 2022-2032, Climate Change Plan 2022-2032 and Sustainable Environment Action Plan 2022-2024 were developed following extensive consultation with residents, businesses, school children and industry leaders and outlines the City of Whittlesea’s approach to creating a sustainable and climate resilient future for all.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the new strategy and plan will shape our environmental priorities over the next ten years to ensure we are creating a liveable and sustainable environment for our residents for generations to come.
“Creating a sustainable environment is one of Council’s key goals and we are committed to tackling the environmental and climate change issues we face, while also supporting the community and local businesses to take action,” Ms Wilson said.
“We will build on the substantial work Council has already undertaken in this area and will continue to progress our transition to becoming a net zero emissions city by 2036.”
Ms Wilson said more than 800 people contributed to the development of the strategy and plan, helping to shape the priorities and action items.
“It’s so pleasing to see our community get involved in the process that will help us tackle environmental sustainability in a practical and meaningful way and I’d like to thank everyone who provided feedback. We’ve heard some great suggestions and have added new initiatives based on your ideas, including a proposal to consider the suitability of composting toilets in public spaces,” Ms Wilson said.
“We know that our community are passionate about the environment and are committed to achieving a clean and sustainable future for the City of Whittlesea and we will continue to work together, and with partner organisations to achieve our shared goals.”
Strengthening our commitment to climate action, the City of Whittlesea has also pledged to join the Cities Power Partnership program and the Victorian Government’s council emissions reduction pledges program.
The Cities Power Partnership is a free national program run by the Climate Council and aims to provide local governments with the tools, knowledge and connections to take meaningful action on climate change while the Victorian Government’s council emissions reduction pledges program will ensure Council’s climate change initiatives contribute towards state-wide climate action efforts.
“We’re very excited to be joining these two programs and to work with other councils, partner organisations and the community to realise our shared vision and goals of a climate ready and resilient city,” Ms Wilson said.
To view the Sustainable Environment Strategy 2022-2032 and Sustainable Environment Action Plan 2022-2024 visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/environmentstrategy.
To view the Climate Change Plan 2022-2032 visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/climatechange
