Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed that the draft Environment Strategy be released for public comment.
Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates said the draft strategy provides guidance and direction to Council on environmental issues, it develops four themes and looks at what environmental activities Council must do, as well as chooses to do, to support these themes.
“The strategy provides a refresh on the previous document, capturing some of the work developed across the past four years with key environmental partnerships, whilst incorporating community comments received through the ‘Campaspe Tomorrow’ project, which involved extensive consultation to develop Campaspe’s vision last year,” Cr Gates said.
The strategy maintains the four theme areas, being:
- Conservation
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Community engagement and partnerships
- Council’s responsibilities
The document details the policy position, policy rationale, performance indicators and example actions for each of the themes.
“Through the ‘Campaspe Tomorrow’ project, the community expressed concern and sought local action against the impacts of climate change, as well as support to help business and industry in responding.
“We have taken this on board and our long-term aim is to work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.
“Other actions include increasing participation in the National Tree Day program, continuing with the Rural Tree Scheme and preparing a Control Plan for the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program,” Cr Gates said.
Once the strategy is finalised, an Action Plan will be developed detailing what will be targeted across the four year period of the strategy to achieve the performance indicators and long term aims.
The draft Environment Strategy is available on Council’s website with comments closing on Thursday, 18 August. A quick online response form is provided to support feedback.
