The City’s investment in protecting and enhancing the environment is already delivering real benefits for the community, while laying the foundations for a greener and more resilient future.
The Council’s July Meeting highlighted significant achievements and long-term planning that will help protect biodiversity, strengthen natural assets and respond to environmental and population challenges.
Together, these reports, plans and strategies set a clear direction for how the City will continue to care for and enhance the region’s environment for generations to come.
Environmental Strategy Highlights Report 2025-26
This report identifies the significant achievements towards the goals set out in The Environment Strategy 2020-30 and the 2024-26 Action Plan.
Together, these documents guide planning and decision-making to improve the health of the local environment, reduce the City’s environmental footprint and protect the lifestyle enjoyed by the community.
The report identifies the following key achievements:
- The City’s corporate carbon emissions have been reduced by 41 per cent since 2019, delivering an estimated $900,000 in annual savings. Measures to reduce emissions have included street lighting upgrades, solar installations and entering into a long-term contract for the supply of renewable energy.
- Increased greening of community spaces through changes to guidelines and expanded support for nature strip landscaping.
- Collaborative restoration efforts to the Waurn Ponds Creek, Barwon River and Moorabool River systems through the planting of 50,000 indigenous plants.
- New circular economy initiatives, sustainable design planning provisions, and the ongoing funding support for the delivery of the Electric Homes Program.
Geelong Plan for Nature 2026-36
The Geelong Plan for Nature 2026-36 provides a long-term roadmap for identifying, protecting, restoring and enhancing the region’s biodiversity in the face of rapid population growth and climate change.
It responds to the ongoing loss of native plants, animals and ecosystems, and recognises that a healthy natural environment is essential to the region’s liveability and resilience.
The plan was adopted following extensive feedback from the community, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, environmental groups, agency representatives and City staff.
Draft Urban Forest Strategy: Healthy Country 2026-2036
This draft document sets the strategic approach to increasing the tree canopy and urban greening across the region.
It aims to keep neighbourhoods cooler, improve climate resilience and enhance liveability as Greater Geelong continues to grow.
The strategy identifies where greening should occur, how it can be integrated with planning and infrastructure, and how the City, community groups and government agencies can work together to deliver it.
The draft strategy is expected to open for community feedback in August.
It’s expected to return to Council in late-2026 for adoption.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
As the region continues to grow, it’s crucial we continue to develop and implement sustainable solutions that protect the landscapes, habitats and natural assets that make our community such a great place to live.
Together, these plans and strategies build on the progress we’ve already made and set a strong foundation for protecting and enhancing our environment in the years ahead.
Environment and Circular Economy Advisory Committee alternate chair Councillor Rowan Story AM, RFD
Trees play a vital role in creating cooler, greener and healthier neighbourhoods. They provide shade, improve air quality, support biodiversity and help our communities adapt to a changing climate.
Research consistently shows that investing in urban greening delivers benefits that far outweigh the initial cost, including lower energy bills, increased property values and reducing heat-related illness and associated healthcare costs.
Community feedback on the Draft Urban Forest Strategy will help us understand what matters most to residents and ensure the final strategy delivers meaningful outcomes.
