Provide your feedback on Council’s draft Climate Change Policy

Published on 03 August 2022

Murrindindi Shire Council has prepared a draft Climate Change Policy and is inviting you to share your feedback, to help us understand if the principles and objectives within the Policy reflect the expectations you have of Council in responding to climate change.

In January this year, Council made a formal pledge under the Victorian Climate Change Act 2017 to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2035, adapt our operations to climate change, and support our community to act too.

Our Climate Change Policy will help guide us to achieve these goals and lay the foundation for the development of our Climate Change Action Plan.

Council’s Mayor Sue Carpenter acknowledged that our Shire is already experiencing more dangerous climate events and reiterated that we must act now to create a safer climate for our future.

‘We know that climate change poses serious risks to our health, our unique landscapes and our way of life – and we are already feeling its impacts. We must take immediate action to dramatically reduce climate pollution.

‘Extreme weather events such as bushfires, heatwaves, storms and floods are becoming more frequent and severe. These events cost us significantly, meaning less resources are available for day-to-day operations.

‘The storm events in 2010, 2012 and 2020 caused widespread blackouts, fallen trees on roadsides and fence lines, and impacted our roads and buildings. These events cost Council over $5.7 million in clean-up efforts and repairs.

‘The 2013 and 2014 heatwaves also saw many of our vulnerable residents needing assistance from our local health authorities and our Community Wellbeing team.

‘As one of the largest organisations in Murrindindi Shire, we have an important role to play in responding to climate change. Under the Local Government Act 2020, we are also required to consider climate change risk in our decision-making processes.

‘The draft Policy applies to all Council staff, contractors, volunteers and elected representatives. It aims to guide our transition to net zero emissions by 2035 and clarify our roles and responsibilities in climate change adaptation and mitigation. It also explains our role in supporting our community and businesses to transition towards net zero emissions by 2035 and enables the management of climate change risks and opportunities.

‘We encourage everyone in the community to read the draft Policy and share your thoughts and feedback with us. You’ll need to get your feedback in by Wednesday 24 August 2022.

‘All feedback will be reviewed and considered. The Climate Change Policy will then be finalised and presented to Council for adoption at the 28 September Council Meeting.

‘Following this, we’ll release our draft Climate Action Plan for community consultation in October, which will support the implementation of the Policy. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved and have your say on the Action Plan’, Cr Carpenter added.

For more information on the draft Climate Change Policy and to provide your feedback, click here. You can also register your interest to be part of our Climate Action Plan focus group.