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Community feedback open on draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022/2030 from Baw Baw Shire Council

Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022 - 2030 to protect and sustain the region's natural environment.

By news@gippsland - 14th June 2022 - Back to News

Last year, council asked the community what matters most to them when it comes to sustainability in Baw Baw Shire. The input received has helped inform the draft Strategy which aims to create positive environmental outcomes for the Shire now and into the future.

Environmental focus points received from the community included areas of sustainable development, climate change, natural environment, and waste essential in developing the draft

Draft strategy outlines

To help guide council's efforts towards these outcomes, the draft strategy outlines four goals:

• Reduce energy use and emissions
• Create sustainable and resilient communities
• Protect the natural environment
• Shift towards a more circular economy

Each of these goals proposes a range of initiatives that council will seek to explore within a four-year time frame that includes developing a carbon emissions reduction plan, introducing a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service and continued investment in energy efficiency projects.

How to provide feedback

The community can provide their thoughts on the draft Strategy via an 'Environmental Sustainability Strategy online survey' web page. Anyone interested in providing feedback is encouraged to do so before 5pm on Sunday 10 July. To view the draft Strategy and provide feedback go to 'Community Consultation - Environmental Sustainability Strategy' web page.

Council will consider the feedback received before the draft Strategy is finalised, ensuring that it reflects resident's evolving priorities and achieves positive environmental outcomes for our community.

To achieve the goals and the initiatives outlined within this strategy, a biennial operational action plan will be developed and implemented for the benefit of the environment and future generations

Developing achievable goals

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "The sustainability of the region's natural environment is the responsibility of not only council but of everyone who resides in and visits the Shire. I encourage our community to provide their vital feedback through the online survey to help shape this important strategy for our Shire's future".

Environmental Voice Advisory Committee Member, Cr Peter Kostos said, "The Environmental Voice Advisory Committee has undertaken extensive consultation when developing the Strategy. One of the biggest comments to come out from these discussions was to develop a sensible and achievable set of goals and actions."

"Council will look to explore these actions in the future and hopefully create more positive outcomes for our Shire and make it even more attractive for those looking to move here." Cr Kostos said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council Facebook page and Habitat Creations Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com