Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News
Climate Change is an Emergency
Bass Coast Climate Change Action Plan 2020-30 on its development.
Bass Coast Shire Councillors have resolved that climate change poses a serious threat and should be treated as an emergency.
A motion was carried at last Wednesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting and will see Council develop a Bass Coast Climate Change Action Plan 2020-30, to set out how Bass Coast Shire can more effectively contribute to climate change mitigation and be more resilient and well adapted to the effects of a changing climate.
It will also include a target of zero net emissions by 2030 across Council operations as well as the wider community.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said while Council’s Natural Environment Strategy, adopted in 2016, recognises climate change, this declaration goes one step further.
"The use of the term ‘emergency’ is a way of signaling the need to go far beyond business as usual," Cr Tessari said.
"We’re going to develop a 10-year action plan to help us target zero net emissions by 2030 and deal with some of the risks.
"We’ll also support our community by continuing to advocate to State and Federal Governments for stronger actions on their part and a more collaborative, strategic approach.
"This declaration puts us in line with 35 other local governments in Australia who have also formally acknowledged the ongoing threat of climate change."
Cr Tessari said it was important to recognise that Bass Coast has already taken steps towards reducing emissions.
"The introduction of the 3-bin system has resulted in an overall 77 per cent reduction in kerbside waste going to landfill," Cr Tessari said.
"Our Council Plan commits us to increasing vegetation cover by 1.5 per cent each year and we’ve been a leader in developing and delivering the Biodiversity Biolinks Plan. In 2018, 397,500 plants were planted in identified biolinks across the Shire.
"We have also installed over 150 kilowatts of solar panels on Council buildings, with more to come."
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: support@gippsland.com
Latest News
Exchange Place returns to Bairnsdale Library, showcasing local artists' works on 24, 25, and 26 July 2025
Tim Bull advocates for Gippsland Vehicle Collection urgently needing support to replace its failing roof and secure Maffra attraction

Tim Bull demands Thurra River bridge and campground to reopen for summer to support Cann River economy

Eleven Baw Baw businesses named finalists in prestigious 2025 Gippsland Business Awards, celebrating local excellence

Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill help at pop-up sessions across Latrobe, Baw Baw and Wellington

Martin Cameron slams Allan government's ongoing neglect of Hazelwood North CFA volunteers and urgent station upgrades

Southern Rural Water announces safer bridge boosting Clydebank access and safety with modern standards by November

Wellington Shire Council to launch FOGO in 2026, turning food and garden waste into compost to cut landfill

'Amp It Up' youth conference empowers East Gippsland students with inspiration and resilience on 23 July 2025

Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on five key strategic plans to guide council's next four years by 3 August 2025
