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Feedback wanted on Environment Sustainability Strategy form East Gippsland Council

East Gippsland Shire Council has released its draft Environment Sustainability Strategy 2022-2032 for community comment.

By news@gippsland - 13th January 2022 - Back to News

East Gippsland is a large and vibrant region in a beautiful natural setting. The community places a high value on East Gippsland's landscapes and natural environment. Through proactive planning, relevant design work and strong advocacy, we want to ensure East Gippsland's natural and built environment is sustainable, and maintains its ability to meet community needs now and in the future.

Council is encouraging you to 'have your say' on the draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022-2032, it is an opportunity to provide your feedback on what has been proposed, what might be missing and to help set priorities

Environment sustainability strategy

The draft strategy outlines seven anticipated outcomes and key indicators for success:

• Growth in the circular economy
• Sustainable management of natural resources
• Resilience of communities to manage and respond to increasing climate risk and natural disasters

Other keys to consider for success are:

• Conservation of the natural environment and biodiversity
• Community participation in our climate response
• Sustainable economic growth and new job opportunities
• Respect and alignment with the rights of Traditional Owner groups

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said Council recognises the importance of our natural environment because it contributes to wellbeing, amenity and biodiversity, and underpins much of the region's economic activity, including tourism.

"Through proactive planning,relevant design work and strong advocacy, we want to ensure East Gippsland'snatural and built environment is sustainable, and meets community needs," CrReeves said.

Value for the people

Development of the strategy was informed by the community consultation processes used to develop the Council Plan 2021-2025; Community Vision 2040; place plans; and Community Recovery Committee plans. The community has placed a high value on the environment, and it is consistently identified as the number one value for people living in and visiting East Gippsland.

In addition, the community identified climate change as the top issue of concern for the coming years, topping the survey used to inform the Council Plan 2021-25 as the key challenge.

Action on climate change

The draft strategy targets strong action on climate change and environmental sustainability by reducing Council and community carbon emissions; facilitating zero-emissions transport (which includes electric vehicles and active transport such as cycling, walking), diverting waste from landfill to create a circular economy; and regenerating our biodiversity and waterways after the bushfires.

"Council acknowledges the seriousness of the biodiversity and climate crises and is committed to protecting the community and the ecosystems we depend on. Our wellbeing and prospects are directly linked to a healthy environment," Cr Reeves said.

"This strategy builds on Council's previous environment strategies, which changed the way we operate and aided our progress towards a sustainable future, but it's time to take the next step. I urge everyone to view the draft and provide Council with their feedback," Cr Reeves said.

Read the draft strategy and provide feedback at your say East Gippsland page. Feedback must be received by Sunday 20 February 2022.

‍Pictures from East Gippsland Shire website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com