Mount Alexander Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a draft Climate Change Strategy.
The draft Climate Change Strategy will outline how Council will continue to take action, and partner with the community, to respond to the climate emergency.
The draft strategy reflects community feedback, which was collected through an online survey at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au, community workshops and pop-up sessions, and from insights provided by Council’s Climate Change Community Reference Group.
The draft strategy is grouped into six key focus areas:
• Integrating climate action across Council
• Supporting just and equitable transactions
• Enhancing our natural environment
• Strengthening our infrastructure
• Supporting community connections
• Moving towards a circular economy
The draft strategy includes an action plan which details the steps Council will take to deliver the strategy in the first year. The action plan will be updated each year and available for community input.
“Climate change affects all of us, and we can all contribute to the solutions”, said Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Councillor Rosie Annear.
“The draft strategy details practical things Council can do to address climate change, and gives us guidance on where we need to consider climate change in the way we operate and communicate.
“It also focuses on how Council and the community can continue to work together to build and support community connections and resilience.
“I’m thrilled with the draft strategy so far, particularly its focus on plain and inclusive language. This topic is complicated and can be hard to grapple with, so making sure our strategy is accessible to everyone is really important.
“So grab a cuppa, have a read of the draft strategy and tell us what you think.”
Community members are encouraged to view the draft Climate Change Strategy at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/climate-change-strategy. A hardcopy is also available for review at the Civic Centre in Castlemaine during business hours.
To provide feedback on the draft strategy:
• Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/climate-change-strategy and complete a quick survey or leave a submission
• Email your feedback to m.marshall@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
• Call Council to provide input or request a hard copy on 5471 1700
• Send feedback in writing to Att: Climate Change Strategy, Mount Alexander Shire Council, PO Box 185, Castlemaine, VIC, 3450
• Pop in to the Civic Centre in Castlemaine and provide feedback face-to-face.
Submissions close on Tuesday 4 April.
For more information contact Melanie Marshal, Council’s Climate Change Coordinator on 5471 1700 or email m.marshall@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.