Council adopted its Climate Emergency Plan 2022-2032 at its 25 October Council Meeting.
The Climate Emergency Plan provides context to the current and future impacts of climate change on Golden Plains Shire and will guide the work of Council to mitigate, adapt and respond to climate change in the Shire over the next 10 years.
Aligning to the relevant strategic objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025, Golden Plains Community Vision 2040, and Council’s Environment Strategy 2019-2027, the Plan highlights the strong imperative for Council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Feedback during the draft document’s exhibition period related to further transparency relating to the commencement years identified, reflecting that climate change is already having an impact on Golden Plains Shire, and clarity on differences between similar actions. This feedback was considered, and a number of small changes were made to the Climate Emergency Plan, including updating action titles, providing clarification on commencement years and updating language about the current impact of climate change on the Shire.
The Climate Emergency Plan sets out 48 key actions for Council to progress over the next 10 years across five themes: embedding climate action in Council; resilient and adaptive communities; caring for the land; climate adaptive development; and sustainable transport and travel.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble says Council was pleased to adopt the final Climate Emergency Plan following significant community consultation.
“When Council declared a Climate Emergency in June 2021, we committed to developing a Climate Emergency Plan to put the declarations words into action. We’re delighted to have adopted the Climate Emergency Plan, which will help guide Council’s response to climate change over the next 10 years.
"Council is committed to do our part to mitigate, adapt and respond to climate change, and work alongside the Golden Plains community as we all deal with the current and future impacts climate instability has on our Shire. We thank all of the community members who had their say on this important plan.
“With the new plan now in place, Council is committed to working with the community to implement its actions, and address the Climate Emergency.”