Council's Sustainability and Climate Change Actions

Council has been actively involved in emissions reductions and climate adaptation for several years, with climate change embedded into the Council Plan 2021-2025, 2040 Community Vision and Environment and Sustainability Strategy (ESS) 2024-2034. Recent examples include:

Energy greenhouse gas emissions reduction

  • Solar-panels.png Procurement of 100% renewable electricity for all metered sites
  • Solar energy infrastructure at the majority of Council facilities, providing around 30% of all electricity
  • LED streetlights on residential streets
  • Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at Council offices and the purchase of two EV passenger vehicles
  • Advocating for and supporting the installation of EV charger for community use in the Shire
  • Engaging the community via workshops, informational sessions and support programs to help residents and businesses reduce energy consumption and install renewable energy

Resource use and waste management greenhouse gas emissions reduction

  • Mulch Sustainability Images for Website 2025.jpg Diversion of around 64% of waste (in weight) collected from kerbside bins from landfill since 2017 with the introduction of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection
  • Flaring at the Corangamite Regional Landfill
  • Increased the Shire’s organics processing capacity from 2,500 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes per year 
  • A Sustainable Events guide to reduce the community’s ecological footprint when running events
  • Supporting Clean Up Australia Day activities

Climate Change Response

  • Hay bales paddock Sustainability Images for Website 2025.jpg Planning for and responding to climatic changes and emergencies, including bushfires, floods, and storm events
  • Council’s Fire Prevention Program (e.g., strategic vegetation maintenance and control burns) 
  • Supporting community-led emergency planning and climate resilience planning 
  • A free garden waste drop-off at all resource recovery centres/transfer stations for two weeks prior to every fire season 

Land and Biodiversity Resilience and Adaptation

  • Mt-Leura-maars.jpg Ongoing support for Volcanic Reserves Community Asset Committees
  • Protecting high-value conservation assets and reducing biodiversity threats on rural roadsides
  • The creation and application of local laws that reduce harm to the natural environment
  • A reconciliation journey with Traditional Owners that honours their traditions and capacity to manage our natural assets
  • Continuing to support Landcare

Regional Partnerships

  • Camperdown-Timboon Rail Trail - Trestle Bridge Working collaboratively with multiple councils and other agencies in the region to address climate change challenges, reduce emissions, and increase community resilience
  • Involvement in the Climate Resilient Communities of the Barwon South West project in collaboration with nine neighbouring councils and a range of partners, including Catchment Management Authorities and water authorities, and support from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Community Grants, Partnerships and Sponsorships 

  • Offering community environmental project grants, including the Environment Support Grants Program
  • Partnerships and sponsorships of local community environmental groups
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