Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are already being affected by the impacts of climate change. We face an increasing risk from coastal inundation, sea level rise and storm events. That is why Council created and adopted a Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP) in collaboration with the community two years ago.
In those two years, we've made great strides to help reduce our impact on the environment. We have installed electric vehicle chargers at the Town Hall to encourage sustainable transport, introduced Food Organic/ Garden Organic services that have diverted more than 1122 tonnes of food and garden waste from landfill, and reduced our carbon emissions by 80% in a single year. In addition, we've also transitioned to 100% renewable energy for all Council buildings, tourist parks, streetlights, and public facilities – just to name a few of the actions we have undertaken.
The CERP has undergone a two-year review, and the updated version was adopted at the October Ordinary Meeting of Council. The updated version outlines 54 individual actions, varying from solar bulk buys to a shared commitment to phase out single-use plastics throughout the Borough. Many actions involve partnerships, with community action playing a key role in achieving the targets.
Together with our community, this plan will help us protect our environment and leave behind a cleaner, greener world.
