Macedon Ranges residents will get their first look at their council’s environmental strategy this week, with the municipal government seeking a 25 per cent reduction in its greenhouse emissions by 2021.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The document, which is open for public comment for the next month, estimates the council emitted about 7,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the last financial year.
Half of all emissions came from “large” buildings, a quarter from streetlights and another 15 per cent from transportation.
Mayor Graham Hackett said the 25 per cent reduction target was an effort to “lead the way” on climate change.
“It will guide and build on Council’s environmental programs and support the great work already happening across the community for a better environmental future,” he said.
But reducing emissions will come at a price for the shire.
The draft strategy estimates the carbon reduction plan will cost the shire more than $1 million.
President of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group Ralf Thesing, whose organisation consulted with the council during its draft process, said the target was a good “first step” towards a greener future.
He expressed concern Macedon Ranges did not have solar panels on any council buildings.
“[Climate change] is where we see the most urgent need for council to take action,” he said.
The environmental leader described sustainable upgrades as an investment that will pay for itself.
“Just like anybody who invests in new technology, there is a payback time for this.
“But over the medium term, this is not going to increase rates because there will be ongoing savings,” he said.
The council document also includes a commitment to developing a biodiversity plan, which will protect threatened areas of vegetation like the Western Basalt Plains grassland.
The price tag for the proposed biodiversity plan is estimated at between $50,000 and $100,000.