Hume council has taken another step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of its climate action plan for 2023-28.
Council voted to adopt the plan at its meeting on September 25, following research and community feedback dating back to early 2021, with more than 1300 residents participating in surveys.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Jarrod Bell said the plan was informed by extensive community consultation.
“The survey showed high levels of concern about climate change… and high levels of support for council to take real climate action,” Cr Bell said.
“All of [the] feedback received during our exhibition period has been considered, the suggestions have been incorporated in the plan [to make] it a better plan.
“I’m really excited about this plan, it talks about practical actions across our city… [including] our ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. This is a realistic goal, this is something we can aim towards.
“We now look forward to engaging with the Hume community and our partners and key stakeholders in taking action on climate change together.”
According to the climate change community views survey, 80 per cent of residents said they were concerned about climate change, and 79 per cent said they felt it was important council takes action.
As part of the plan, council will try to improve greenhouse gas emissions through managing and treating methane emissions at the Sunbury landfill facility.
All street lights will be changed to LEDs to reduce energy use throughout the community, as well as the electrification of council buildings.
The plan will assist houses to be all-electric to reduce carbon emissions, and council will look into the feasibility of a neighbourhood battery available to low income households.
Council land will also be leased out for electric vehicle recharging facilities, along with a communication campaign about the benefits of electric vehicles.
