A 25 per cent greenhouse emissions reduction target is among the features included in Macedon Ranges council’s new draft environment strategy.
The long-awaited plan, prepared following public consultation last year, will be released for comment on Tuesday.
Mayor Graham Hackett said the strategy, which will guide policy development and decision making, was also aimed at improving catchment and resource management and biodiversity.
“We want to lead the way with our response to climate change, which is why we’re aiming to reduce council’s emissions by 25 per cent,” he said.
He said the strategy would build on the council’s environmental programs and support the great work already happening across the community to help create a better environmental future.
The release of the strategy comes a few months after the Macedon Ranges Green Energy Coalition presented a 3500-signature petition urging the council to commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2020.
The group, which pushed for a stand-alone climate change policy, also called on the council to install solar panels on all council buildings, at an estimated cost of $1 million.
The council has previously said the coalition’s suggested timeframe was not feasible.
Community feedback on the strategy, via written submissions or an online survey, can be made until March 24.
The strategy is available at the council’s service centres or online at www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay
