Council calls for more action on climate change
October 7, 2022
As climate change impacts become increasingly evident, there is an urgent need for strategic investment and better collaboration with councils beyond the current fix-on-fail approach.
Several Victorian councils continue to advance policies to address climate change, especially through the planning and waste management systems, and Colac Otway Shire Council is proud of its strong track record.
As part of the Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) State Election Campaign, Mayor Hanson has called on the Victorian Government to commit to more actions, such as embedding climate change as a priority consideration in land use planning legislation.
“More energy efficient and sustainable development and better protection for Victorians from the impacts of climate change is best address through planning legislation,” Mayor Hanson explained.
“We desperately need an improved whole-of-government approach to considering climate change in policy and programs.”
Another key to environmental sustainability is our waste collection. The State Government is called on to provide Colac Otway Shire Council with the autonomy to determine the best recycling services models for our community.
“To transition to a circular economy, we need to put in place actions that respond to local needs and circumstances. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach across the state.”
This campaign aligns with the MAV Strategy 2021-25, which was adopted by the MAV’s State Council in May 2021, and outlines opportunities to ensure we can deliver in the best interests of local communities.
The key asks from the local government sector are fully documented in the MAV’s State Election Platform (PDF 3.8MB) or State Election Platform (Word - 34KB).
Overall, the key issues for councils in this election are:
A commitment to embed climate change as a priority consideration in land use planning legislation and the Victorian Planning Provisions in the life of the next Parliament
Schedule 1 of the Climate Change Act amended to include decisions under planning, transport, agriculture, and energy legislation
Establishment of a new strategic partnership between state and local government to accelerate the transition to net zero and to strengthen community resilience, with funding support for councils to reduce and manage climate risks
Funding support for the implementation of priority urban greening projects
A commitment to provide councils with the powers and capability to manage public drainage and stormwater assets to withstand more intense storm events and to achieve better use of stormwater and continued innovation in integrated water management
A commitment to respect and protect councils’ autonomy to determine the best recycling service models for their communities considering local conditions and community views
A commitment to partner with the MAV to advocate for national product stewardship schemes and, where advocacy proves ineffective, introduce schemes at a state level.
Council Enquiries
(03) 5232 9400