Eurobodalla Shire Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council has found the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Australia program an effective framework for taking steps to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. We have recently finalised our Greenhouse Action Plan, which sets the path we will take to substantially reduce both our corporate and community greenhouse gas emissions to meet our CCP targets. Eurobodalla Shire Council is also proud to have given in principle support to the local Clean Energy for Eternity group's "50/50 by 2020" vision. Through support of this vision we will work towards a 50% reduction in energy, and 50% use of renewables, by the year 2020.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
- New wheelie bin recycling system which has significantly increased recycling rates over the last few years.
- A new sustainable business program which takes an integrated approach to increasing the sustainability of business and industry across the Shire.
- A recently funded sustainable living program which targets homes across the Shire, and engages residents to make a commitment to reduce their ecological footprints.
- Incentive programs to target water use.
Travel
- Targeting dependence on motor vehicles is a challenge in our dispersed regional context.
- Public transport options have increased over the last few years, specifically targeting particular sectors of the community such as young people.
- A working group has been established to develop and pilot a public transport voucher system to increase use of public transport across the region.
- Staff incentive scheme to increase takeup of 4 cylinder vehicle leasebacks.
Corporate
- Audits are being undertaken to identify energy efficiency and innovation options for various high use council assets.
- Recent Council developments are more strongly integrating sustainability features such as energy and water efficiency.
- Continued and increased use of renewable energy solutions (eg. solar hot water heating at swimming pools, and use of photo-voltaics at remote water pumping sites).
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- Based on results of site audits, Council will allocate funds to implement priority works to achieve energy efficiencies at its own high energy use sites.
- Use alternative energy sources where possible, and continue to use incentives to support increased uptake of 4 cylinder vehicles.
- Target purchasing as a key way to achieve sustainability outcomes.
- To reduce community greenhouse gas emissions we will continue to focus on key sectors (e.g. business, household) through programs and projects that emphasise action by participants rather than general awareness raising.
- Focus on developing programs and undertaking communications, targetting key outcome areas such as increased uptake of solar hot water heaters.
- Through our schools education program we will work actively with young people of the Shire to reduce the footprint of school sites and increase the sustainability of homes and lifestyles.
More information
Contact: Tracey Rich, Sustainability Officer
Web Address: www.eurocoast.nsw.gov.au
Updated: March 2008
CCP Facts
State: New South Wales
Date joined:
May 2005
Current Milestone:
Milestone 3