New environmental strategy

A draft environmental sustainability strategy has been released by Baw Shire to set out goals for protecting and sustaining the region's natural environment.

The draft strategy was developed to successfully plan for and achieve the long term environmental aspirations, goals and objectives of the council plan and community vision.

A report to council said community members were asked last year what mattered most to them when it came to sustainability in shire.

The key environmental sustainability drivers identified during community consultation identified four goals that are now reflected in the draft strategy:

* Reducing energy use and emissions - it is important council continues to invest in energy efficiency projects in order to contribute to a lower carbon economy, support green jobs and capture operational savings.

* Creating sustainable and resilient communities - there is an opportunity to improve the design and performance of new subdivisions from an environment and sustainability perspective.

* Protecting the natural environment - while council is responsible for many environmental assets in the shire, the role of property owners and other levels of government significantly contribute to the overall health and condition of the natural environment.

* Shifting towards a more circular economy - it is important for council to work towards a more circular economy to reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption and enable economic growth through more productive use of natural resources.

Each of these goals proposes a range of initiatives that council will seek to explore within a four-year time frame that includes developing a carbon emissions reduction plan, introducing a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service and continued investment in energy efficiency projects.

While the concept of an economy based on circular principles is relatively new, council's waste management services already help to divert resources away from landfill.

This includes monthly collections of more than 50,000 kerbside recycling bins for commercial and residential properties, as well as more than 30,000 green organics bins.

The collected materials are recycled into various products and industries.

In addition, council can encourage the community to reduce the use of raw materials, support effective resource management and increase economic profitability through changing consumption and rethinking waste.

Increased awareness and understanding of resource recovery and uptake of circular economy practices will shift society towards breaking the mindset of take, make, use, and dispose.

Cr Peter Kostos said the Environmental Voice Advisory Committee had undertaken extensive consultation when developing the strategy.

"One of the biggest comments to come out from these discussions was to develop sensible and achievable set of goals and actions.

"Council will look to explore these actions in the future and hopefully create more positive outcomes for our shire and make it even more attractive for those looking to move here," he said.

Cr Tricia Jones said being environmentally sustainable was a shared responsibility. "This is our roadmap for the next four years," she said.

Cr Jazmin Tauru said the goals set out in the draft strategy were specific and achievable.

"They are what we want to see for our environment. How we act now affects the future of our environment," she said.

Mayor Michael Leaney said the sustainability of the region's natural environment was the responsibility of not only council but everyone who lived in the shire. He encouraged community members to provide feedback through the online survey to help shape the important strategy.

Council will consider the feedback received before the draft strategy is finalised, ensuring it reflects resident's evolving priorities and achieves positive environmental outcomes for the community.

Community consultation closes on July 10.