Environmental Strategy 2022-26 endorsed

Jul 24, 2022

Planning ahead: Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed that the draft Environment Strategy, with some blow back from Cr John Zobec. Photo by Supplied.

Campaspe Shire Council has endorsed that the draft Environment Strategy be released for public comment, but not without some push back.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

At Wednesday night’s ordinary council meeting, councillor John Zobec said the majority of the document was “reasonably well written”, but criticised its use of language around climate change.

“No factors — or let's say information — was really supplied on what is written in here,” Mr Zobec said.

He cited Page 9 of the document, which states “since 1950, the changes in the temperature in the Loddon Mallee region has increased 1.2-1.4ºC and annual rainfall decline between 100-200mm” as “really nothing at the moment.”

“If you look at the figures, it’s certainly, if you ask me, incorrect,” he said.

“It talks about extreme rainfall and flooding expected to be more intense.

“It doesn’t go with the train of thought that our former Tim Flannery said that it’ll never rain again and dams won’t fill. There’s a lot of misinformation here.”

Cr Zobec also criticised the use of the words “uninsurable” and “uninhabitable” in the report, and the idea of solar and wind farms being installed around the country.

“I certainly encourage our community to certainly read all this and give us the feedback because once this decision is made, we will lock in our community to follow whatever rules or whatever information that we decide to put down on our notice of motion,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates said the draft strategy provides guidance and direction to council on environmental issues, it develops four themes and looks at what environmental activities council must do, as well as chooses to do, to support these themes.

“The strategy provides a refresh on the previous document, capturing some of the work developed across the past four years with key environmental partnerships, whilst incorporating community comments received through the ‘Campaspe Tomorrow’ project, which involved extensive consultation to develop Campaspe’s vision last year,” Cr Gates said.

The strategy maintains the four theme areas, being:

• Conservation;

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation;

• Community engagement and partnerships; and

• Council’s responsibilities.

The document details the policy position, policy rationale, performance indicators and example actions for each of the themes.

“Through the ‘Campaspe Tomorrow’ project, the community expressed concern and sought local action against the impacts of climate change, as well as support to help business and industry in responding,” Cr Gates said.

“We have taken this on board and our long-term aim is to work towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.

“Other actions include increasing participation in the National Tree Day program, continuing with the Rural Tree Scheme and preparing a Control Plan for the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.”

Once the strategy is finalised, an action plan will be developed detailing what will be targeted across the four-year period of the strategy to achieve the performance indicators and long-term aims.

The draft Environment Strategy is available on council’s website with comments closing on Thursday, August 18. A quick online response form is provided to support feedback.