A plan detailing the City of Greater Geelong’s environmental sustainability priority actions for the next two years has received Council support.
Council noted the Environment Strategy Action Plan 2024–26, a plan that sets out priority actions based on the City’s Environment Strategy 2020–2030.
The Environment Strategy 2020–30 was adopted by Council on 8 September 2020 following extensive community consultation.
The strategy established five key goals: becoming a zero-emission climate-ready city region, creating greener community spaces, contributing to a circular economy by reducing waste, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and achieving better integrated water management.
Between 2020 and 2024 there were many achievements including the:
- reduction of corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 41 per cent through energy efficiency upgrades and LED streetlight installations
- expansion of tree planting programs, including the planting of over 60,000 trees along the Ted Wilson Trail
- delivery of the Garden Organics Processing Facility, turning garden waste into high-quality compost
- delivery of environmentally sustainable design rated community facilities such as Boronggook Drysdale Library
- diversion of recycled materials from landfill by using them in our road construction works
installation of the multi award-winning Dell Eco Reef.
Of the 34 targets established in the Environment Strategy 2020–2030, 76 per cent have either been achieved or are on track to be achieved by the stated delivery dates. Eight out of 34 targets in the strategy were identified as needing improvement and are included in the revised action plan.
Some of the priority actions in the Environment Strategy Action Plan 2024–26 include:
- reviewing the Urban Forest Strategy and protect and restore our tree populations
- identifying and developing projects to increase biolinks and nature in our urban areas
- conducting collaborative activities with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for cultural and caring for country activities
- developing a Corio Bay Coastal & Marine Management Plan.
- incorporating Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles into new urban growth areas, including zero carbon, water efficiency, sustainable transport, urban greening and climate resilience.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
As we work toward the next two years of environmental action, we are strengthening our efforts to manage water, enhance biodiversity and reduce emissions.
Councillor Elise Wilkinson, Environment & Circular Economy portfolio chair
The City of Greater Geelong is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future by acting on its environmental priorities.
The path to a more sustainable Greater Geelong is already being paved with significant achievements, with 76% of our environmental strategy targets on track.