Wattle Range Council’s Climate Change Working Group has been meeting monthly to make significant progress towards council’s Climate Change Action Plan.

The working group was formed to develop a climate change action plan for Wattle Range following a resolution made by council back in August 2020.

Council’s development services director Emma Clay said community and council representation was sought and the group comprised three community representatives, three elected members and five council officers.

“The working group has been focused on aligning ideas with council’s strategic themes to ensure we focus on items that support council’s long-term plan,” Ms Clay said.

“To date the working group has identified 51 areas where council could make a difference, including advocating for an emissions audit.

“The working group is really passionate and are keen to keep momentum and make meaningful change.

“The emissions audit was approved by council and will review current council operations to identify where improvements can be made.

“The results will identify council practices and infrastructure that could be amended to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Once the audit results are in, council will not only be able to prioritise the actions and set targets, but also measure results and success into the future.”

A draft Climate Change Action Plan is expected to be released for community consultation later in the year.

“We are currently planning a public ‘Meet the Climate Change Working Group’ event to allow likeminded residents to have their say and inform our draft plan too,” Ms Clay revealed.

“The working group is further working behind the scenes to facilitate opportunities for school engagement, audit existing waste disposal practices across the district and plan events to bring the community together to see how easy it can be to make a difference.”