Sustainable Initiatives & Actions

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Implementing Council’s Sustainability Strategies

Council has adopted a Climate Change Policy and a suite of supporting strategies for most aspects of environmental management. These documents include actions for Council, advocacy for other government agencies and actions for the local community.

Tidal

The film Tidal is an artwork commissioned by Council with the aim of supporting and encouraging local artists and film makers to provide a new perspective on the impacts of climate change in Hobsons Bay.

The artist, Wain Fimeri, used data from a Melbourne Water business as usual scenario of sea level rise in 2100, i.e. if nothing changes from our current emissions profile. The work also references the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is the international scientific body that establishes the international benchmarks and predictions around climate change. In Australia this information is interpreted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation for an Australian context.

Integrated Water Management Plan 2014–19

Key objective: Increase water security. Water security can be increased by using water efficiently and developing alternative water sources that can be used for purposes other than drinking.

What we did:

  • increased water security by introducing effective monitoring and controls to reduce wasted water - the irrigation systems at eight ovals and reserves were connected to a central control software system. This software allows the irrigation system to be monitored and controlled remotely
  • undertook hydraulic modelling, flood analysis and a drainage condition assessment on our entire network to inform the development of a long term capital works program
  • rectification of the Williamstown Stormwater harvesting works was undertaken which has led to the provision of an alternative water source for the Williamstown Oval

Corporate Greenhouse Strategy 2013–20

Key objective: Reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions from Council’s activities by 2020.

What we did:

  • Council installed solar power generation systems (totalling 243kW) on four community hubs and libraries. These systems are estimated to be saving approximately 384 tonnes of CO2-e per annum

Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013–30

Key objective: Reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions from the community’s activities by 2030.

What we did:

  • assisted eight businesses to collectively replace 1,122 lights and install 231kW of solar power through Council’s Energy$mart program

Environmental Engagement Strategy 2013–18

Key objective: Achieving shared responsibility, ownership and empowerment with all stakeholders to care for the environment.

What we did:

  • Council delivered three National Tree Day events attracting over 480 people and planting 2,850 plants

Biodiversity Strategy 2017–22

Key objective: Value and protect our uniquebiodiversity for current and future generations.

What we did:

  • planted 23 per cent more plants this year due to funding received from the Greeningthe West One Million Trees project
  • delivered $18,000 of works for the control of habitat-altering weeds, pest animal control and revegetation at Truganina Park, Altona Coastal Park and Paisley/Challis wetland

Waste and Litter Management Strategy 2025

The key purpose of this Waste-and-Litter-Management-Strategy-2025-July-2019.pdf(PDF, 4MB) is to set the directions and innovative actions for waste and litter management in Hobsons Bay which focuses on avoiding, reusing and recycling waste and litter rather than disposal to landfill.

The Strategy will be implemented via the following five goals:

Goal 1: Reduce and recover food waste

Goal 2: Strengthen community behaviour change

Goal 3: Enable resource recovery facilities and support local economies

Goal 4: A cleaner Hobsons Bay

Goal 5: A Council of Excellence in waste and litter management

Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2013-18

Key objective: Managing climate change risks to increase resilience and help achieve Hobsons Bay’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable community.

What we did:

  • delivered the Climate Resilient Laverton project designed to empower residents who are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change to be more aware and better resourced so that they can react in an emergency. The project incorporated a home retrofit program and a home grown food program
  • in May 2017, Council became a signatory to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The covenant represents the world’s largest cooperative effort among mayors and city officials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks in cities

Integrated Transport Plan 2017–30

Key objective: An integrated, innovative and equitable transport system, providing a range of sustainable, efficient, accessible and safe ways for people and goods to reach their destination.

What we did:

  • completed a background report and draft Integrated Transport Plan which was adopted by Council as the Integrated Transport Plan 2017-30. The plan establishes a set of key actions to guide decision making and establish Council’s priorities