At its heart, environmental sustainability is about taking care of the environment so that our environment can continue to take care of us, both now and into the future.
That’s why Council’s Water and Supporting a Better Environment Portfolio spokesperson Councillor Donna Kirkland is excited to share our recent achievements in progressing environmental sustainability within the Region.
“This week Council endorsed the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Year in Review report (financial year 2019-20). This report highlights the progress we’ve made and demonstrates key actions Council is taking as we move towards a more sustainable future for the Rockhampton Region,” she said.
“Some of the highlights from the 2019-20 report include things like progressing towards a low carbon fleet of Council vehicles, project planning for a new solar power generation system at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant, and introduction of new landfill gas to energy arrangements as well as many other exciting initiatives.
“Progress on these initiatives demonstrates Council’s commitment to working together to protect, maintain and enhance our wonderful natural environment and empower our community to live more sustainably.
“I’m very proud to see Council working together with our local residents and community partners and this is an exciting time to be putting meaningful projects into action to support the liveability and continued prosperity of our communities.
“I look forward to many more achievements as we continue to work together to create a sustainable future.”
Some of the key highlights from the 2019-20 report include:
- The construction of new recycled water schemes and upgrades to sewage treatment plants that will reduce nutrient releases to the Fitzroy River estuary and promote more sustainable water use by local landholders.
- Project planning to support implementation of a 2.5MW solar power generation system at the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant.
- Further progress on Council’s long-term transition to a low carbon fleet, with installation of two new electric vehicle charging stations and additional hybrid and fully electric vehicles in Council’s Fleet.
- Development of a new Waste Strategy, helping us to move our Region towards zero waste.
- Establishment of new landfill gas to energy arrangements that have the potential to generate carbon credits by 2021 and electricity from landfill gas by 2025.
- Working with local organisations to establish a Natural Resource Management Program to help protect, maintain and enhance our key natural assets.
- Renewed focus on tree canopy cover to shade and cool our Region, with tree plantings in key corridors and recreation parks and free native plants for residents.
- Renewed commitment to the Reef Guardian Council program through to 2024, working to support a healthy and resilient Reef through local government and community actions.
