2022-23 Sustainability Report released

Council has released its annual sustainability report, highlighting environmental progress, sustainable design and works to address climate change.

The 2022-23 report, released in April, contains detailed updates on works to meet the goals in Council’s Liveable Climate Plan – which outlines goals to preserve the environment, work with community and hit net zero emissions by 2040.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Sophie Todorov, said she was pleased with the results in the report.

“The latest Sustainability Report is how we reaffirm our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability,” she said.

“We’ve had some incredible work documented in the last year, from continuing to reduce emissions, completing microgrid feasibility studies in key townships, supplying more than 70,000 plants to private properties as part of Ribbons of Green, along with supporting environmental volunteers, schools and community groups to preserve our precious natural environment and waterways.

“Our teams delivered more than 25 community education events, we helped reduce the overall volume of stormwater discharge to local waterways by 54Megalitres and our greenhouse emissions are now 48 per cent lower than our baseline year of 2004-5.

“We’ve had projects like the ResourceSmart Schools program, which has assisted schools to save over $600,000 through sustainability initiatives – funded by the State Government – and Ribbons of Green, which is a fantastic local program with a long history.

“We are, of course, always working to do more – our Liveable Climate Plan has ambitious targets, including 100 per cent renewable energy use by 2030, and our work with the community to help reduce waste ending up in landfill is a significant and ongoing part of the conversation of how we can all live lighter on the earth.

“That is to say, I’m proud of the work our teams are doing here, but we simply can’t do it alone. If you’ve ever considered becoming an environmental volunteer, or joining a local Friends Of or Landcare group, you’d be making a world of difference with just a few hours out of your week.

“I’d encourage everyone to look at what they can do in their community – whether it’s reducing the amount of single-use plastics they purchase, taking part in sustainability projects with your kids at their school, or volunteering some time to plant trees in a local reserve. It all helps.”

Gardens for Wildlife is a free program run by Council, encouraging residents to develop their garden – or an area in their garden – to support local wildlife.

Find out more at yarraranges.vic.gov.au/gardensforwildlife, or visit yarraranges.vic.gov.au/volunteer to see what volunteer options exist locally.

Read the full sustainability report here