Pursuing sustainability in all areas

Claremont councillors, Paul Kelly, Peter Telford, Kate Main and Sara Franklyn (and their pooches) visit Mofflin Ave to see the new recycled road seal.

What do a second-hand clothing store, road re-resurfacing and a geothermal pool heating system have in common? 

They are all examples of the range of initiatives Town of Claremont, Western Australia, are implementing as part of their commitment to
sustainability.

Mayor, Jock Barker said the initiatives reflected the Town’s desire to reduce the environmental impact and footprint of its activities for future generations.

“Sustainability is one of our key goals, and we keep that at the forefront of decision making.

“The fact that the range of initiatives being implemented are so diverse is testament to the Town’s ongoing pursuit of sustainability in all areas.”

In support of National Recycling Week, Council recently hosted a free Community Recycling Drop-off Day where residents could drop off their hard-to-recycle items such as e-waste, batteries and bulk-polystyrene to be recycled correctly. 

Over 100 members of the community utilised the service, with more than 2.3 tonnes of waste being diverted from land-fill.

Mayor Barker said the Town’s newest sustainability venture, a pre-loved clothing store in partnership with Anglicare WA, would also contribute to diverting waste from landfill.

“The store, called Lemon Tree pop-up, will sell premium pre-loved clothing with the aim of promoting sustainable shopping in the Town. 

“We look forward to launching the store in early February, and believe it is a first for a local council to partner with a charity in this way to promote sustainability.”

Earlier this year, the Town’s road resurfacing along Mofflin Avenue in Claremont was only the second street in Western Australia to trial a sustainable seal consisting of more than 10 per cent recycled materials, including over 30,000 glass bottles and 50,000 plastic bottles, as well as vehicle tyres and recycled asphalt.

The Town was also one of the first councils to embrace geothermal heating at the Aquatic Centre, using artesian water from 600m below ground to naturally heat the pool.

“This is the most environmentally-friendly way of heating and saves more than 330 tonnes of greenhouses gases each year. 

“It is yet another example of how we are focusing on sustainability across all aspects.”