Current consumer trends and lifestyle choices, including demand for goods and services and the way we plan and develop our communities, are challenging our ability to achieve a sustainable future. The Clarence Valley Sustainability Initiative is a new and innovative project that aims for Council and all sectors of the community to work together to create a sustainable Clarence Valley. As part of the Initiative, a Council cross department team worked with consultants, Sustainable Futures, to develop a sustainability framework.
The framework will enable Council to implement a range of integrated strategies, programs and actions. It includes a vision for the future and a ‘planning web’ of goals, based on local community values and ideals developed over the past 25 years.
Manager Sustainable Environment, Peter Birch, said the framework reflects the foundation upon which Council seeks to do business.
“It encapsulates the values of the Clarence Valley and sets the direction for Council and staff,” he said. “The sustainability web represents all elements that Council seeks to aspire. Rather than having the Initiative stand alone, Council will ensure it links all of its corporate actions by structuring the quarterly management plan review to embrace the framework.”
Five key elements of sustainability have been identified, including:
- ecological
- economic
- social and cultural
- human habitat
- governance.
The Initiative is currently undergoing a final review. A soon to be developed Sustainable Action Plan will outline how the operational actions will be put into place.
“In the lead up to the adoption of the Initiative, we have collated a background report that will form part of a future Greenhouse Strategy and Energy Saving Plan under the Sustainable Action Plan,” said Peter Birch.
Funding from the Environmental Protection Authority was secured to assist Council with the development of the sustainability plan.
