Being remote need not be a barrier
Council believes that infrastructure support and an environmental management system are the two vital elements for increased growth and prosperity. Although the population of Hillston has increased in recent years, the fact that other areas of the Shire have experienced a decline is a concern to Council.
While economic development initiatives and increased tourism are the traditional tools, Carrathool Shire is also including environmental management as a major plank to encourage new enterprises to the area.
“Environmental and economic strategies are inextricably entwined,” said General Manager, James Roncon. “It is all about identifying environmental risks and addressing them before they become a problem. This brings benefits for the community through a reduction in pollution and other impacts while businesses gain through improved efficiencies and new business opportunities.”
To demonstrate what can be achieved, Council has introduced a number of community based programs, as well as carrying out a total overhaul of its own internal practices through an environmental management system (EMS). Through its recycling programs, oil storage, water conservation and reuse, renewable energy and work site management, Carrathool is on track to achieve ISO 14001 by August this year.
In fulfilling environmental obligations more efficiently, and via its risk management programs, Council is also reducing the potential for legal liability.
Through its involvement in the Cities for Climate Protection program Council is reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions, setting a target of a 50 per cent reduction in its corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 2010. Planning powers, spending policies, community and business links will influence households and businesses and is having an effect on waste disposal practices, land use change, energy use and transport costs.
Carrathool Shire’s recent hosting of the first of the New South Wales Sustainable Energy Development Authority 2002 Regional Sustainability Seminars, which attracted 80 delegates, has increased community awareness about sustainability options.
“In addition, our partnership arrangement with Country Energy is assisting Council to increase awareness of opportunities for the community to reduce its energy consumption, and thereby greenhouse gas emissions,” James Roncon said.
He said that Carrathool’s implementation of an EMS would not have been possible without the support of Councillors.
“The community is also being supportive, but there has been some concern about additional costs to implement some of the programs,” he added. “Overhauling Council’s management systems is expensive and there will be a lag in some of the benefits. However, we are starting to see results, with people now talking about these issues, and that’s the first step.”
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald last November clearly recognised Carrathool’s leadership in this area.
“It is helping to put the Shire on the map and is demonstrating that being remote does not stop you from being proactive,” James Roncon said. “It is also likely, that within a few years, it will be mandatory for Councils to have an EMS in place.”
