Action Plan 2017-2021 - City of Greater Bendigo · 2020-01-14 · Environment Strategy Action Plan...

GREATER BENDIGO ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY Action Plan | 2017-2021

City of Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy Action plan 2017 - 2021 | 1

One planet action areas

Zero carbonGoals:• Zero net carbon in Greater Bendigo:

- 100% renewable energy generation from local and regional sources

- Highly energy efficient systems and buildings - People have universal access to, and are proficient

in using energy data monitoring tools - People actively using low carbon modes of transport

Primary Strategies and Plans: • Carbon Management Plan

Zero wasteGoals: • Zero recoverable resource sent to landfill • Environment is free from discarded material/litter

Primary Strategies and Plans: • Waste and Resource Management Strategy 2014 – 2019• City of Greater Bendigo Economic Development

Strategy 2014 - 2020

Sustainable TransportGoals: • Effective and well connected road and pathway

infrastructure that supports low carbon transit- Most people actively engaged in using shared and/

or low carbon modes of transport - Municipal infrastructure that supports new transport

technologies (electric vehicle ready)

Primary Strategies and Plans:• Connecting Greater Bendigo - Integrated Transport and

Land Use Strategy (ITLUS)• City of Greater Bendigo Walking and Cycling Strategy• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (under

development)

Sustainable buildings and materialsGoals:• All buildings and infrastructure are constructed in

environmentally sustainable ways, require fewer inputs to run, and are healthier and more comfortable to inhabit

• All Council buildings, infrastructure and facilities will meet a best practice standard of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD)

Primary Strategies and Plans: • Carbon Management Plan• Waste and Resource Management Strategy 2014 – 2019

Local and sustainable foodGoals:• Greater Bendigo is a hub for resource efficient food

production systems that don’t damage natural ecosystems

• The Greater Bendigo community has high awareness of the resources required to produce food and how they can influence food systems:- People choose to eat local and in-season foods daily- Households waste less food.- Increased amount of locally produced food retailed

locally- Increase participation in growing food in urban

spaces

Primary Strategies and Plans:• Urban Forest Strategy – Environment Strategy Flagship

Project 2. (under development)• Urban Agriculture Guidelines (under development)• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (under

development)• Rural Communities Strategy

Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy Action Plan 2017 - 2021The Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy was adopted by Council in August 2016 and should be read in conjunction with this document.

This Action Plan guides the allocation of resources to implement the Strategy over the next four financial years, commencing 2017/2018.

The One Planet Living framework provides a broad and overarching set of objectives. The Environment Strategy and this Action Plan align with many objectives in Council’s Community Plan 2017-2021. Other City strategies and plans also contain actions that address the goals of the Environment Strategy; these are listed and referred to as appropriate.

This Action Plan has been prepared by the City’s Regional Sustainable Development (RSD) team but implementation is the responsibility of various units across the organisation. Annual reporting will be the responsibility of RSD each September.

In Victoria, and indeed nationally and globally, we are in a period of rapid transformation to new systems and economies for sustainable communities and environments. The City of Greater Bendigo has taken the Victorian Government’s Take2 pledge to reach net zero emissions (by 2050) and keep global temperature rise to under 2 degrees. As a local government, we need to make rapid changes, be flexible and take full advantage of opportunities as well as adapt to climate changes that are already locked in.

High priority actions are highlighted, which link to the Flagship Projects in the Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy. They are priorities because they address many action areas, have multiple benefits for our city and rural communities, and align with the strategic priorities of other levels of government.

The Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy 2016-2021 is available at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au


Sustainable waterGoals:• All of our natural waterways are healthy, and water of

the required quality can be accessed when needed, at an affordable price to:- Meet the needs of the environment - Meet the needs of households and industry- Maintain and develop an aesthetically attractive city

and settlements- Contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of

the community• Support the cultural practices of Traditional Owners

Primary Strategies and Plans:• Sustainable Water Use Plan• Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan (under

development)• Urban Stormwater Management Plan• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (currently under

development)

Thriving landscapes and ecosystemsGoal:• Connected and flourishing urban and rural

landscapes that support healthy ecosystems now and into the future- Increase connectivity of native vegetation across the

landscape (biolinks)- Increase in the diversity of plants and animals in the

urban environment- Increase in canopy cover in urban areas - Increased knowledge, understanding and appreciation

of our natural environments and ecosystem function

Primary Strategies and Plans:• Urban Forest Strategy – Environment Strategy Flagship

Project 2. (currently under development)• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (currently under

development)• Domestic Animal Management Plan 2016 – 2021

Culture and communitiesGoals:• A strong culture of community involvement in

improving environmental sustainability in Greater Bendigo including:- Increased Traditional Owners involvement in

management and decision making- Increased involvement of people from multicultural

communities

Primary Strategies and Plans:• City of Greater Bendigo’s Reconciliation Plan 2016 –

2019• Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan

Equity and sustainable local economy

Goals:• An equitable and sustainable local economy where:

- People have equity in access to goods, services and employment

- Disadvantage in Bendigo has reduced - Greater Bendigo is nationally recognised as a

leader in sustainable industry

Primary Strategies and Plans:• City of Greater Bendigo

Economic Development Strategy 2014 - 2020

• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (currently under development)

Health and happinessGoals:• People living active, sociable, meaningful lives within

their share of one planet- People use natural places to support their physical

and mental health and well-being - A community that shares knowledge and experience

of nature to sustain future generations

Primary Strategies and Plans:• Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017 –

2021• Greater Bendigo Public Space Strategy (currently under

development)


TOP STRATEGY ACTIONS SUB-ACTIONS YEAR(S) RESPONSIBLE MANAGER PARTNERS

ZERO CARBONFlagship project

1.1 Catalyse a local renewable and equitable energy network.

1.1.1 Support investigations into the management of rising groundwater in urban Bendigo using renewable energy technologies.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Engineering

1.1.2 Investigate the renewable energy potential of the region and the economic impacts of investment.

1, 2 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Property Services

1.1.3 Work with The Community Power Hub to progress towards 100% renewable energy for all Greater Bendigo residents and businesses. Hold a local renewable energy forum to engage potential investors and users.

1, 2, 3 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Community Partnerships

1.1.4 Advocate for supportive energy regulation and policy to facilitate community energy projects.

2, 3, 4 • Executive Management Team

• Regional Sustainable Development

1.1.5 Finance and build local renewable energy infrastructure. 3, 4 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Building & Property Services

• Engineering

• Waste Services

1.1.6 Develop a View Street / Barnard Street local energy precinct (microgrid). Investigate opportunities for on-site renewable energy generation at this precinct.



• Active & Healthy Lifestyles

• Parks & Open Space

1.2 Improve the energy performance of City facilities and precincts (including energy efficiency and energy management).

1.2.1 Develop a detailed and costed pathway for the City to meet the 20 year zero net carbon goal.


• All Managers

1.2.2 Use utility and audit data to prioritise and implement building energy efficiency works.



1.2.3 Investigate the opportunity for increased rates of methane capture at the Eaglehawk landfill.

2 • Waste Services • Governance

1.3 Increase the supply of renewable energy to City facilities.

1.3.1 Install Solar PV on City facilities, in priority order as identified in the 2014 Solar PV feasibility study.



1.3.2 Investigate new renewable energy technology options and conduct feasibility studies for City facilities.



1.3.3 Purchase renewable electricity or alternatives (eg offsets) to meet Target 2020.

4 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Governance



1.3.4 Transition away from natural gas for City operations. 1, 2, 3, 4 • Regional Sustainable Development

• All Managers

1.4 Establish Bendigo as a Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy.

1.4.1 Lead the establishment of an independent community energy committee that will engage with the community and energy sector on the transition to renewable energy supply.


1.4.2 Establish a 100% renewable energy target as a policy position for the City.


• Executive Management Team

1.4.3 Collaborate with stakeholders to develop a region-wide energy plan to transition to renewable energy, and ensure local security of energy supply and storage.


1.5 Support households and businesses to reduce energy costs.

1.5.1 Support programs for households and businesses that facilitate improved energy efficiency, use of renewable energy and reduce costs.



1.5.2 Introduce the Solar Savers Program for low income households. 2, 3 • Regional Sustainable Development


• Community Wellbeing

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Annual carbon emissions (tCO2e) and breakdown across operating areas

• Capacity of Solar PV installed (kW)

LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 1.3.1 Advocate on priority issues including public transport, regional development,

planning for liveable communities and population growth

• 1.3.3 Actively seek more funding opportunities from Federal, State and private investors

• 1.5.1 Advocate on priority issues that may impact the region

• 3.3.3 Expand existing manufacturing and emerging industries

• 3.3.5 Take advantage of technology for community benefit

• 4.4.1 Maintain and upgrade essential buildings and infrastructure in a sustainable manner

• 5.2.2 Work in partnership with other Councils towards achieving zero emissions



ZERO WASTE2.1 Work with stakeholders to recover

resources from current waste streams.

These actions are being delivered through the implementation of the Waste and Resource Management Strategy 2014 - 2019 and the findings of the 2017 Waste Review.

• Waste Services

2.2 Work with stakeholders to reduce packaging and eliminate non-recyclable packaging.

2.3 Educate the community about the role of resource recovery in sustainable living.

2.4 Increase the percentage of recycled material used in delivery of works programs.

2.5 Plan for end-of-life of Council assets (plant and infrastructure).

2.5.1 Include end of life considerations in asset management plans including plant and infrastructure.

2 • Engineering • Engineering


• Waste Services

• Works


2.5.2 Advocate for waste management requirements in the Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM).

2 • Financial Strategy

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Kerbside waste (kg/household/year)

• Kerbside diversion rate (%)

• Eaglehawk landfill emissions (tCO2e) and methane capture %

LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 4.5.1 Develop and adopt best-practice asset management principles

• 4.5.2 Develop investment guidelines which will assist Council investment in new and existing assets

• 5.1.2 Implement findings of the City of Greater Bendigo 2017 Waste Review



SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT3.1 Support the transition of Greater

Bendigo to an integrated transport and mobility network.

These actions are being delivered through the implementation of the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy.


• All Managers

3.2 Work towards Greater Bendigo having the required infrastructure to transition to efficient, effective and accessible shared low carbon transport options.

3.3 Support low carbon modes of transport.

3.3.1 Demonstrate leadership in lowering emissions by installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and introducing electric vehicles into the City’s fleet.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Works • Regional Sustainable Development

• Financial Strategy

• Safe & Healthy Environments

3.3.2 Attract and work with companies who will make Bendigo electric vehicle friendly.


KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Electric vehicle recharging stations (number)

• Electric vehicles in Council fleet (number, %)

• City staff bicycle fleet usage (km /year)

• People living within 10 minutes (400m) of a bus stop (%) - ITLUS

• People who commute to work via public transport (%) - ITLUS

• People who commute to work via walking or cycling (%) - ITLUS

• Proportion of people who walk or cycle at least 5 times per week for 30 minutes





• 2.2.2 Design settings and environments that can create better health outcomes

• 4.3.1 Use fairness as a basis for investment in new walking, cycling and transport infrastructure

• 4.3.2 Advocate for improved transport connections

• 4.3.3 Build local knowledge about use of sustainable transport options

• 4.5.1 Develop and adopt best-practice asset management principles




SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS AND MATERIALS4.1 Consider and incorporate ways

that the planning process can support improved Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD).

4.1.1 Pilot the Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework on a voluntary basis, with a view to a local planning policy amendment in 2018/19.


• Statutory Planning

4.1.2 Work with stakeholders to develop a proof of concept for best practice ESD subdivisions in regional Victoria.



4.1.3 Incorporate ESD in all relevant strategic and statutory planning projects including the municipal strategic statement, master plans, design and development overlays and incorporated plans.

2, 3, 4 • Statutory Planning • All Managers

4.1.4 Advocate for greater consideration of climate change (particularly heat vulnerability in our region) in the Victorian Planning Provisions.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Statutory Planning • Regional Sustainable Development

4.2 Support and raise community awareness of the benefits of Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) in enhancing user experience and manage costs.

4.2.1a Develop educational material and programs promoting the benefits of ESD and promote existing programs and materials.

4.2.1b Support the annual Sustainability Awards and work with the Bendigo Sustainability Group to recognise ESD in the award categories.

4.2.1c Support Sustainable House Day.


• Communications & Media



4.3 Adopt and implement contemporary Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) policy standards and practices into City service delivery.

4.3.1 Implement the Infrastructure Design Manual – Sustainable Design Guidelines.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Engineering



4.3.2 Pilot the new Sustainable Buildings Policy for design, construction and demolition of City buildings and infrastructure, with full roll-out in 2018-19.


• Building & Property Services


• Governance

• Engineering


• Works

4.4 Investigate ways that the building code can be used to drive higher Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) standards in council buildings, facilities and infrastructure.

4.4.1 Advocate for higher minimum mandatory standards in the National Construction Code including a higher minimum star rating and verification measures such as air tightness testing.




KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Compliance with the City’s Sustainable Building Policy

• Relevant planning applications meeting best practice environmentally sustainable design (number, %)

• Compliance with the City’s Sustainable Procurement Policy

LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 4.2.4 Encourage more environmentally sustainable housing


• 4.5.1 Develop and adopt best-practice asset management principles


• 6.1.2 Stimulate re-purposing of heritage buildings for contemporary use and increased sustainability



LOCAL AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD5.1 Support quality commercial scale

agriculture and horticulture.5.1.1 Identify planning mechanisms that protect high quality productive

agricultural land and strongly discourage uses that adversely affect agricultural and horticultural productivity.




5.2 Support local urban food production and food sharing.

5.2.1 Explore opportunities to develop a food policy and regional food strategy that coordinates a broad range of themes, including healthy eating and the Greater Bendigo Food Hub.

2,3 • Active & Healthy Lifestyles • Community Partnerships


5.2.2 Encourage and support urban agriculture by developing policies and guidelines for community gardens, community orchards and nature strip food gardens.

1, 2 • Active & Healthy Lifestyles • Engineering



5.2.3 Support and promote community enterprises such as Food Share and encourage the establishment of food networks and neighbourhood food hubs.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Active & Healthy Lifestyles • Regional Sustainable Development



5.2.4 Ensure criteria and evaluation weighting gives preference to suppliers who source locally produced and seasonal food as part of the City’s catering contract.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Governance • All Managers

5.3 Support and promote Traditional Owner food harvesting.

5.3.1 Partner with the traditional owners to develop and publish a ‘Bush Tucker for the Home Garden’ brochure to promote local native foods of the regions.



5.4 Raise awareness of the benefits of home gardening and local fresh food.

5.4.1 Encourage and support early years programs that teach kids where food comes from, how to grow it and prepare it.

2, 3, 4 • Community Wellbeing • Regional Sustainable Development



5.4.2 Continue to produce and promote publications that support and promote participation in gardening and growing food, such as the publication Home Grown.






• 2.2.4 Support a localised sustainable food system

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Proportion of people meeting recommended dietary guidelines for fruit and vegetable

intake



SUSTAINABLE WATER6.1 Work with partners to plan for

Greater Bendigo’s long-term water security.

6.1.1 Work in partnership with water authorities and stakeholders to develop strategic plans to ensure water security for Greater Bendigo.


• All Managers

6.2 Secure water from a range of sources to meet the service demands of a growing and vibrant municipality.

6.2.1 Develop an Integrated Water Cycle Management Plan for all areas of the City’s responsibility.


• All Managers

6.2.2 Develop a Sustainable Water-Use plan for City Operations. 3 • Regional Sustainable Development


• Works



6.3 Use Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Principles in the construction and management of open space.

6.3.1 This action is being delivered through the implementation of the City of Greater Bendigo Urban Stormwater Management Plan 2013 – 2016 (USWMP).

1, 2, 3, 4 • Parks & Open Space • Engineering

• Works



6.4 Incorporate Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) into residential and commercial development.

6.4.1 Continue to make WSUD a key component of all residential developments.

This action is also being delivered through the implementation of the City of Greater Bendigo Urban Stormwater Management Plan 2013 – 2016 (USWMP).

1, 2, 3, 4 • Engineering




6.5 Improve the water quality of local lakes and waterways.

6.5.1 Invest in additional infrastructure to improve water quality such as Gross Pollutant Traps and floating wetlands, reed beds and improved filtration systems.

2,3,4 • Parks & Open Space

• Engineering


6.6 Support Traditional Owners direct involvement in the management of waterways.

6.6.1 Continue to engage with the Traditional Owners regarding waterway management arrangements.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Parks & Open Space • Regional Sustainable Development


6.7 Contribute to the successful management of groundwater.

6.7.1 Participate in the development of ongoing arrangements for the management of ground water impacts on the environment particularly within urban areas.


• Engineering


6.8 Educate and support communities to save water.

6.8.1 Partner with agencies to conduct educational programs and produce publications such as Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate.






6.9 Raise awareness and advocate to agencies about the importance of water quality in healthy communities and the role the riparian zone plays.

6.9.1 Support local agencies to promote maintaining healthy ecosystems and continue to support the North Central Waterwatch Program, National Water Week and the Smart Gardens for a Dry Climate Program.




KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Water quality indicators meeting the EPA guidelines - Water Quality Objectives

for Rivers and Streams (791.1)

• Annual water consumption (kL) and breakdown across water type (potable, rural, recycled) and operating areas

• Number of toxic algae blooms

• Irrigation connections to recycled or rural water (%)





• 4.4.2 Ensure open spaces are accessible and fit for purpose

• 5.1.1 Implement prioritised (water) actions in the Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy 2016-2021

• 5.2.2 Achieve healthy living spaces that maintain and increase biological diversity through the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan

• 6.1.1 Value local area streetscapes and character to increase pride, appearance and function.

• 6.1.2 Stimulate re-purposing of heritage buildings for contemporary use and increased sustainability



THRIVING LANDSCAPES AND ECOSYSTEMSFlagship project

7.1 City in the Forest, Forest in the City. 7.1.1 Develop an urban forest strategy, which will:

• Identify key urban forest performance targets

• Incorporate the goals of Connecting Greater Bendigo with well-designed and welcoming public spaces

• Identify priority areas for tree and vegetation planting, including areas of socio-economic disadvantage, heat vulnerability, high pedestrian activity, wildlife habitat corridors and areas

• Calculate the dollar value of Greater Bendigo’s urban trees

• Calculate urban tree cover over Greater Bendigo

• Engage the community and build regional partnerships

1, 2 • Parks & Open Space • Regional Sustainable Development


• Engineering


Flagship project

7.2 A shared vision for restoring Bendigo Creek.

7.2.1 Engage and develop partnerships with all relevant government and community stakeholders to create a shared vision for the Bendigo Creek.



• Engineering

• Works



7.2.2 Develop a Bendigo Creek Management Plan and identify clear design, environmental and social outcomes for the Creek, including protection from the encroachment of urban development, particularly in new development areas such as Epsom and Huntly.




7.2.3 Ensure appropriate governance structures are in place to be able to make critical decisions around the management of urban waterways, including Bendigo Creek.



• Engineering

7.2.4 Investigate and establish ways to build a profile for Bendigo Creek through clear messaging and storytelling, particularly in relation to flora and fauna already in the creek.




7.2.5 Establish a creek health monitoring and evaluation program. 3 • Regional Sustainable Development




7.3 Support and promote programs that increase knowledge about and action to protect natural places.

7.3.1 Support community action to protect and enhance remnant vegetation, such as Bush Kinders, Bendigo Family Nature Club, Landcare programs and the Central Victorian Biolinks Alliance.





7.3.2 Introduce a Gardens for Wildlife Program - urban environments supporting local plants and animals.



7.4 Minimise the impact of development on natural areas.

7.4.1 Ensure that the City’s strategic planning for future growth areas addresses the protection and ongoing management of the area’s natural values.



7.4.2 Work with regulators and policy makers to provide improved tools for local government to protect significant environmental assets.



7.4.3 Investigate and develop policy options that provide improved native vegetation protection and establishment outcomes via internal planning approval process leading to a greater level of overall net gain.

2, 3 • Parks & Open Space • Engineering



7.4.4 Review and update the City’s Strategic Directions for Rural Roadside Conservation plan.

3 • Parks & Open Space • Regional Sustainable Development


• Engineering

7.5 Support Traditional Owners involvement in land management, including involvement in strategic planning.

7.5.1 Develop an internal engagement protocol for Traditional Owners, to be used prior to the Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) process. For example, during development stage of strategic documents.

1 • Community Partnerships • Regional Sustainable Development


7.6 Educate and regulate to ensure responsible pet ownership.

7.6.1 This action is being delivered through the implementation of the City of Greater Bendigo Animal Management Plan 2016 – 2021 (DAMP).


7.7 Work with stakeholders with regard to the planned burning program in the region.

7.7.1 Support research into the effects of planned burns on the environment, encourage continuous improvements in fire hazard management practices and encourage the involvement of the Traditional Owners.



7.8 Ensure the City’s weed and pest animal management activities support thriving ecosystems.

7.8.1 Review and update the City’s Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy 2012 - 2015.




KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Canopy cover in urban areas (%)

• Health of Bendigo Creek (metric TBC)

LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 2.2.2 Design settings and environments that can create better health outcomes

• 4.2.1 Implement agreed actions in the Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy (around improved native vegetation protection)

• 4.2.2 Protect our bushland areas and the interface between public and private land

• 4.4.2 Ensure open spaces are accessible and fit for purpose

• 4.4.3 Improve urban shade and provide protection for significant and heritage trees through development and implementation of a Greater Bendigo Tree Strategy

• 5.2.2 Achieve healthy living spaces that maintain and increase biological diversity through the Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan

• 6.1.1 Value local area streetscapes and character to increase pride, appearance and function.

• 6.2.2 Protect and advocate to retain the landscapes we value



CULTURE AND COMMUNITIESFlagship project

8.1 Power to the People – local sustainability education.

8.1.1 In partnerships with local community groups and organisations:

• Develop a 10 year community sustainability campaign

• Create an annual Sustainability Thinker in Residence position

• Fund initiatives including Sustainability Awards and the Community Sustainability Festival as a regional hub of sustainability innovation, celebration and connection

• Run an annual community sustainability workshop in Bendigo to bring together local community sustainability groups to share ideas and inspiration



8.1.2 Provide three annual sponsorships for Bendigo community leaders to attend national sustainability conferences and bring those ideas back to Bendigo.



8.1.3 Employ a Community Sustainability Education Officer to:

• Engage communities at the neighbourhood level to create environmental change and social connectedness

• Support Greater Bendigo community groups and projects

• Deliver an annual community sustainability leadership course in Bendigo for community and business sustainability leaders



8.2 Acknowledge and raise awareness of indigenous culture, including support for Traditional Owner country plans – Dhelkunya Dja.

8.2.1 This action is being delivered under the City’s Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019. • Community Partnerships • All Managers

8.3 Acknowledge the role of cultures and faiths in shaping community attitudes to the environment.

8.3.1 Increase the awareness of the cultural connections to the environmental and sustainable living in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

2, 3, 4 • Community Partnerships • Regional Sustainable Development


8.4 Promote sustainable living and culture.

8.4.1 Work with community groups to develop events or activities that promote sustainable living and connection to the natural environment, e.g. run a region-wide short theatre or film competition portraying cultural connection to the environment.


• Tourism & Major Events





8.5 Ensure the City can maintain dialogue with community about environmental and sustainability matters.

8.5.1 Ensure the Sustainability Environment Advisory Committee (SEAC) has good community representation, including members from diverse cultural groups.


8.5.2 Deliver information sessions with expert panel members to facilitate community discussion about specific environmental issues, with a focus on vulnerable communities.



LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 2.3.2 Partner to encourage opportunities that enable community access and inclusion

• 6.1.3 Promote connection with and celebration of our unique places, people, organisations and memories

• 6.4.1 Implement the Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan to promote and support social cohesion

• 6.5.1 Strengthen the relationship between Council and Indigenous Communities

• 6.5.2 Implement the adopted Reconciliation Action Plan



EQUITY AND SUSTAINABLE LOCAL ECONOMY9.1 Promote green job and industry

creation in Bendigo – promote Greater Bendigo as a leader in this field.

9.1.1 Advocate for improved policies, infrastructure and systems that will support an innovative green economy.


9.1.2 Continue to support and promote the availability of Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUA) to local businesses.


9.2 Support social justice initiatives that intersect with the Environment Strategy.

9.2.1 Support social enterprises that have a positive impact on the environment and support social equity groups such as Bendigo Food Share and Eaglehawk Recycle Shop Inc.


• All Managers

9.3 Invest ethically and maintains assets to maximise useful life.

9.3.1 Review and report on ways the City can improve asset management, reduce costs and increase the life of its assets.

2 • Financial Strategy • Regional Sustainable Development

• Engineering


• Works


9.3.2 The City will invest ethically, consistent with its adopted policies and strategies, e.g. consider divestment from investments in fossil fuel companies.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Financial Strategy • Executive Management Team

9.4 Recognise and support sustainable and ethical businesses and leaders.

9.4.1 Recognise and support businesses that display a commitment to addressing environmental sustainability by finalising and implementing the sustainable procurement schedule.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Communications & Media

• Governance


9.4.2 Celebrate and promote local leaders that are doing business “ethically”.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Communications & Media • Regional Sustainable Development

9.5 Work in conjunction with businesses to foster sustainable industry.

9.5.1 Link businesses to sustainability programs, initiatives and funding opportunities.



KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Uptake of Environmental Upgrade Agreements





• 3.1.1 Supporting local business, including through purchasing programs

• 3.3.3 Expand existing manufacturing and emerging industries

• 3.3.5 Take advantage of technology for community benefit



HEALTH AND HAPPINESS10.1 Encourage people to use natural

environments to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

10.1.1 Promote the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of being in the natural environment.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Active & Healthy Lifestyles • Community Wellbeing




10.1.2 Support nature based community programs and activities. 1, 2, 3, 4 • Regional Sustainable Development

• Tourism & Major Events




10.2 Raise awareness of the learning and development benefits to children from a regular connection to nature.

10.2.1 Encourage and support opportunities for children to learn about and connect with nature though bush kindergartens and Bendigo Family Nature Club.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Community Wellbeing • Community Partnerships




10.2.2 Develop and maintain a range of nature based play spaces. 1, 2, 3, 4 • Community Wellbeing

• Engineering



10.3 Connect people to nature by learning, growing and sharing together.

10.3.1 Publish and promote publications such as Home Grown. 1, 2, 3, 4 • Regional Sustainable Development


10.3.2 Support and connect community and school gardens across Greater Bendigo.

1, 2, 3, 4 • Active & Healthy Lifestyles • Regional Sustainable Development



KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS• Bush Kinders in Bendigo (# of sessions)

• Public Health indicators collected for the Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan

• Bendigo Family Nature Club (# of sessions)

LINKS TO COMMUNITY PLAN 2017-2021• 2.1.1 Implement the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

• 2.1.2 Contribute to health policy development

• 2.1.3 Plan for fairer health outcomes

• 2.2.1 Prioritise efforts to promote physical and mental wellbeing

• 2.2.2 Design settings and environments that can create better health outcomes

• 2.2.4 Support a localised sustainable food system

• 2.5.2 Strengthen community resilience


The Action Plan identifies partner Units which are important to the implementation of specific actions. Action owners are encouraged to liaise with the Managers of these Units to gain support and ensure across organisation coordination.

Oversight of the Greater Bendigo Environment Strategy

and the associated Action Plan is the responsibility of the Regional Sustainable Development Unit.

We look forward to working across the organisation to support improvements in our overall environmental performance and provide support and guidance to action owners.

Please contact the Regional Sustainable Development Unit if you have any questions or require any support or assistance.

Action Plan 2017-2021 - City of Greater Bendigo · 2020-01-14 · Environment Strategy Action Plan...

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