2021-08-10 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                               10 AUGUST 2021


Community comment                                       Proposed response
Theme 3: Clean low emissions industries
Include a new action as follows: “Embed the use of      Wording added in the Summary of Actions.
environmentally friendly products and services in
Council’s procurement policies and use suppliers
located in Noosa Shire where possible.
Include strategic direction to support businesses and   Wording added to actions to address the need to
industries that are likely to come under pressure to    support businesses in their efforts towards
transition towards decarbonisation (i.e. businesses     decarbonisation. Further engagement with business
relying in large part on fossil fuels for income).      groups on the ‘next steps’ will occur over the coming
                                                        months as part of implementation.
Need to make the distinction between businesses         This theme is focused on two key aspects: growing
working in the environment industries sector and        environmental industries in Noosa and encouraging
businesses that are working in other sectors but        decarbonisation of local businesses and industry.
becoming more sustainable/low emissions. Council        There are distinct actions for each.
should focus on decarbonising all industry sectors,     The following definition for ‘Environmental
not just environmental industries.                      Industries’ has been added to assist interpretation:
                                                        Environmental industries consist of companies and
                                                        organisations which carry out economic activities aimed at
                                                        protecting the environment and managing natural
                                                        resources, including waste management, wastewater
                                                        treatment,      limiting  noise    nuisance,       correcting
                                                        environmental damage, addressing climate risks such as
                                                        bushfire, and production of cleaner technologies, products
                                                        and services, such as production of renewable energy,
                                                        electrical transport and energy saving activities.
                                                        A baseline for the number of environmental
                                                        industries and a targeted % increase is being
                                                        developed as part of the revised Economic Strategy
                                                        (local economic plan).
The EcoCheck systems for sustainability certification   Noted. Council acknowledges the benefits of the
is insufficient to promote and ensure clean low         EcoCheck program that Tourism Noosa and
emissions industries in Noosa. Amend to reflect a       businesses promote and adopt. In conjunction with
more stringent green certification system.              this, Council will continue working with businesses to
                                                        assist them to improve energy efficiency, take up
                                                        renewable energy for their operations and switch to
                                                        zero emissions transport options. This includes
                                                        determining the best certification and promotion
                                                        programs to encourage and support businesses.
                                                        Wording in the summary of actions has been
                                                        amended to reflect this.
Theme 4: Sustainable transport
Include a new action as follows: “Planting of shade     Wording added.
trees to encourage implementation of the Walking
and Cycling Strategy”.
Targets for electric vehicle charging infrastructure    Targets for EVs changed to 2026 to align with zero
should be by 2024 not 2030. 2030 is too late to         emissions target.
encourage behaviour change.
Will Council also have a role in facilitating private   Action related to EV charging stations amended to:
companies to invest in the provision of EV charging     “Develop a roll out plan to incorporate electric vehicle
facilities (e.g. leasing space in key carparks)?        charging stations at major destinations in partnership
Council should set incentives for take up of EVs.       with EV charging providers and property owners.


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