2015-09-15 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                               15 SEPTEMBER 2015



17                       NOOSA CARBON REDUCTION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLAN
DOCUMENT INFORM AT ION




Author                              Sustainability Project Officer, Emma Menzies
                                    Executive Office

Index                               ECM / Sustainability / Noosa Carbon Reduction & Energy Efficiency Plan

Attachments                         1.    Noosa Carbon Reduction & Energy Efficiency Plan - Project Plan
                                          and Timeline


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Sustainability Project Officer to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 15 September 2015 and:
A.                       Agree to the development of a Carbon Reduction & Energy Efficiency Plan;
B.                       Undertake a community engagement process to develop the Carbon Reduction & Energy
                         Efficiency Plan as proposed in Attachment 1 attached to the report; and
C.                       Refer the proposed budget for this project for inclusion in the next budget review.


REPORT
The purpose of this report is to outline a process to develop a Carbon Reduction & Energy
Efficiency Plan for Noosa Shire (see Attachment 1) and seek Council’s agreement to undertake
that process.

Council should include a Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency Plan among its suite of key
policy documents. Council’s Corporate Plan identifies the importance of protecting our
environment, enhancing our lifestyle, responding to climate change and building community
capacity.

The proposed Carbon Reduction and Energy Efficiency Plan will guide our local community and
Council in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon (greenhouse gas) emissions.

The proposed Plan will provide direction and prioritise future efforts and investment around
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resource efficiency and building awareness and
resilience to a changing climate.

1.                       Background

While there is no clearly defined legislative requirement for councils to have a Carbon Reduction
& Energy Efficiency Plan, many Local Governments are showing leadership in this area. Noosa is
known for its commitment to sustainability and environment for the region, while also being
recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Increased carbon emissions and the impact these emissions will have on the climate that current
and future generations will have to adapt to, is also driving a transition to low carbon energy
sources. This global energy transition will have local consequences and opportunities for business
and residents of Noosa.

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