Central Coast Council has kick started comprehensive engagement with the community on its draft Climate Change Policy, with an online survey, which opened on Monday, November 12.
Council endorsed the draft policy in August. The draft policy provides a framework to support future actions around planning for the possible impacts of climate change, to enable Council to align its operations and strategic planning with the NSW State Climate Change Policy Framework.
Engagement activities with the community are to ensure residents have the opportunity to learn more about the policy, participate in discussion, and provide submissions to help shape the final policy to be adopted by Council.
Mayor, Jane Smith, said climate change was not only an environmental issue but an economic and social issue too. “It is crucial that Council shows leadership in addressing climate change and its impacts, through responsible planning and collaboration in the best interests of our community,” Mayor Smith said. “Council is serious about reducing emissions, energy efficiency, resilience planning and infrastructure protection and planning,” she said.
“This draft policy provides us with a clear pathway to become more resilient to climate change.”
“I strongly encourage the community to complete this short survey and register interest in working with Council to discuss planning for impacts of climate change, so we can collaboratively work towards building a vibrant and sustainable Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said. The survey will also give the community the opportunity to register their interest in the workshop series, commencing in February, 2019, to discuss the draft Climate Change Policy.
The survey is available at yourvoiceourcoast.com and will close on December 7. Source: Media release, Nov 12 Central Coast Council media