Our Climate Emergency Response

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The Shire recognises the climate emergency presents an unprecedented challenge to the Peninsula’s community. We need to all work together to curb emissions and stay under 1.50C.

Our Climate Emergency Plan provides clear priorities for how we will support and work with our community.

We are all part of the solution to stop climate change. We each have to be responders to this emergency. Climate change affects each of our lives and it touches all aspects of life.

There are many ways to take climate action and live sustainably on the Peninsula.

The Shire is keen to support our community, businesses, schools and organisations to take action and join collectively on initiatives that will help us reach net zero emissions by 2040 and create a clean, green future for all.

Learn more about how the ’Seven Summits’ of our Climate Emergency Plan will guide the Peninsula towards zero carbon emissions by 2040.

To see our progress to date, check out our Climate Emergency Plan Progress Report 2021(PDF, 899KB)

We are delighted to announce that the Shire's Climate Emergency Plan won the Cities Power Partnership Award in the Ambition category in November 2021.  These awards recognise outstanding council-led initiatives from around the country.  Find out more about the awards here or find out more about the Plan in this Case Study

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All local governments have a role to play in managing the impacts of climate change on our communities.  It is in fact a legal obligation for local governments to address climate change under the Local Government Act 2020 (Vic) and the Climate Change Act 2017 (Vic).  For more details on the legal responsibilities of local government in acting on climate change refer to this report on Local Government Climate Change Adaptation Roles and Responsibilities under Victorian legislation

To find out more about climate change, watch a recent webinar we hosted with presenters Dr Linden Ashcroft of Melbourne University, Daniel Pleiter from SECCA and Mayor Despi O'Connor: Climate Change - what is it and what can we do about it?

Stay up to date: Subscribe to our Quarterly Climate Emergency email bulletin

What business, schools and community can do about climate change

There are many ways to take climate action and live sustainably on the Mornington Peninsula.

  • Climate advocacy - we’re committed to amplifying our community’s voice on critical issues to address the climate emergency. If you or your organisation are keen to discuss potential shared advocacy goals, get in touch.
  • Reduce your emissions – our Save Energy page has information on how to reduce your energy costs and carbon emissions, including up to date information on the latest financial incentives.
  • Get educated – the Shire operates an Eco Living Display Centre at the Briars, school environmental education programs and ongoing events and workshops.
  • Get prepared – Visit our page Get Prepared for Climate Change page to learn more about what the impacts of climate change will be on the Peninsula and how you can prepare.
  • Choose sustainable transport options – transport is a large driver of carbon emissions. To reduce your impact on the environment, walk, car pool or ride a bike when possible.
  • Shop local and ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ – shopping local reduces transport emissions, as does reducing what we consume and the waste we produce. These are key elements of the circular economy. Learn more on the Our Waste Future page.
  • Get your business involved – whether your business is big or small, there are things you can do to fight climate change, reduce operating costs and build your reputation as a socially responsible business. Learn more about what businesses can do for climate change.
  • Get your school involved – encourage them to join our environmental education program and the Peninsula Teachers Environment Network.
  • Get involved with a local community organisation – Visit MPCommunity to see the range of community organisations that you can be involved with, or Volunteering Mornington Peninsula for volunteering opportunities on the Peninsula.

Events and Activities

Projects & Initiatives

 

Strategies & Plans

 

Achievements

Community Renewable Energy

Actions One and Five of our Climate Emergency Response Plan states the Shire will Lead in the Climate Emergency and Mobilise and Strengthen Community Action.

Delivering on this commitment, the Shire funded two workshops with the community hosted by Community Power Agency (CPA) in 2021.  CPA is one of Australia’s leading organisations supporting the development of community and local energy initiatives. 

The workshops were designed to improve our community’s energy literacy, provide relevant advice and support the establishment of a local community renewable energy movement

The Opportunities for Community Energy in MPSC document is an outcome of these CPA guided community workshops and provides Council and the community with a clear guide on renewable energy opportunities that are both feasible and desirable in the Mornington Peninsula context.

Opportunities-for-Community-Energy-in-MPSC.pdf(PDF, 936KB)

 

  

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