Councillors resolved at their April 16 meeting to exhibit the strategy and to congratulate the staff involved.

BVSC group manager of planning and environment Andrew Woodley said the strategy identifies the risks the council and the community face from climate change as well as the achievable actions that can be implemented.

“The strategy is predominantly focussed on council’s own operations and integrates risk management, legislated responsibility, greenhouse gas reduction and appropriate adaption strategies,” he said.

“It provides background information and details the range of issues that council faces in being both an effective representative of the community and a corporate entity.

“It also identifies the areas where council will focus its efforts and reduce the impacts of our own operations.

“Four key areas for action are identified in the draft strategy.

“These are: leading the development and implementation of best practice policy and programs, reducing greenhouse emissions and improving operational efficiency, managing hazards and adapting effectively to environmental changes, and building a stronger local economy.

“As part of our strategy to adapt to and plan for climate change we are identifying opportunities to support the community through backing innovation in markets and technologies.”

Mr Woodley said the climate change strategy specifically identified building a resilient local economy as important to long-term sustainability of the shire.

“Through supporting new market opportunities and encouraging the shire in the localised production of goods and services, council can build a resilient community more adept at addressing local and global climate change impacts,” he said.

The Climate Change Strategy is available on the BVSC website.

Copies of the strategy can also be viewed at Council’s Zingel Place office, or through the shire libraries.

Public comment and submissions are invited until Friday, May 23.