Here are some highlights of the WAGA councils’ achievements in 2017. Yes, we want to celebrate them, but we also invite our stakeholders to find out more, ask us more and tell us more. How can we learn from you? How can we help you learn from us? What are the opportunities for working together in 2018?
Brimbank signed an Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) for a 430 kW solar system with a local manufacturer. (Contact Yonis Dawd, Sustainability Projects Officer, YonisD@brimbank.vic.gov.au)
Greater Geelong finalised plans for installation of two electric vehicle charging stations in Central Geelong. (Contact Tina Perfrement, Future Proofing Geelong team, TPerfrement@geelongcity.vic.gov.au)
Hobsons Bay continued to install solar panels on its libraries: 50-90 kW for each library, saving up to 85 per cent of each building’s greenhouse gas emissions. (Contact Patricia Fitzsimons, Coordinator Sustainability, PFitzsimons@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au)
Maribyrnong continued to install solar on all council kindergartens. (Contact Keith Loveridge, Senior Sustainability Officer, Keith.Loveridge@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au)
Melton incorporated the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) into the Council Plan for the first time, including ambitious climate change and energy actions. The Environment Plan aims for zero net GHG emissions by 2040.(Contact Kellie Mills, Sustainability Officer, KelliM@melton.vic.gov.au)
Moonee Valley started ‘Energy$mart Schools’ program, tailoring free energy efficient lighting and solar assessments for schools by reputable providers appointed by Council. (Contact Steve Tierney, Senior Sustainability Officer, STierney@mvcc.vic.gov.au)
Moorabool developed a Sustainable Environment Strategy, which is now out for community consultation. (Contact Justin Horne, Environmental Planning Coordinator, JHorne@moorabool.vic.gov.au)
Wyndham completed bulk changeover of 1000 major road lights to energy efficient luminaires. (Contact Marc Cassanet, Coordinator Environment and Sustainability, Marc.Cassanet@wyndham.vic.gov.au)
In addition, the following regional-scale projects were highlights in 2017:
Solar bulk-buy programs for residents – and, in some municipalities, businesses – through Positive Charge (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, Wyndham)
Environmental Upgrade Agreement programs (Brimbank, Greater Geelong, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham)
Energy$mart for businesses – appointment and promotion of preferred providers for commercial solar and energy efficient lights (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley, Wyndham)
Carpool the West – carpool scheme for staff and students (Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, Wyndham and other organisations)
P.S. Those Christmas lights in the photo above are solar-powered, of course! Have a great holiday and see you in 2018.
