Silvana Predebon , Environmental Policy Officer Post Paris: a greenhouse emissions reduction target for Macedon Ranges Shire Council . Silvana Predebon , Environmental Policy Officer

Overview Where / What / Who is Macedon Ranges Shire Setting a target - drivers Setting a target - process Setting a target - challenges Next Steps

Macedon Ranges Shire – regional context

Macedon Ranges Shire - settlements

Macedon Ranges Shire - overview Area: almost 50,000 ha (1,747km2) Population at 2015: 45,308 Population at 2036: 64,654 many towns: Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend, several smaller towns Council services: 2 offices, 1 depot, 2 aquatic centres, 2 centres, approx. 100 smaller buildings, 3 transfer stations (no landfill) “environment” work of Council: traditionally on natural environment EXCEPT – 1st regional council to join CCP in 1997

Setting a target - drivers A new environment strategy, adopted 22 June 2016, with 4 key themes, 1 is Climate Change NB: timing wrt Paris Community expectations / advocacy / action on climate change Alignment of stars: assets, audits, streetlights, costs, experience Investment in external service (Planet Footprint): using info / reports from the service to save money and reduce emissions Politics: regional to state to Paris

Setting a target - process Reconcile energy data / Establish baseline emissions profile for council operations Collate info / business cases: audits, streetlights, CVGA solar study Commission a Greenhouse Reduction Pathways Plan: info to follow “Translate” climate change action to work of staff across Council (demonstrate do-ability and benefits for Council) Acknowledge work done to date - maintenance and capital - and potential to further prove value of work to Council Communicate with and within Council and community

Setting a target - challenges Minimising risks around making commitments Responding to rate capping: “spend to save” Politics / Timing: regional / state / Paris Limited capacity within Council: disadvantage and / or advantage Meeting community expectations =>Benefits of setting a target in a considered manner (vs “set a target then work out how to get there”)

Setting a target - process in GRPP Ironbark Sustainability was engaged to develop the plan, staff: Reviewed / Considered: Goals in IPCC 5th Assessment Report (AR5) Climate Change Authority Interim Goals Goals at other Councils (EG: science-based based goal (at Moreland) The opportunities for reduction at Macedon Ranges

Setting a target - process in GRPP Opportunities for reduction modeled on: The energy hierarchy Initial Capital Cost Payback period / return on investment Ongoing Costs Feasibility of actioning Co-benefits (eg: resilience of assets)

Macedon Ranges Environment Strategy To reduce greenhouse emissions from Council’s operations by 25% by 2020-2021, from 2014-2015 baseline year. The Council Plan / Council budget key actions for 2016-2017: Changeover approx. 2000 streetlights to LEDs Install pool covers at 2 aquatic centres Upgrade heating at Kyneton Town Hall NB: adds to recent work re LEDs at Gisborne, design of new buildings AND Develop a Climate Change Action Plan

Next Steps: Mitigation and Adaptation Council Plan 2016-2017: Develop Climate Change Action Plan Future Targets (higher targets? renewable energy targets? checking the science) 2012 Early Adaptation Plan – due for review? – process TBC NB: timing with forthcoming state Climate Change Adaptation Plan vs legislative requirements post 2020 Acknowledge related community climate action eg: Solar Towns, MASH3, Climate Change Grants Explore potential for partnerships with community eg: MRSG

Questions??? Contact Details: Phone: 5421 9679 Email: spredebon@mrsc.vic.gov.au