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

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

3. Macedon Ranges Shire – regional context

4. Macedon Ranges Shire - settlements

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

9. 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”)

10. 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

11. 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)

12. Macedon Ranges Environment Strategy
To reduce greenhouse emissions from Council’s operations by 25% by , from baseline year.
The Council Plan / Council budget key actions for :
Changeover approx 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

13. Next Steps: Mitigation and Adaptation
Council Plan : 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

14. Questions??? Contact Details: Phone: 5421 9679