Sustainability and climate change

Our actions over the last 10 years or more show that we  take climate change seriously, and we have included climate change actions in our day to day business processes.

Here are some of the things we are doing:

  • participation in the Regional Climate Change Initiative with Southern Tasmanian councils, includes the development of a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
  • consumer energy efficiency schemes (e.g. bulk purchase offers)
  • development of a community emission profile for Glenorchy, coastal knowledge project, regional coastal hazards strategy (in progress), regional climate strategy and climate change action plan (in progress – and in partnership with the University of Tasmania)
  • participation in the Hobart City Deal, including securing commitment to a public transport solution along the former rail corridor within 5 to 10 years
  • participation in LGAT – local government peak body
  • participation in the Derwent Estuary Program – water quality issues
  • participation in the Wellington Park Management Trust – habitat protection and bushfire mitigation

  • implementation of a Food Organic Garden Organic (FOGO) service to divert organic waste from landfill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • landfill gas extraction and green energy generation
  • recycling
  • adoption of a sustainable model for landfill extension, including leachate management

  • flood and stormwater modelling
  • investment in stormwater capacity upgrades as part of the ongoing capital works program
  • installation of proven flood mitigation measures in Derwent Park
  • use of gross pollutant traps to reduce nutrient levels in the River Derwent

  • use of recycled material in road base and road seals
  • footpath construction now concrete to reduce urban heat island effect
  • conversion of streetlighting to LED to halve energy consumption
  • encouragement of sustainable transport through construction, maintenance and extension of our pedestrian and bicycle networks
  • pathway, tracks and trails project

  • bushfire mitigation using a carefully-planned mosaic burn approach

  • sustainable building design – with new council buildings prioritising solar energy capture and energy efficient design
  • undertaking a water efficiency audit for major Council buildings
  • foreshore rehabilitation planting
  • sea wall repair project
  • tree plantings at Wilkinsons Point and Lutana Woodlands

  • planning scheme rules that encourage people to live closer to services, access sustainable transport and minimise exposure to natural and climate-change induced hazards
  • building control energy efficiency measures
  • stormwater runoff management policy requiring on-site stormwater detention measures
  • water sensitive urban design