On Tuesday 25 August 2020, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council (MPS) unanimously adopted its ambitious Climate Emergency Plan – Ensuring Our Future: Our Climate Emergency Response, the sixth Climate Emergency Plan developed and adopted by an Australian local government.
Mornington Peninsula Shire was the 34th Council in Australia to declare a Climate Emergency. There are now 96 Australian Councils that have also declared a climate emergency.
According to Mayor Cr Sam Hearn, the journey to establishing this Plan has meant confronting stark realities, but in doing so has allowed them to construct a long-term community-driven Plan.
“The need to act to stop climate change and create a better future story is more urgent than ever,” said Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Hearn.
“Since the declaration, we’ve talked with our community; listened to concerns, gathered ideas and nutted out how we can collaborate to build a better future. Along the way, we have encountered a stark reminder that we are all connected and our current and future well-being is collective”.
Mornington Peninsula Shire, home to around 164,000 people, is located south-east of Melbourne covering an area of 723km2 and is both a member of ICLEI and a signatory to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy.
This Climate Emergency Plan will guide the Peninsula towards zero carbon emissions by 2040. Actions are described in what the Shire calls the ‘Seven Summits’ (below).
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leadership and governance
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climate advocacy
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zero carbon energy
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a resilient and adaptive community
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sustainable transport and travel
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sustainable land use and environmental restoration
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circular economy and zero waste.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is now focused on achieving the targets of this Plan and have accelerated many projects based on the climate emergency declaration, including:
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Incorporating environmentally sustainable design in the planning scheme.
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Three significant recycled water projects have progressed to support agricultural growth and drought proofing of the Peninsula.
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The Beyond Zero Waste Strategy was also adopted on 25 August 2020.
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The Shire’s economic stimulus projects are being aligned to climate emergency objectives, including the creation of tree-lined footpaths.
Media release: 28 August 2020, Council ensuring the Peninsula’s future – our Climate Emergency Plan