A zero-emissions shire

Council is committed to reducing our operational greenhouse gas emissions and reaching ‘net zero’ emissions by 2025.

We're doing this through a number of projects and initiatives.

We use 100% renewable electricity

• Council operations (buildings and lighting) are powered by 100% renewable electricity
• Street lighting has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED
• Community electric vehicle chargers have been installed in Castlemaine and Harcourt, and an overnight charger has been installed in the Castlemaine Civic Centre car park

We're working on a fleet of electric vehicles

• We're in the process of developing an Electric Vehicle Transition Plan for the Council fleet, and have purchased our first electric vehicle in 2022, a Nissan Leaf

We're capping the Castlemaine Landfill

• The Castlemaine Landfill has been capped, with locally sourced recycled concrete and green waste used in this process
• Gas flaring infrastructure has been installed to reduce greenhouse emissions
• Our Waste Management Strategy 2023 - 2033 identifies opportunities to reduce community waste, and divert high-emissions resources, such as food scraps and garden waste

We're working with local groups

• We have Memorandums of Understanding with The Hub Foundation and Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
• We support the Wararack zero-net emissions work, and look for opportunities to support many other local groups where our plans and strategies align
• These groups provide opportunities for residents to proactively get involved in climate action

We're looking for new opportunities

• We're looking for opportunities to offset operational greenhouse emissions locally, which will provide jobs and positive biodiversity outcomes

We're making changes moving forward

• When procuring major plant equipment, we'll be looking at higher emission controls and improved fuel efficiency
• When upgrading our tools for outdoor workers, we choose electric over diesel or petrol -powered where possible

We're looking at low-emissions products

• Where possible, we're looking for opportunities to trial low-emissions products
• This includes recycled asphalt, old car tyres, recycled concrete, and using recycled and treated water for road construction and dust suppression

We're upgrading our community facilities

• We've upgraded lighting at a range of recreation sites
• We've installed water harvesting and have increased natural light where possible
• We maintain the solar arrays on Council buildings and we're gradually upgrading old gas appliances to energy efficient electric options. A recent audit of all Council-owned buildings has helped the team to identify priorities for environmental upgrades

We're working on a Walking and Cycling Strategy

• Our Walking and Cycling Strategy is currently under review
• The review aims to increase active transport, reducing our reliance on fossil fuel powered transport

We're using environmentally sustainable design

• Environmentally sustainable design elements will inform future Council buildings
• Opportunities are being sought to implement our Integrated Water Management Plan