Calling all climate change-makers!

Published on 29 January 2024

Bike with Climate change sign

Mount Alexander Shire Council is calling on residents to share how they’re taking action on climate change.

Residents are being invited to tell their climate change-making story by uploading a short description and photograph of their efforts at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Council will collect these stories, and for the month of April will blitz local print, radio and social media with all the ways the community are taking action on climate change.

“We want to share the community’s great work and encourage others to take action themselves,” said Emma Richardson, Council’s Acting Climate Change Coordinator.

“We’re looking for stories of projects – big or small – that promote sustainability.

“Some examples of initiatives could include those that are water-wise, support upcycling, advocate for climate justice, support biodiversity, use resources responsibly, are renewable, and much more.”

“By sharing your successes, you’ll inspire others and potentially encourage them to try something new,” said Emma.

The initiative is an action from Council’s Climate Change Strategy, which was adopted in June 2023.

The strategy sets the direction for Council’s climate action now, and into the future, and was informed by extensive community feedback.

“During the month-long campaign we will also be sharing all the ways Council is taking climate action,” said Emma.

Some of these actions include:

  • Committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2025
  • Achieving 100% renewable electricity for Council operations
  • Upgrading street lights to low-energy LEDs across the shire
  • Start the transition to an electric fleet
  • Capped the Castlemaine landfill
  • Advocated for an increase in energy efficient standards for new homes through the National Construction Code
  • Participating in the Elevating Environmentally Sustainable Development Targets Planning Policy

Share what you’re doing to reduce your environmental footprint at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au before 29 February, and get ready for a climate change-making takeover in April 2024!