‘Focus on local issues’: Wagga Council net zero corporate strategy has business community concerned

Wagga City Council will vote on a corporate net zero emissions strategy at Monday night’s council meeting in a bid to boost sustainability in the local business community. But not everyone is on board.

Wagga City Council will push for a new corporate net zero emissions strategy in a bid to boost sustainability in the local business community.

Councillors are set to discuss the issue at Monday night’s meeting.

At council’s April 11 meeting, councillors voted to put the draft report out for community consultation, with 11 submissions received.

The council report for tonight’s meeting recommends adoption of the Wagga Wagga City Council Corporate NZE 2040 Strategy.

However the proposal has received mixed response in the business community, with high profile developer Manuel Donebus among those concerned it would cause more issues in the development space in Wagga.

“I don’t understand how you can do this. I am all for a climate strategy, especially for net zero emissions, but it will be hard in the development space,” Mr Donebus said.

High profile developer Manuel Donebus has concerns about a corporate net emissions target. Picture: Salvestro Planning

“As I understand lease premises come at increased cost with the extra policies we may have to apply, and how we can keep emissions in the construction sector down?

“We already face developer’s issues at the state and federal space.”

Another critic of the council plan is long-time owner of Wagga’s Meccanico Espresso and Wine Bar, Richard Moffatt, who said he doesn’t want any more red tape to impact his business.

“It’s disappointing because as a business owner, how can we compete in this climate? I think the council needs to focus on local issues and allow the state and federal government to focus on issues regarding net zero emissions,” Mr Moffatt said.

Wagga’s Meccanico Espresso and Wine Bar Richard Moffatt says business doesn’t need any more red tape. Picture Brad Newman

“We already have a lot of red tape to add on. It is frustrating,” he said.

The council papers reveal that the Corporate Net Zero Emissions 2040 Strategy was developed to be “as close to cost neutral as possible through utilising existing funding sources and upcoming grant programs”.

“There are numerous federal and state government grant opportunities currently and proposed in the future to drive change in key focus areas and meet the Government’s NZE targets,” the papers state.

“... These grants should be pursued to supplement the existing funding that council has available in the following areas: Solid Waste Reserve, $20.61M (landfill emissions); Sewer Reserve, $27.78M (wastewater emission; Plant Replacement Reserve, $2.45M (fleet emissions); and NZE Reserve, $150k (electricity emissions and carbon offsets).”

Councillor Richard Foley believes there will be robust debate on the issue at Monday night’s meeting but said he believed council could find a way to keep business happy while at the same time making sure Wagga could be environmentally friendly.

“I do not have a anti climate change agenda , but I will bring a range of options to the table discussing this issue as I think need a more realistic plan,” Mr Foley said.

Cr Richard Foley revealed there could be a difference of opinion on this issue in the upcoming agenda. Picture: Patrick Morrow

Mr Foley did not reveal if he would support the motion.

Also on the meeting agenda tonight, there will be a discussion of a cafe development in Turvey Park, plus a community strategy plan and land rezoning at Gregadoo Rd.

The Wagga City Council meeting starts at 6pm on Monday and will be held at the council chambers.