The Surf Coast Shire has set a deadline to achieve zero emissions by 2030

An ambitious zero emissions goal has been set for Surf Coast Shire, however one key operation will be excluded from the target. Here’s why.

The Surf Coast Shire has set itself an ambitious goal to achieve zero emissions by June 30, 2030 on all operations excluding the Anglesea landfill.

During its April 26 meeting, council resolved to update its existing Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan to lock in a road map designed to achieve the reduction by its goal date in 2030.

Mayor Libby Stapleton said council had already commenced work towards achieving this goal.

“These actions will build on significant steps we have already taken on corporate emissions, including installation of extensive rooftop solar systems with battery storage at Council facilities, purchase of 100 per cent renewable electricity for all Council facilities and street lights, and achieving carbon neutrality by offsetting all our emissions,” she said.

The updated target aligns with International Panel on Climate Change statements which reveals major cuts in emissions will be required within this decade to maintain global temperatures.

Anglesea Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre. Picture: Alan Barber

The Shire revealed it will be unable to eliminate emissions from the Anglesea landfill but is committed to reducing its environmental impact through measures including flaring methane and diverting organic material for recycling.

“Council is proud and excited to be setting this target and in doing so strengthening our commitment to targeted actions as part of our Climate Emergency response,” she said.

“We are moving away from the use of gas at facilities by doing things like replacing gas hot water with electric systems powered by renewables.

“All of Council’s light vehicles are scheduled to be electric by 2028 and we are targeting 2030 for the remainder including trucks and excavators.”

With rapidly evolving technology, Cr Stapleton said there is exciting emissions reduction possibilities during the next eight years.

“Our road map commits us to reducing corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 1500 tonnes a year by 2030,” she said.

“Climate Emergency demands decisive action and we are proud to commit to ‘Zero 2030’.”

Council will continue to update its emissions reduction road map to allow for better analysis of emerging opportunities.

Originally published as The Surf Coast Shire has set a deadline to achieve zero emissions by 2030