Council puts environmental sustainability up for discussion

Published on 30 August 2021

Kempsey Shire Council has taken an important step towards preparing for changing climate with the adoption of a key engagement tool in the creation of a Sustainability and Resilience Strategy.

A Discussion Guide for Sustainability and Resilience has been produced which aims to start a conversation with the community. Taking into account a challenging future with increasing environmental pressures the Guide will be used to establish a path to improve environmental sustainability in our Shire.

In considering the guide at the August ordinary meeting, Councillors highlighted the need for a strong community engagement process to allow residents to have their say on aspects of environmental sustainability in the Macleay Valley.

Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, said community engagement on this topic is an essential way to ensure all views are discussed and considered on such a pivotal issue.

“Our residents live in and love our natural environment. They have seen the impact of extreme weather events. It is impossible to draft a strategy or act on one without including them in the process,” said Cr Campbell.

“Environmental sustainability is about ensuring quality of life in our valley, while maintaining natural resources to meet the needs for future generations. This is an opportunity to raise awareness and improve sustainability in our homes and our business. As the focus on the environment grows, it’s great that we can do something practical at a local level.”

A series of online workshops will be held from September inviting residents to have their say on sustainability in the Kempsey Shire.

For more information, residents are asked to head to ksc.pub/sustainability, which will outline details including viewing the discussion guide, registering for an online workshop and having their say through a survey.