The Northern Beaches is particularly vulnerable to impacts associated with climate change which are likely to increase in future years according to the NSW State Disaster Mitigation Plan.
Council has delivered numerous initiatives to reduce the contribution to, and the impacts of, climate change. Building on this work, Council has drafted a new Climate Change Policy that will guide how it manages climate change risks and continues to reduce emissions on the Northern Beaches. Council is now seeking feedback from the community on the draft Policy.
The risks include increasingly severe and complex impacts associated with coastal hazards and flooding, and more frequent extreme weather, bush fires, high winds, heatwaves and drought.
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Council is committed to doing its part to reduce emissions on the Northern Beaches, but importantly also focusing on building community resilience to these impacts.
“Such impacts can go beyond these physical hazards, creating challenges and driving changes across the community, natural environment and economy,” Mayor Heins said.
“Recent bush fire, storm and flooding events have directly impacted the local Northern Beaches community, through property damage and increased clean-up, repair and insurance costs, as well as causing stress, fatigue and uncertainty.
“We want to ensure that we’re not just reducing emissions, but importantly we’re adapting to projected climate change and building community resilience.
“This requires preparedness for both Council and the community and we welcome feedback from our community on the draft policy” Mayor Heins said.
The draft Policy aims to:
- ensure that mitigative and adaptive action in response to climate change is incorporated into strategic and resourcing plans, across the management and operation of Council’s assets, functions and services and through Council’s systems and frameworks
- ensure that greenhouse gas emission targets remain current, that appropriate action is being taken, along with relevant monitoring for Council operations and the community
- define the range of emission scenarios that are to be included when managing Council’s assets and services and when developing studies, management plans and in land use planning
- identify and manage climate change risks throughout Council’s systems and frameworks
- work with community and stakeholders to reduce emissions, address climate risks and enhance resilience
- consider options for existing development and land uses that may be impacted by future climate change
- advocate for action to reduce the causes, risks and impacts of climate change.
The draft Climate Change Policy has been prepared to update and replace the current policies and guide the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation action across Council’s assets, functions and services.
The policy will be on exhibition from Friday 23 May to 22 June. For more information and to have your say visit: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.
Media contact: 0481 907 545, media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au