In October last year, Council decided to develop a Climate Change & Sustainability Strategy, which will update and replace our current Climate Change Policy and Climate Resilience Plan.
The first step in this work is to have a korero (chat) with the community, so you know what we're doing, why we're doing it and so your feedback can help shape the draft strategy as we're writing it.
We encourage you to read through the information provided below and have your say before submissions close on Sunday 23 February.
Climate change response is essential local government work – Council has a wide range of activities and infrastructure that can impact, or are impacted by, climate change.
This includes important areas such as our roading and water infrastructure, Civil Defence Emergency Management, where we consent new housing and how we handle household waste.
Council also has a range of statutory duties, in terms of climate change.
Additionally, our Climate Change Policy and Climate Resilience Plan were both due for review. This is an opportunity for us to combine this closely related work into one comprehensive strategy, while also incorporating sustainability and linking to the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan.
What changes, if any, do we need to make to these? Let us know in the online feedback form.
A continuous supply of quality water is essential for all life, and we need to maintain security of supply to meet the needs of the community. This priority area may include sustainable and climate resilient water services infrastructure, and seeking improvement of the water quality of the district’s water bodies (e.g. Ōtūwharekai Lakes, Ashburton Domain Pond etc).
Most of the things we buy and consume produce some form of waste. This not only costs money when we throw things away but, if we don’t manage the waste properly, it can cause environmental problems and can have a negative effect on the health and wellbeing of our community. This priority area will focus around how we can minimise waste and manage our waste more sustainably.
(e.g. Biodiversity enhancement and restoration)
Our natural environment and biodiversity play a critical role in maintaining a healthy, well-functioning society. This priority area links to our Biodiversity Strategy 2024 and our ongoing work in this space.
Emitting greenhouse gases is a key indicator of unsustainable practice. Reducing emissions is the right thing for Council to do as a community leader, but it also makes good business sense. This priority area will cover emissions reduction and our ongoing work on energy management.
Being resilient, adaptable and inclusive are key foundations of a stable society. This priority area will focus on working alongside the community on climate and sustainability through effective communication, education, resourcing, and promotion of sustainable actions and preparedness. It would also include Council investment in climate resilient and sustainable infrastructure and services.
As a starting point for this new strategy, we've borrowed the principles from in our current Climate Change Policy and Climate Resilience Plan.
What changes, if any, do we need to make to these? Let us know in the online feedback form.
By way of comparison – the Canterbury Climate Partnership Plan has eight principles: - Treaty-based, Solutions focused, Collaborative, Inclusive, Equitable, Informed, Intergenerational & Bold. These have clear overlaps with many of the principles in our current policy.
Council shares in a collective duty of care to safeguard the natural environment. Policies and decisions on climate change need to be flexible and enabling to allow for local decisions and empower organisations and individuals to reduce emissions.
Council will think and act with the long-term in mind to provide clear and consistent plans towards a low emissions economy.
Council will consider the needs of the most vulnerable and those without a voice – including future generations – as it responds to climate change. This includes recognising and advocating for the needs of communities and individuals disproportionately affected by climate change.
Council will use the best available information to understand the potential impacts of climate change and available options for responding to those impacts – including their costs and benefits. Council will make this information available to engage in meaningful conversations with communities.
Wherever practicable, Council will work co-operatively and collaboratively with partner organisations and communities in the District. Council will also strive to ensure greater alignment and integration of its activities relating to climate change.
Some impacts of climate change are already inevitable. Council will work with communities and businesses to improve their understanding of climate change risks and what they can do to avoid and mitigate climate change risk so that they can continue to thrive.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 03-307 7700 |
|---|---|
| info@adc.govt.nz | |
| Website | www.ashburtondc.govt.nz |
| In writing | 2 Baring Square East, Ashburton 7700 |
