Collective action driving Environmental Sustainability

Published on 14 September 2021

Councillor Donna Kirkland.JPG

Want to know what Rockhampton Regional Council is doing to create a more sustainable future for the Rockhampton Region?

The Environmental Sustainability Strategy Year in Review Report (financial year 2020-21) has just been endorsed, outlining some significant outcomes for our Region.

Water and Environmental Sustainability Councillor Donna Kirkland is proud to share these achievements and said it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to take care of our environment so that our environment can continue to take care of us, both now and into the future.

“We certainly have come a long way since our Environmental Sustainability Strategy was adopted in 2018 and our progress this past year is no exception, however we know we still have a long but exciting journey ahead,” Cr Kirkland said.

“This Report highlights the key actions Council is taking to protect, maintain and enhance our natural environment, empower our community to live more sustainably, encourage sustainable industry and infrastructure and continue to improve Council’s own environment and sustainability performance.

“This year, we have embraced the challenges of tackling complex challenges such as water security and transitioning towards zero waste, whilst also progressing renewable energy projects and delivered a range of programs to support our community.

“I’m very proud to see Council continuing to strengthen our strategic partnerships with government, industry, business, key local groups and our community. Working collaboratively is key to support the liveability and continued prosperity of our Region.

 “I am committed to continuing to advocate for practical, innovative and sustainable solutions across all levels of government and to working with our local residents and community partners to foster sustainable behaviour within our community – what we do at a local level makes a difference.

“I look forward to sharing many more highlights as we continue our journey in the years ahead.”

Some of the key highlights from the 2020-21 report include:

  • Transitioning towards renewable energy, commencing construction of over 2500KW of solar systems at key Council facilities.
  • Creating new local economic opportunities by positioning the Rockhampton Region as a Renewable Energy Hub and delivering key outcomes as part of the Advancing Mount Morgan and Rockhampton Recreational Fishing Development Strategies.
  • Taking action to improve water security by completing construction of the South Rockhampton Recycled Water Scheme, finalising detailed design to increase the height of the Fitzroy River Barrage water storage and exploring the feasibility of a range of water supply options for Mount Morgan.
  • Furthering the Region’s transition towards zero waste by preparing to trial food organics and garden organics collection and local polystyrene processing facilities.
  • Collaborating as part of a number of strategic groups including the Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program, Reef Guardian Council program, the Fitzroy Partnership for River Health, the Fitzroy Basin Working Group and Local Disaster Management Group.
  • Progressing a range of initiatives designed to protect, maintain and enhance our natural assets through implementation of Council’s Natural Resource Management (NRM) program, Biosecurity Plan and targeted canopy cover improvements.
  • Fostering sustainable behaviours within our community through a range of programs including Bringing Nature Back, Living Sustainably, Recycling Hero Schools, Illegal Dumping Hotspots, Plastic Free CQ and Environment and Sustainability Scheme grants.
  • Being recognised for its sustainability efforts with the Rockhampton Region crowned Queensland’s overall winner in the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities Tidy Towns Awards 2020.

Read more about these highlights here

Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, adopted in 2018, provides the vision, shared objectives and pathways to advance sustainability across the Region. A ‘Year in Review’ report highlighting key achievements against the strategy is released annually.

For more information on how Council is progressing environmental sustainability and how you can get involved click here