Greater Taree City Council
Greater Taree City Council has acknowledged the importance of combating the global issue of climate change at the local level by participating in the CCP program. While Council has only recently embarked on the program, it has already seen the value of the program in helping Councils provide a leadership role within the community by not only encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but by saving money too.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
- Council has implemented BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) which is the compulsory building construction assessment index for new residential homes in New South Wales-anything from air conditioning to double glazing is assessed at the development application stage.
- Council has also implemented Energy Smart Homes Policy, and has also actively promoted NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) which is a performance based rating system for existing buildings on the basis of its measured operational impacts on the environment.
- Climate Change Education Program targeting local schools and parent groups.
- In the process of developing a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Program for local businesses in partnership with a local community group - 'Climate Change Australia'.
- Media releases in local paper and radio.
Travel
- Council has reviewed its Vehicle Fleet Policy to incorporate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as purchasing low fuel consumption cars.
- Council requires sustainable transport options to be explored during the preparation of Local Environmental Studies for large re-zonings.
- Staged development of a cycle path alongside the river which runs through the city of Taree.
- Promoting a link on Council's website to carpoolworld.com.
Corporate
- Staff participation in an Easy Being Green campaign receiving free climate change starter packs.
- Energy Audit being organised for Council's Administration Building and Aquatic Centre.
- Installation of an Energy Correction Unit and Eco-save Controllers at the Administration Building and Energy Star Program installed on all computers.
- Office Recycling.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- Council's Aquatic Centre is a major energy user, so we will be looking at options - following the energy audit - to reduce energy consumption within the facility.
More information
Contact: Tanya Cross, Natural Environment Planner
Web Address: www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au
Updated: April 2007
CCP Facts
State: New South Wales
Date joined: 2006
Current Milestone:
Milestone 2