Murrumbidgee Shire Council
Murrumbidge Shire Council is a relatively small rural Council, but is leading the way in recognising the impacts it has on the environment in regards to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As such, we have worked consistently over recent years to improve the energy efficiency of our own operations through infrastructure upgrades and staff training, via the strategic framework provided by the Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Australia program. As we near completion of Milestone 5 of the CCP program, we will continue to identify and improve on efficiency issues in our own properties and operations, and intend to play a greater role in influencing our community to bring about greenhouse gas abatement at a regional level.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
- We are a very small rural Council, so are working as part of a Regional Organisation of Councils (RIVROC) to raise awareness of energy issues across the western Riverina. This includes:
- promotions
- media releases and newsletters
- liaison with local suppliers to improve access to energy efficiency-related goods and services.
Travel
- We are yet to tackle the travel issue to a great extent. We have good fleet management and monitoring systems in place to advise us of any inefficiencies in our fleet.
- In terms of community travel, being a relatively remote rural Council leaves us with few options in regards to sustainable travel, although we are working with other RIVROC/CCP Councils in the area to improve public awareness over issues such as efficient driving, and the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.
Corporate
- We have been focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations through implemetation of a number of infrastructure upgrade projects, including:
- retrofitting all flurorescent lighting in all our properties to single triphosphor tubes with specualr reflectors
- installation of timers and sensors to control lighting
- implementation of an energy awareness campaign to make staff take ownership of their own energy 'impacts', which will ultimately entrench energy management as a routine part of Council operations.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- We plan to consolidate on the infrastructure work completed to date with futher infrastructure upgrades of properties.
- We will also be looking to engage with the community more to continue to raise awareness of energy issues.
More information
Contact: Sue Mitchell, Manager Finance & Administration
Web Address: www.murrumbidgeeshire.com.au
Updated: March 2006
CCP Facts
State: New South Wales
Date joined:
2001
Current Milestone:
Milestone 5