Noosa Council
By continuing to advance through the CCP™ program, Noosa Council has shown a strong commitment to achieving sustainability at a grass roots level. With many more sustainability measures yet to be quantified and those proposed to be implemented, Noosa Council is playing its part to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
A word from the Mayor
Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Community
- Since 2003 engaged heavily through the SEQROC Network in the development of a Sustainable Housing Code for the SEQ Region.
- Since 2003 ensured that energy and water efficiency provisions for residential and business uses are incorporated into Noosa’s Planning Scheme.
- Since 2003 provided the ‘Your Home’ booklet and other energy reduction publications to the community at its customer service counters.
- Since 2004 funded a community education program ‘Living Smart’ aimed at raising awareness about sustainability issues through an annual award presentation for sustainable commercial, industrial and residential design, web based information portal, regular articles in the local newspapers, and the production of a kids recycling calendar and teacher resources for school education on sustainable living.
- Increased the proportion of the community waste stream recycled from 7.9 per cent in 2000 to 32.7 per cent in 2004, through expanding the recycling service, increasing the number of products able to be recycled under the Kerbside Recycle Program, and introduction of fee structures for segregated and non-segregated waste.
- Since 2004 provided information to the community through its quarterly newsletter about climate change and ways the community can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Travel
- Noosa Council has employed a Travel Demand Management Officer on a permanent basis to manage Travel Behavior Change Projects.
- Since 2004 provided on its website information on getting around the Shire by either walking or cycling or using public transport.
- Council is undertaking three TravelSmart Schools Programs and a TravelSmart Workplace Project in 2005/06.
- Council is undertaking an extensive road corridor improvement program to provide better on road cycling and pedestrian facilities along all arterial roads, forming a connected network of on-road cycle lanes and is retrofitting all major roundabouts along identified cycle routes to improve safety and amenity for cyclists.
- Council operates a free holiday bus program to reduce congestion in peak holiday periods within the coastal corridor of Noosa Heads and Tewantin.
- Council has developed a Cycling and Walking Strategy and is finalising a Community Transport Plan and Integrated Local Transport Plan.
Corporate
- Between 2001 and 2003 trialled the use of two LPG vehicles in place of petrol alternatives.
- In 2003 upgraded lighting infrastructure for five key Council buildings.
- Over 2003/2004 upgraded Council computers to more energy efficient types.
- Since 2003 developed partnerships with EPA, and local waste collection company Cleanaway to implement a biodiesel Trial. The Trial officially started in May 2005. The Trial will aim to help Project Partners make decisions about the suitability of substituting B20 (fuel blend of 20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent fossil diesel) for fossil diesel within their respective vehicle fleets.
- In 2004 installed timers on hot water boilers used in the Administration Building.
- In 2004 adopted a procedure whereby all printer cartridges both laser and bubble jet are recycled, and all computer hardware is either resold or recycled.
- In 2004/2005 undertook detailed studies into a number of energy efficient upgrades for its building assets (Administration Building and Library air conditioning plant, and hot water systems of its caravan parks and the Aquatic Centre). Council has approved these upgrades and is in the process of implementing them.
- In 2005 commenced analysing its passenger vehicle fleet with a view to downsize where possible as well as integrate the use of hybrid vehicles.
- In 2005 commenced work on a project to incorporate environmental and sustainability considerations into Council's decision-making processes. Also commenced establishing sustainability indicators for all corporate themes under Council’s Corporate Plan.
- In 2005 commenced trialling the use of 100 per cent recycled photocopy and printer paper.
- In 2005 formed an internal Working Group to establish a transparent framework and opportunities for key staff to engage in and provide input to achieving improved sustainability of Council operations.
- In 2005 through the Greenhouse and Energy Network Professional Officers Group of SEQROC commenced discussions with ENERGEX with a view to upgrade street lighting assets across the region to be more energy efficient as well as qualify for inclusion in the contestable market.
- In 2005 resolved that Noosa’s Water and Sewerage Section would purchase enough greenpower from 2006 onwards to offset the sections increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000.
- In 2005 employed a Cities for Climate Protection Officer on a permanent basis to develop and manage greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.
Future greenhouse abatement actions
- Continue to investigate upgrades that will make building assets more energy and water efficient.
- Substitute, if proven suitable, biodiesel (B20) for fossil diesel across its vehicle fleet.
- Investigate the potential for Noosa’s Landfill to produce electricity.
- Commit $300,000 to undertake a Communities Travel Program in 2006/07.
- Undertake a more detailed assessment of the viability for development of micro-hydro power within water and sewerage infrastructure.
- Undertake a detailed study into the potential for production of electricity and local agricultural products from Biosolids collected from the Sewage Treatment Plants of Noosa Council, Maroochy Shire Council, Caloundra City Council, and Caboolture Shire Council.
- Commit a minimum of 25 per cent of annualised savings made by entering into the contestable electricity market and tariff review to a revolving energy efficiency funding program to purchase ‘Green Power’ and fund future energy efficiency upgrades to Council assets.
- Continue to use its media channels to promote sustainable practices to the public.
- Develop a program to encourage Businesses within Noosa Shire to become more water, energy and waste wise.
- Continue to investigate mechanisms by which it can establish within the Shire a permanent and/or temporary Sustainable Display Centre/ House.
- Continue to support the community education program ‘Living Smart’ which aims to raise awareness about sustainability issues within the community.
More information
Contact: Kamal Singh
Cities for Climate Protection Officer
Noosa Council
Ph: (07) 5449 5130
Fax: (07) 5447 1062
Address: PO BOX 141 Tewantin Q 4565
Web Address: www.noosa.qld.gov.au
Updated: December 2005
CCP Facts
State: Queensland
Date joined:
April 2001
Current Milestone:
CCP Plus