Burnie Council is dedicated to understanding and addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate. We actively work with our community to adapt to its impacts while reducing emissions and energy use. Our efforts aim to foster a transition to a low-carbon lifestyle, raise awareness, and incorporate climate adaptation considerations into everyday decision-making.
Sustainability and Climate Change Management
Key sustainability concepts central to managing climate change include:
- Water conservation
- Smart energy use
- Innovative building design
- Locally sourced, low-impact food
- Waste prevention, minimisation, and reuse
- Low-emission mobility and transport
- Living contentment and wellbeing
Government Support Initiatives
Various government initiatives provide valuable advice, support, and adaptive measures:
National: The National Climate Change Authority offers expert, independent advice on climate change policy to the Australian Government.
State Government: The Tasmanian Climate Change Office leads the State Government’s response to the challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.
Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management: actively assists communities in north-west Tasmania with climate change adaptation through resources such as Climate Change Adaption Fact Sheets and Reports
Council is committed to the following initiatives under the Council Plan 2024-27
Goal 3: Enhance Sustainability and Ecosystem Management
We aim to lead in sustainability, promote clean, green communities, and protect local ecosystems. Our priorities include:
- Carbon Footprint: Assess and set a baseline for carbon neutrality by 2040.
- Waste Reduction: Decrease landfill waste and target illegal dumping.
- Ecosystem Preservation: Support local ecosystems through planting programs and managing invasive species.
- Water Quality: Monitor and address contamination issues.
- Community Engagement: Offer grants, support, and education to help the community care for the environment.
Support for plans and strategies:
- Adapt: Prepare for climate impacts, such as altered rainfall, temperature fluctuations, frosts, and extreme events. Address risks like bushfire, sea-level rise, and coastal vulnerability.
- Act: Reduce emissions, set targets, and promote sustainable living and local initiatives in energy, industry, transport, and waste.
- Capitalize: Explore opportunities arising from climate change and the low-carbon future, such as developing new industries and farming initiatives.
- Economise: Support a low-carbon economy by investing in renewable energy and carbon farming.
Burnie Council and the wider community actively participate in climate change adaptation activities:
Building:
The National Construction Code includes provisions for Energy Efficiency Requirements and natural disaster mitigation.
Flood management:
The Community Flood Resilience Project includes flood mapping and flood studies of major waterways and low-lying areas in Burnie. It informs Council service levels for stormwater management and regular culvert clearing.
Waste management:
Burnie's Waste Strategy(PDF, 1MB) and regional initiatives aim to reduce landfill waste through best practices and national targets.
Environmental Management:
Sustainable water supply management and a Renewable energy action plan to support Council's energy reduction goals
Emergency Management:
The Western Emergency Management Plan, and Tasmania State Emergency Service provide preparedness inforamtion and response support.
Land Use Planning:
The Burnie Settlement Strategy and Tasmanian Planning Scheme account for climate considerations in development and building design.
Community Initiatives:
Several local initiatives help raise awareness and promote sustainable practices: