Council Seeks Public Feedback for Climate Change Resilience Plan

Published on 10 March 2023

Cessnock City Council has taken a significant step towards achieving its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 by developing a draft Climate Change Resilience Plan.

The proposed Plan has been separated into two areas: Climate Resilient Council and Climate Resilient Cessnock. The first focuses on sustainable practices within council operations, while the latter will assist the community in transitioning to low-carbon options.

The draft Plan was developed following community engagement in early 2022, including an online survey and two workshops with community members. Mayor Jay Suvaal said, "This plan is not only good for the environment, but good for Council’s operations and budget with projected savings of $1M over the four-year plan. These savings will only increase as we move towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”

“The draft Plan also assists in protecting and enhancing our natural environment through climate change action and building disaster resilience, a key objective of the Cessnock Community Strategic Plan 2036." Suvaal said.

The public exhibition of the proposed Plan will run from 13 March 2023 to 14 April 2023, during which time members of the community can view the document and make submissions via the council website or in person at a range of face-to-face sessions.

Mayor Suvaal encouraged the community to participate in the exhibition and have their say on the draft Plan. "We want to hear from as many people as possible, and the feedback received will help inform the final Plan. It is important that we work together to create a sustainable and resilient future for our community," Mayor Suvaal said.

The face-to-face sessions will be held at various locations throughout the city, including Branxton, Cessnock, and Kurri Kurri. The draft Plan can also be viewed and submissions made online at https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/climate-change-resilience-plan