On behalf of Council, the Environment and Sustainability Reference Group (ESRG) consults with key stakeholders, seeks specialist opinions and enables community participation in environmental sustainability issues, initiatives, policies and strategies.

The group includes two Councillors, community representatives and Council staff and was founded in 2021.

The objectives of the ESRG are as follows:

• Provide a forum for environment and sustainability issues to be reviewed and considered prior to the decision going to Council.
• Assist in the preparation or review of key environmental sustainability strategies and policies.
• Assist in the design and delivery of specific environment and sustainability programs by Council.
• Provide input on issues of environmental sustainability.
• Monitor the progress of Council action and management plans relating to environmental sustainability.
• Provide coordination, liaison and communication with other Council appointed community groups and key external stakeholders.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from community members who would like to join the ESRG.

Applications need to meet the following criteria:

• Live or work in the municipality of Whitehorse.
• Have background knowledge in climate adaptation or mitigation strategies, waste minimisation or circular economy practices, or water conservation techniques.
• Have connections to established community groups.
• Are willing to commit to four meetings per year for a two-year term.

Youth representatives are encouraged to apply.

Read the terms of reference.

For further information please contact Cassie Lukies at 0434 874 443 or Belinda Moody at 0466 556 403. 

Solar electricity generation (PV) panels have been installed on 32 of our buildings, totalling over 230 kW generation capacity. These systems are located on various buildings including childcare centres and libraries. These not only produce energy, but also enable children, their families and other residents to see solar panels in action.

Since 2013, over 8,000 street lights along Council’s minor roads have been upgraded to LED technology. These new globes are up to 80% more energy efficient, require less maintenance and increase lighting quality. As of 2017/18, we have reduced electricity use from street lights by approximately 63.8% and cut our carbon emissions by over 5,386.5 tonnes per year. <right hand panel link to Assets street lighting upgrade page>

Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) helps ensure best practice in sustainable development from the design stage through to construction and operation. We ensure all new and renovated Council buildings include significant ESD features. 

Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change, along with increased population that places greater demand on open space, sporting grounds and leisure facilities presents significant challenges to steadily reducing Council’s water use.

However, Whitehorse City Council has been working to reduce water consumption through a range of water conservation and alternate water source initiatives including:

• installation of water saving and harvesting equipment
• use of water sensitive design principles in capital works projects
• planting of sports fields with dry season grasses and improving irrigation systems
• ongoing investment in water efficiency initiatives for Council buildings
• Ongoing planting of drought tolerant plants in reserves and gardens

Whitehorse City Council is an active member of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA), along with eight other local Governments. EAGA's goal is to respond to the challenges of climate change by working collaboratively on regional programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate regional climate change adaptation. To find out more about Council’s work through EAGA, visit the EAGA website.

Council aims to improve the environment, health and well-being of the community, and promote a sustainable local economy by increasing purchasing of green products to 10% of Council’s total purchasing expenditure.

Whitehorse City Council strongly believes in fair and ethical procurement for our organisation and has made a commitment to purchasing Fairtrade certified products. 

Fairtrade is about better prices, good working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in developing countries. By requiring companies to pay fair prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the most vulnerable producers. With greater financial stability, producers can plan for the future and improve their livelihoods.

Council is recognised as a “Fairtrade Supporting Workplace” by Fairtrade Australia New Zealand. Council offers fairtrade products (such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate) to staff and visitors and procures Fair Trade t-shirts for Council’s annual Spring Festival event.

Find out how you can make a difference by switching to Fair Trade or how you can encourage your workplace to become a “Fairtrade Supporting Workplace” by visiting the Fairtrade Australia New Zealand.

Whitehorse has joined 23 other Councils from across Victoria to push for more sustainable design within planning requirements. On 21 July 2022, a planning scheme amendment was lodged with the State Government, seeking to introduce planning policy that elevates sustainability requirements for new buildings and encourages a move towards net zero carbon development.

Under the proposed changes, new developments would:

• Produce net zero carbon emissions.
• Reduce household bills by making buildings more energy efficient.
• Provide a healthier and more comfortable environment for building occupants.
• Better manage water quality, use and collection.
• Protect and enhance greening and biodiversity.
• Be more resilient to changing climate impacts.

This project is supported by the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). The goal of the project is to better protect the natural environment, reduce resource and energy consumption, and support the health and wellbeing of future occupants.

Whitehorse City Council joined forces with over 170 councils across Australia as it signed up to the Cities Power Partnership in May 2022, to take action on sustainability and climate change.

This free Climate Council program helps member councils to work together to create cleaner cities, a healthier environment and thriving communities.

At the heart of the Cities Power Partnership is connection and knowledge sharing between participating councils. From nation-wide events and webinars by experts, to an active online forum, councils have ample opportunity to work together and learn from one another and industry experts about how best to achieve environmental improvements.

Council has selected five action pledges from the set pledges provided by the Cities Power Partnership, to focus its efforts as part of Council’s involvement in the program. Council’s pledges are:

Renewable Energy

1. Use Council resources to support the uptake of renewable energy.
2. Facilitate large energy users collectively tendering and purchasing renewable energy at a low cost.

Energy Efficiency

3. Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all Council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.

Sustainable Transport

4. Ensure that new developments are designed to maximise public and active transport use, and support electric vehicle uptake.

Work Together and Influence

5. Support the local community to develop capacity and skills to tackle climate change.

To find out more about the program visit the Cities Power Partnership website.