Climate Change

Wingecarribee Shire Council recognises the scientific and government position on climate change. Climate change may manifest as variable and intense weather patterns, such as an increase in average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events, and weather that causes environmental, economic and social harm through drought, flood, bush fire, storm and sea level rises.

We are reducing Council's operational energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as purchasing renewable energy, installing solar panels and upgrading to efficient LED lighting. We also track and report our greenhouse gas emissions, with progress measured each year against the baseline year of 2016 - 2017.

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

The Environment and Climate Strategy, published in 2024, builds on the work of Council and the community to protect, restore and enhance our local environment and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. The strategy has seven focus areas and 49 commitments, which will guide the development of detailed and timebound action plans.

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Climate Change Adaptation Plan

In addition to reducing our energy use, we are implementing our Climate Change Adaptation Plan across Council’s operations and services. Council completed a risk assessment in 2014 and developed a strategy to reduce the organisation’s exposure to risk from climate change impacts. The Plan was updated in 2019.

Climate Change Adaptation Plan Summary(PDF, 337KB)

Community Emissions Action Plan

Through community consultation, Council developed a Community Emissions Action Plan that was adopted in 2024. The plan supports the community in taking meaningful action towards meeting Australia’s net zero climate emissions targets to respond to the climate emergency.

Community Emissions Action Plan