Council reviews progress on 2030 Zero Emissions Plan

In Summary

Council has reviewed its 2030 Zero Emissions Plan, following a Notice of Motion adopted at the September 2025 Council Meeting.
The review found Council has exceeded its interim goal of addressing 50 per cent of the Zero Emissions Plan actions within four years, having already completed or commenced 83 per cent.
More than $100,000 in annual electricity cost savings have been achieved through initiatives including the VECO renewable energy contract and energy efficiency upgrades.
Council will now update the Plan to focus on best value actions aligned with the 2025–2029 Council Plan, while reaffirming the 2030 target as achievable with continued investment and collaboration.

The review was undertaken following a Notice of Motion carried at the September 2025 Council Meeting, requesting an assessment of Council’s ability to meet the 2030 target, as well as the financial costs of implementation to date.

The findings show that Council has exceeded its interim goal of addressing 50 per cent of the Zero Emissions Plan actions within four years, with:

16 actions completed (25%)
37 actions in progress (58%)
11 actions not yet commenced (17%)

Since adopting the Zero Emissions Plan in December 2021, Council has invested in a range of initiatives including transitioning to electric and low-emission vehicles, replacing gas appliances in community facilities, developing the Circular Economy Strategy and improving energy efficiency across Council operations. These actions have delivered environmental benefits and operational savings for both Council and the community, including over $100,000 per year in electricity cost reductions through the VECO renewable energy contract.

The review highlighted that while the 2030 zero emissions target remains achievable, it will require ongoing investment and collaboration with State and Federal governments, as well as the community.

At the time of the plan’s development and adoption in 2021, it was unclear whether some of the emissions reductions were achievable by 2030, due to the need for advancement in various technologies such as alternative fuel sources to diesel for light commercial or heavy fleet.

“The review was a timely check in to understand Council’s progress to date and the financial implications associated with this. Financial sustainability remains at the forefront of all Council decisions,” Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said.

Council will now update the Zero Emissions Plan to ensure only actions that represent best value for Council and our community, and ones that align with the 2025-2029 Council Plan are progressed.

Tap here to read the full review