The City of Kwinana’s first Environment Strategy aims for net zero emissions as an organisation by 2035 as it sets four key directions to improve the City’s liveability, biodiversity, decarbonisation, and circularity for its residents.
Mayor Peter Feasey said, under the Strategy, the City’s 2020/2021 corporate emissions would reduce to net zero by 2035.
The City will also work toward becoming a Net Zero City, which includes community emissions, by 2050 with this target matching the State Government’s net zero goal.
“We will monitor emissions, consider natural power, install more solar, and work towards removing gas from the City’s operations completely under this Strategy,” Mayor Feasey said.
“Our Energy Plan will also be reviewed and transformed into a Decarbonisation Plan to not only consider the emissions we directly generate but those associated with the assets and services provided to the Council.
“Greener options to consider going forward include using bottom ash products from the Kwinana Energy Recovery facility in infrastructure projects, transitioning the City’s fleet to electric and hydrogen powered vehicles, while converting public lighting to LEDs and investigating smart lighting,” he said.
The City’s urban forest is also set to improve with the Strategy stating a 22.6 per cent canopy coverage target, given a naturally beautiful environment that is enhanced and protected is a key priority of the community as stated in the Strategic Community Plan.
Mayor Feasey said the City would also be a voice for our community, advocating for the State Government to change policies.
“We want to see the State Government make it easier for residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices and will advocate for a Building Upgrade Finance mechanism so local governments can encourage energy efficient building upgrades, “ he said.
“We will also push for new developments to have active transport and electric vehicle infrastructure, and better energy performance from new dwellings and commercial buildings.”
Read the City of Kwinana Environment Strategy 2024-2034.