Language and translations

You can have this page translated into our top 10 language groups.

Click the language drop-down in the top right corner of this page. It will have a picture of a world globe next to it.

If you do not speak one of these languages, contact the TIS on 131450.

Sight and hearing resources

A text document of this page content is available upon request if your screen reader is not compatible with this webpage.

If you have any other questions, concerns or requests to ensure this engagement is accessible for you, contact us at haveyoursay@knox.vic.gov.au or call 9298 8000.

Climate change is the long-term shift in the Earth's average temperatures and weather conditions due to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by human activities (e.g. burning of fossil fuels, agriculture and habitat destruction). Mitigating the risks of climate change involves reducing emissions, as well as adapting and building resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Since the adoption of the plan in 2021, we have completed 17 of the 55 climate actions.

As a result, we have reduced emissions by 6,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is a 12% reduction from 2021 levels. This is equivalent to removing around 1,300 petrol cars off the road.

Key achievements from the past 5 years include:

• replaced 90% of streetlights (2,200) to more energy efficient LED lights
• powered Council streetlights with 100% renewable energy
• powered Council buildings by 100% renewable energy
• facilitated the installation of 8 public electric vehicle charging stations
• delivered our first Greenstar 4-star accredited building at Knox Regional Netball Centre, which means the building is best practice in sustainable design.

We still have a lot of hard work ahead of us to reach net zero emissions by 2040 in the community. Think of addressing climate change like running a marathon, we need to continue taking constant action and everyone has an important role.

Council’s climate actions are contributing to Australia’s net zero emissions goal. Australia is on track to achieve its interim target of reducing 45% of emissions by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. However, many challenges and uncertainties remain in our progress to net zero, including technology costs and community choices.

We recognise the importance of reviewing our plan to adapt to the various changes. We are committed in supporting our community to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Council is also committed to reducing our corporate emissions, and we are on track to achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2030.

The Climate Response Plan 2021 - 2031 aims to protect our community from the effects of climate change and reduce both Council and Community greenhouse emissions.

On 27 September 2021, Council adopted the Climate Response Plan 2021 to 2031 to:

• take action to reduce our impact on the environment
• prepare for the effects of a changing climate.

The plan provides a roadmap for:

• Council to reach net zero emissions by 2030
• the Knox community to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

We consulted with over 370 people in 2021 when we were developing the Plan.

You can read more about the development of the Plan on the have your say page.

We are reviewing our Climate Response Plan 2021-2031 to determine if our remaining climate actions are the right focus for us in order to achieve established targets and mitigate identified climate risks.

In reviewing the plan Council has considered what we have already delivered and our progress to achieving targets.

We will consider changes to the draft Plan based on feedback through this consultation. We will also review any state and national policy changes that affect the plan, and research climate actions taken by other local Councils.

The final consideration of the updated Climate Response Plan 2021-2031 will be by Council in a public meeting anticipated in mid 2026.

This Plan is relevant for the whole community.

As we are looking at opportunities to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge, we would like to hear from people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and we are specifically engaging with the Aboriginal Land Council representing the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and have invited the Bunurong Land Council as well.

We also want to hear from people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Importantly, we are not starting from scratch with this project. We consulted with over 370 people in 2021 when we were developing the Plan.

For this project we will be engaging our community at the level of Consult on the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum.
This means we will listen to what you say and consider it when we make a decision.

Community actions that are underway or not yet started.

Specific focus on incorporating Indigenous Knowledge; improving communications to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and increasing use of sustainable transport.

• Actions already completed
• Actions related to Council operations
• The emissions targets
• Having a Climate Response Plan and responding to climate change.