MOORABOOL GREENHOUSE REDUCTION LOCAL ACTION PLAN 2007

FORWARD

It is well documented that our climate is changing. Future climate in the Central region is expected to be warmer and drier than it is presently and it is scientific opinion worldwide that this change is occurring as a result of human activity. Therefore Moorabool Shire Council and our communities must take action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our impact on this global issue. There is a phrase that we can all make a commitment too; Think Globally, Act Locally. Council has shown this commitment by joining the Cities for Climate Protection Program and has also been an integral component of initiating the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action, a regional partnership formed to make better use of resources and maximise the success of projects addressing greenhouse gas emission reduction. It gives me great pleasure in presenting the Moorabool Shire Greenhouse Local Action Plan, a plan that will help council succeed in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, while increasing energy efficiency and creating better living environments for our communities. I am confident that by implementing the actions identified in the Greenhouse Local Action Plan, we will greatly benefit the quality of our local and global environment. Dianne McAuliffe Mayor

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is a product of human activity since industrialisation. Responses to the resultant climate change are taking place at all levels – international, national, state and local – and Moorabool Shire is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations, and across the community. Moorabool Shire Council’s involvement in the Cities for Climate Protection Program and the Western Greenhouse Alliance signifies this. Through the development of this Greenhouse Local Action Plan it has made a commitment to a wide-ranging and dynamic program that aims to achieve a 20% reduction of greenhouse gases from Council operations and 10% from the Community 2003/04 emission levels by the year 2010. With assistance from ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability, the Australian Government through the Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of the Environment and Heritage and the State Government of Victoria. , Council has completed an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. Using this baseline data, a range of actions have been identified to achieve the two greenhouse reduction goals:

o Energy audits on Council buildings o Investigate purchasing Green power for building and street lighting o Investigate alternative vehicle fleet options and fuel source o Educate the community in reduction in waste to landfill o Utilising carbon sequestration to reduce greenhouse emissions o Inform the community of energy saving programs

It is anticipated that these activities will reduce both Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for future years, therefore providing environmental, social and economic benefits for residents of the Moorabool Shire.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .........................................................................................3 TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................................................................4 1. MOORABOOL SHIRE PROFILE .........................................................................5 2. BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................6

Global Climate Change ....................................................................................................7 Climate Changes to Victoria .............................................................................................8

3. MOORABOOL SHIRE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS................................10

Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions..........................................................................11 Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions........................................................................13

4. CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY EMISSION REDUCTION GOALS...............15

Corporate Emission Targets...........................................................................................15 Community Emission Target ..........................................................................................16

5. OBJECTIVES OF THE GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN.......................18 6. PROPOSED FUTURE ACTIONS .....................................................................19

7. ACTIONS TO REDUCE CORPORATE GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS ..........................20

8. ACTIONS TO REDUCE COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS...............24

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1. MOORABOOL SHIRE PROFILE

Location Moorabool Shire is located in the Central Highlands region of Victoria between 45 and 95 kilometres west of Melbourne and between 5 and 55 kilometres east of Ballarat. The shire encompasses an area of 2112 square kilometres and contains major waterways; the Moorabool, Werribee and the Lerderderg Rivers. Moorabool Shire has a distinct rural character comprising ancient gorges, vast ranges and plains, and more than 74% in National, State Park or State Forest. Freehold land is characterised by diverse agricultural pursuits and a series of small towns and villages.

Environment A large proportion of the Shire is situated in a rainshadow, resulting in an isolated mallee fragment in the peri-urban area of Melbourne. This environment is habitat to unique communities of plants and animal species, many of which are on the endangered list.

Social characteristics Moorabool Shire has a resident population of over 27500 with over 40% of population commuting to Melbourne for work. Population projections prepared by the Department of Infrastructure indicate that the Shire will have a population of approx 36,400 by 2021. The population of the Shire is broadly split between the towns of Bacchus Marsh with a population of 17000 and the Ballan with 2660 people. The trend is towards a population increase between 2001 and 2016. The most significant increases in population are expected in Darley, Bacchus Marsh and Maddingley, based on residential expansion. The forecast population growth rates are lower than household growth as a result of the decreasing number of people per household. This is a pattern that is likely to affect all areas of the Shire.

Agriculture and horticulture Agriculture across Moorabool Shire includes long-established fruit orchards and berry farms and a newer emerging trend toward vineyards. Lucerne crop farming, olive grove and beef farming are carried out around Maddingley, with traditional grazing and cropping predominantly carried out in the western part of the Shire. Industry Extractive industries are a well established sector in Moorabool, including the Maddingley Coal Field, established in the 1940’s and now used for a variety of uses including landfill activities within the mined out areas and production of high quality top soils.

Tourism Tourism in Moorabool is contributing increasingly to the economy, attracting visitors to fresh produce stalls in the Avenue of Honour and natural features including gorges, State and National Parks and surrounding rural environment.

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2. BACKGROUND

Greenhouse Effect Surrounding the Earth, the atmosphere contains layers of gases and dust particles, which protect the earth from the full force of the Suns’ radiated energy. About half of the sun’s energy reaching the top of our atmosphere penetrates to the earth’s surface; the remainder is either reflected back into space by the atmosphere or absorbed by gases and dust particles. Solar energy reaching the Earth’s surface, warms the land mass and oceans, in turn releasing heat in the form of infrared radiation. Gases absorb some of this radiation, warming the lower atmosphere. This absorption of this heat, which keeps the surface of our planet warm enough to sustain life, is called the ‘greenhouse effect’. Without heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, the Earth’s surface temperature would average a freezing –18oC, instead of the 15oC now experienced. The atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases including nitrogen and oxygen. The main greenhouse gases are water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and halocarbons. Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels (primarily oil, coal and natural gas) and land clearing, have lead to an imbalance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere will lead to an increased trapping of infrared radiation, referred to as the ‘enhanced greenhouse effect’. Greenhouse gases may be removed from the atmosphere using a carbon ‘sink’ mechanism such as trees. Performing as a sink whilst actively growing, trees absorb carbon dioxide, which in turn forms wood and leaves, storing carbon in the tissue. Ozone depletion and the enhanced greenhouse effect are separate phenomena, although both problems are caused by human activities. Ozone depletion takes place in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and is caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). The ozone layer is a thin protective mantle 10-50kms above the earth and acts as a filter for ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.

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Global Climate Change Finely balanced, the earth’s atmosphere is susceptible to the greenhouse effect. The proposed changes will cause a wide range of impacts on the flora/fauna and human environment. Research has identified the probable effects of climate change as:

o An anticipated increase in sea level of between 9 and 88 cm by 2070 o An increase in the average global surface temperature of between 1.4oC and 6oC

by 2070 o Changes in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including more

heat waves, intense storms, cyclones, risk of drought, high bush fire propensity days

o Changes to ocean currents, sea levels rising, ice caps and glaciers melting more rapidly, more frequent El Nino events

o Changes in rainfall patterns and less frosts and snow on the Alps.

International response to Climate Change In the 1980’s, growing international concerns over global climate changes and the enhanced greenhouse effect prompted the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to instigate the formation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), with the aim of reviewing relevant scientific, technical, socio-economic information and providing governments with an accurate and unbiased report from leading scientists from all countries. 1 Extensive reports showed evidence that human activities are contributing to an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, resulting in warming of the Earth’s surface. Evidence backed reports revealed strong evidence, promoting an international response to climate change including The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which in turn led to the Kyoto Protocol treaty. Kyoto Protocol The UNFCCC joined forces with the Kyoto Protocol treaty to provide legally binding targets to limit global greenhouse gas emissions. Many Parties to UNFCCC, including Australia, have signed the Protocol since negotiations were concluded at the third session of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 3). Australia signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997. By signing the Protocol, countries agree to continue with the treaty-making process, but do not consent to be bound by the Protocol.

The Government has decided not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol2 because, while it has some positive elements, it does not provide a comprehensive or environmentally effective long-term response to climate change. The Government is committed to Australia’s internationally agreed target of limiting emissions to 108% of 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. Due to strong action by the Australian Government, including around $1.8 billion domestic climate change programme, Australia is on track to meet this target.

Climate change is proposed to impact on Australia with a change in rainfall pattern, reduced soil moisture, stimulating change in agriculture and biodiversity. Research has revealed that environments at risk include coral reefs, arid and semi-arid habitats, freshwater wetlands on the coastal zone and the alpine regions. Farming, tourism and coastal development will also be affected by these changing conditions.

1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Refernce title? Publication date?) 2 Dept. Environment and water Resources – Australian Greenhouse Office (Refernce title? Publication date?)

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Projections for the 21st Century suggest

o Increasing heat-related deaths to humans, livestock and damage to crops. o Increased bushfire risk o More intense and sporadic flood events o Loss of crops, livestock, fisheries and wildlife due to drought conditions

Australia’s source of emissions One of the driest inhabited continents on earth with a population of 20.5 million people mainly residing around the coastal fringe, the projections will impact on Australia. Rich in energy sources, represented by water, sun (solar), wind and a supply of coal and uranium for electricity production, Australia is responsible for 1.5% of the 38 billion tonnes of annual global greenhouse outputs, giving it a ranking of 15th highest globally. On a per capita basis this equates to approximately 32 tonnes. Sources of emissions

o 90% of Australia’s energy is coal industry based, emitting about 136 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

o Extensive broad-acre land clearing is reducing the vegetation cover and carbon sink mechanism.

o Vehicle travel in Australia, to the tune of 175 billion kilometres per year, consumes 23 billion litres of fuel and releases about 63 million tonnes of greenhouse gases.

o Methane is produced from waste breakdown without oxygen at landfill sites.

Climate Changes to Victoria Climate Change projections by the CSIRO Atmospheric Research department for regional climate by 2070 include:

o Temperature increase of 0.7 to 5.0o warmer than 1990 contributing to increased evaporation

o Frosts are likely to decrease in frequency o Rainfall annual decrease of between 25% to +9%, with extreme daily rainfall

events more intense and frequent

The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy (2002) pursues cost-effective opportunities for emissions abatement, and deals with issues relating to climate change impacts and adaptation. The goals of the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy include:

o Build awareness and understanding of greenhouse issues o Limit Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions and enhance greenhouse sinks o Position Victoria to prosper in a future carbon constrained economy o Develop a greater understanding of climate change impacts o Implement adaptation actions relevant to Victoria.

Local Government response In November 1997, the Prime Minister committed $13 million, over 5 years, to the Australian Greenhouse Office’s Local Greenhouse Action Programme to assist local government and their communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Cities for Climate Protection is an important component of the Local Greenhouse Action Program.

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Cities for Climate Protection The Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) is a global campaign of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability - to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local government level. The CCP program operates on a milestone framework, with 5 milestones set out to allow Councils to work strategically to identify the level and sources of both community and corporate emissions and then prioritise action areas. The five milestones are:

1. Conduct an emission inventory of both Council and community activities and prepare a forecast of emissions growth in the future

2. Establish an emissions reduction goal 3. Develop and adopt a local action plan 4. Implement the local action plan and quantify actions 5. Monitor and report on implementation of the local action plan.

CCP Victoria The ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability – Oceania Secretariat launched the Cities for Climate Protection Programme (CCP) Victoria program in September 2003 with the support of the Victorian Government through the Victorian Greenhouse Strategy. The CCP Rural Victoria is an expansion of the program that focuses specifically on rural and regional sectoral issues. The CCP Australia: CCP Victoria program is delivered by ICLEI - Oceania Secretariat in collaboration with the Australian Government through the Australian Greenhouse Office, Department of the Environment and Heritage and the State Government of Victoria. Through the CCP Victoria program a common goal is shared to promote environmental action and sustainability with various client groups, the overlapping focus being local government. All parties provide expertise, dedicated professional support and foster networks to support local government to practice environmental responsibility The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy recognised the unique needs of non-urban communities. Action 5.5 of the VGS provided funding for a Regional Partnerships Program. The Program aims to establish 4 regional partnerships that will provide a framework for local stakeholders to work together on greenhouse abatement projects and also to develop stronger links with relevant State Government programs.

Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA) One of six regional partnerships across Victoria, the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action (WAGA) currently comprises Councils of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Wyndham and Moorabool and Victoria University. This regional group of local governments committed to working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the community and within their own operations. The purpose of the alliance, as outlined in the WAGA Regional Profile 2006, is twofold:

o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from each Council’s own operations o Acknowledge and build on local government’s role in influencing and reducing

greenhouse gas emissions from community sector sources. Funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment through the Regional Partnerships Program, WAGA has recently secured funding through DSE to employ a regional coordinator.

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3. MOORABOOL SHIRE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Milestone 1 Moorabool Shire Council resolved to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Victoria Program on July 2004. The achievement of the following five milestones was endorsed in this resolution:

i. Conduct an inventory and forecast for Community and Corporate (council) greenhouse gas emission

ii. Establish an emissions reduction goal iii. Develop and adopt a local action plan iv. Implement the local action plan v. Monitor and report on achievements.

Milestone 1 of the Cities for Climate Protection requires councils to take an inventory of energy use in their operations (corporate) and in the community. This process identifies what activities are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and serves as a benchmark to mark the progress of an energy reduction program. The Moorabool Shire inventory outlines energy use and costs in the corporate sector, and uses national and stated-based averages to compile an estimate of community emissions. The nominated base year for corporate data capture is 2003-04 and for community 1996, both with a forecast year of 2010. Community analysis data was supplied by CCP, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) statistics for the Census year of 1996. Therefore 1996 will be used as the base year and the forecast year constant at 2010 as per corporate sector. Whilst efforts have been made to present realistic information in this report, due to base year data capture and resulting development since 1996, both industrial and residential, the forecast data may not accurately reflect present or forecast community emissions. The corporate energy inventory outlines energy consumption and costs in council-managed buildings, council fleet and council managed street lighting, as well as waste produced under council activities. Any electricity, gas or fuel bill that council paid during 2003/04 has been included in the inventory. The community analysis documents energy consumption in the residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as looking at greenhouse gases emitted from transport and waste to landfill. The purpose of the inventory is to:

o Obtain an accurate record of energy use within the council operations o Obtain a robust estimate of community emissions o Forecast modelling of energy consumption to 2010 on data capture o Highlight usage trends for planning purposes o Base forecasts on a Moorabool Shire population increase of 1.98% per annum

The corporate inventory and community analysis has been collated using CCP software utilising symbols to expresses emissions:

o Carbon dioxide (CO2) o Methane (CH4) o Nitrous oxide (N20) o Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in ‘carbon dioxide equivalents’ (CO2e)

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Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse Gas Emissions data captured for the base year of 2003 reveals Moorabool Shire Council’s corporate gas emissions were 3389 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). In the CCP Time Series Report the CO2e figure has been further segmented into tonne usage categories of:

o Streetlights 1414 tonnes o Buildings 876 tonnes o Vehicle fleet 106 tonnes o Waste 32 tonnes o Water 6 tonnes

Electricity consumption is revealed as the dominant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with street lighting showing the highest consumption pattern. The inventory highlighted high energy usage patterns in two corporate buildings; the Bacchus Marsh Service Centre and Ballan Service Centre. Council managed assets of the Lerderderg Childcare Centre and Bacchus Marsh Public Hall and Grant Street Pool – also contribute heavily to greenhouse emissions. The large amount of emissions from corporate buildings is attributed to dependency on brown coal fired electricity at those premises. Council has therefore targeted Shire buildings as a key to formulating actions to achieve emission reduction goals. Data collection has revealed CO2e usage percentages of:

o Bacchus Marsh Service Centre 5.2% o Ballan Service Centre 7.1% o Lerderderg Childcare Centre 1.8% o Bacchus Marsh Public Hall 2.0% o Grant Street Pool 1.6%

The inventory indicates that passenger vehicles and heavy equipment particularly the backhoe, large trucks and tippers as being high greenhouse gas emitters. Waste emissions resulting from organic breakdown and release of methane was captured as one of the five main sectors of corporate greenhouse emissions. Emissions in relation to water usage resulted from power driven pumping on Council owned bores, reserves, parks and gardens.

Sectors Equiv CO2(tonnes)

Equiv CO2(%)

Energy (GJ)

Cost ($)

2003 Buildings 876 25.9 2615 84764 Vehicle Fleet 1060 31.3 15335 346527 Streetlights 1414 41.7 3530 42276 Water/Sewage 6 0.2 16 494 Waste 32 1.0 400 Total 3389 100.0 21496 474461 2010 Buildings 934 25,5 2780 90075 Vehicle Fleet 1145 31.2 16556 373581 Streetlights 1549 42.2 3866 51708 Water/Sewage 7 0.2 17 543 Waste 32 0.9 (1067)/4

21 Total 3667 100.0 23219 516974/5

16328 Table 1: Corporate Summary Detail Report

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Figure 1. Corporate emissions of eCO2 by sector for base year (2003)

Streetlights42%

Waste1%

Vehicle Fleet31%

Buildings26%

Figure 1: Illustrates breakdown of corporate emissions by Table 1 Summary

Report Sectors

Equiv CO2e

0 100 200 300

BM Hall

BM service Centre

Ballan Service Centre

Leigh Creek Depot

Lerderderg Child Centre

Simpson St Pool

Taken from Figure 1, Corporate Emissions CO2e, Building Emissions (Fig. 2) demonstrates the emission output in five Council buildings.

Figure 2: Building Emissions Comparative Table to Figure 1

In making a comparison with the above table, Simpson Street Pool has a low operating cost per CO2e emissions and Ballan Service Centre a high cost factor per emission output.

Cost ($)

0 10,000 20,000 30,000

BM Hall

BM service Centre

Ballan Service Centre

Leigh Creek Depot

Lerderderg Child Centre

Simpson St Pool

Figure 3: CO2 Emissions and cost centre comparative to Figure

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Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Community analysis data was supplied by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) statistics for the Census year of 1996. Therefore 1996 will be used as the base year and the forecast year constant at 2010 as per the corporate sector. Greenhouse Gas emissions data captured for the base year of 1996 reveals Moorabool Shire Council’s community gas emissions were 516971 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Whilst efforts have been made to present realistic information in this report, due to base year data capture and resulting development since 1996, both industrial and residential, the forecast data may not accurately reflect present or forecast community emissions. The community analysis of greenhouse gas emissions can be further segmented into the contributing sectors:

o Residential 86434 tonnes o Commercial 33561 tonnes o Industrial 89757 tonnes o Agricultural 127572 tonnes o Transport 168925 tonnes o Waste 10722 tonnes

The community analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from the above community sectors are based largely on fossil fuel use, including gas, electricity, LPG, petrol and to a lesser degree briquettes, coke and kerosene. Based on this data, the three largest emitters of greenhouse gases are transportation, agriculture and the industrial sector.

Transportation captures road and mode of transport data collating all petrol diesel, and LPG products used, also reflecting the reliance on transport of Shire residents situated on the peri urban fringe of Melbourne. The agricultural sector captures soil data, reflecting the loss of soil carbon through cultivation vegetation clearing. Animal husbandry, including beef grazing and intensive pig and beef industries is a high emitter of greenhouse gas as a result of methane production. Emissions from the industrial sector reflect the industrial background of the Shire3, with well established extractive industries, identified as large emitters of greenhouse gas and landfill activities, releasing methane into the atmosphere. 3 Page 5 of this Greenhouse Gas Report

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Equiv CO2 Equiv CO2 Energy Sectors (tonnes) (%) (GJ)

1996 Residential 86,434 16.7% 589,675 Commercial 33,561 6.5% 147,891 Industrial 89,757 17.4% 833,300 Agricultural 127,572 24.7% Transport 168,925 32.7% 2,481,686 Waste 10,722 2.1% Total 516,971 100.0% 4,052,553 2010 Residential 110,772 19.8% 721,760 Commercial 51,120 9.2% 217,920 Industrial 112,702 20.2% 1,028,668 Agricultural 127,527 22.8% Transport 142,936 25.6% 2,099,888 Waste 13,123 2.4% Total 558,226 100.0% 4,068,236 Table 2: Community Summary Detail Report

Residential17%

Commercial6%

Industrial17%

Agricultural25%

Transport33%

Waste2%

Figure 3: Breakdown of community emissions by Table 2

Summary Report

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4. CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY EMISSION REDUCTION GOALS

Milestone 2 Moorabool Shire Council resolved to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection program on July 2004, adopted the greenhouse gas emission inventory and analysis (Milestone 1) in February 2005, and adopted Emission Reduction Goals for corporate and community in March 2005. These resolutions signalled Moorabool Shire Council’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of its overall environment strategy, and position council to complete and endorse this greenhouse action plan.(BM: or something like that….) In March 2005, Moorabool Shire Council adopted the following emission reduction goals:

o Corporate 20% reduction of 2003 levels of emissions by 2010 o Community 10% reduction of 1996 levels of emissions by 2010

These emission reduction goals are to be realised through implementing the actions detailed in this local action plan. Actions demonstrate a strong commitment from council, and will raise community awareness about greenhouse issues. There are also economic benefits for council through planning opportunities, ensuring efficient energy management and reducing corporate costs. To complete Milestone 1 and 2, a working group was established comprising Council staff and Councillors. The group endorsed the proposed targets of 20% reduction goal for corporate and 10% reduction for community as flexible goals rather than mandatory targets. A forecast date 2010 has been put forward for both corporate and community emissions for the following reasons:

o Emission goals are in line with CCP participatory councils with common reduction goals of 20% for corporate and 10% for community reductions.

o Measures implemented within Council include recycled paper for printing o An expanded recycling service for residents o Consideration of vehicle efficiency when purchasing fleet vehicles o The program goal is flexible rather than a mandatory target and may be adjusted

by the municipality as the local action plan progresses. The goal can also be adjusted as part of CCP Plus, once council has completed all five milestones.

Corporate Emission Reduction Goals To achieve the current reduction target of 20% for corporate emissions, Moorabool Shire Council will need to reduce corporate emissions by 2010 to 2711 tonnes CO2e. Recognising that emissions are expected to rise in a ‘business-as-usual approach’, this equates to a reduction of 956 tonnes CO2e from the Forecast Year 2010, or 678 tonnes CO2e from the Base Year (2003) levels revealing cost savings from an early pro-active approach to greenhouse reduction.

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Table 3: Corporate Emissions Targets Projection and Target Ref: Data from CCP Greenhouse Software

Year 2003 Year 2010 Year 2010 (Equivalent CO2e

tonnes) ‘Business as

usual’ 20% Reduction

Sector

(Equivalent CO2e tonnes)

(Equivalent CO2e tonnes)

Buildings 876 934 701Vehicle Fleet 1060 1145 848Streetlights 1414 1549 1131Water/Sewage 6 7 5Waste 32 32 26Total 3389 3667 2711

Figure 4: Corporate Emissions (Tonnes CO2-e)

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

eCO

2 em

issi

ons

(tonn

es)

Buildings Vehicle Fleet Streetlights Water Waste

Figure 2. Corporate emissions by sector for base and forecast yearsBase year 2003-04Forecast Year 2010

Community Emission Reduction Goal To achieve the current goal of a 20% reduction on 1996 levels, Moorabool Shire will need to reduce its Community emissions in 2010 to 465,274 tonnes eCO2. Recognising that emissions are expected to rise in a ‘business-as-usual approach’, this equates to a reduction of 92,952 tonnes eCO2 from the Forecast year 2010, or 51,697 tonnes eCO2 from 1996 base year for community emissions. Again this demonstrates the benefits to Moorabool Shire in proactive community liaison and leadership.

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Table 4: Community Emissions Targets Projection and Target Ref: Data from CCP Greenhouse Software

Year 1996 Year 2010 Year 2010 (Equivalent CO2e

tonnes) ‘Business as

usual’ 20% Reduction

Sector

(Equivalent CO2e tonnes)

(Equivalent CO2e tonnes)

Residential 86,434 110,772 77,791Commercial 33,561 51,120 30,205Industrial 89,757 112,702 80,781Agricultural 127,572 127,527 114,815Transport 168,925 142,936 152,033Waste 10,722 13123 9,650Total 516,971 558,226 465,274

Figure 4: Community Emissions (Tonnes CO2-e)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

eCO

2 em

issi

ons

(Kilo

-tonn

es)

Residential Commercial Industrial Agriculture Transportation Waste

Figure 5. Community emissions by sector for base and forecast years Base year (1996)Forecast year (2010)

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5. OBJECTIVES OF THE GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN

Greenhouse actions to dateThe CCP program provides Councils with a strategic framework to reduce greenhouse emissions. Moorabool Shire Council is committed to emission reduction through partnership with the Moorabool Sustainability Fund, a revolving energy fund. Funded through the annual plan process to implement energy and water reduction initiatives, actions are prioritised in conjunction with Council plans and strategies. Membership of CCP enables Council to effectively network with other participatory councils, increase staff awareness demonstrate Council leadership to the community. Actions contributing to or under consideration to reduce emissions include the following: Table 5: Current Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions

Sector

Energy Reduction

Action

Description

Responsibility

Corporate Buildings: Ballan & BM Service centres

Energy Audits

Lighting and energy audits have been conducted at Ballan and Bacchus Marsh Service Centres -awaiting implementation

Assets & external contractor

Corporate Buildings: Ballan & BM Service centres

Retrofitting with energy efficient light globes

Installed energy efficienct Light globes

Maintenance

Corporate: Purchasing Staff awareness Staff participation in Eco buy

program All Service Units

Encourage efficient and sustainable use of resources within Council

Paper recycling Default double side on

photocopiers & printers Scanning letters for circulation Service Unit

Managers & staff Corporate LCD screens for computers Energy Star enabled on

Photocopiers and old computers on energy (energy saving function)

Community Street lighting

Street Lighting Audit

Street Lighting Audit – awaiting implementation Assets

Corporate Vehicle Fleet Vehicle efficiency Report completed – awaiting

resolution and implementation Vehicle & Finance Sector

Environmental strategy

Environmental Policy Community Stormwater Management Plan

SSD & Assets

Community Accessible and friendly environment

Strategic Services Footpaths and Trail Strategy

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6. PROPOSED FUTURE ACTIONS

Although there are a number of projects implemented to date, Moorabool Shire Council realises that a broader approach is required to achieve the emission reduction goals set at Milestone 2. Using goals of other councils as a guide, Moorabool Shire has identified a number of objectives toward achievement of those goals. Table 6: Reduction Targets set by other Councils

Shire Corporate Community Ararat Rural City Council 20% 10% City of Greater Shepparton 20% 20% City of Greater Bendigo 10% 10% Buloke Shire Council 10% 10% Central Goldfields Shire Council 10% 10%

In prioritising actions for emission reduction strategies Moorabool is mindful of maintaining a balance across environmental, social and economic portfolios for beneficial sustainable outcomes. Council has identified key actions to reduce emissions, also demonstrating a short term pay back period. In partnership with this project Council has established the Moorabool Sustainability Fund as a revolving fund to capture resource savings and reinvest them in further energy reduction initiatives with a longer pay back period. Actions in this plan are spread across Council service units requiring a coordinated approach and continual collaboration to implement the objectives and achieve the outlined goals.

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7. ACTIONS TO REDUCE CORPORATE GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS

No

Energy Reduction Action

Description

Responsibility

1

Environmental Sustainability Officer

Establish a Service Unit Representatives Team

As change agents the Team, coordinated by the Environmental Sustainability Officer, will consist of representatives from all service units. Meeting regularly, a focus will be on raising awareness and implementation of the plan’s actions including:

o Promote a changed work ethic to sustainability

o Monitor progress towards the reduction goals

o Communicate and educate the community

o Report to Council on costs and emission savings

o Liaise and report on a regular basis to the CCP

Finance, 2 Moorabool Sustainability

Fund

Cost savings achieved through implementation of energy reduction initiatives are returned to the Moorabool sustainability Fund:

o Initial input of funds will contribute towards future energy reduction actions.

o Reinvestment into further rolling energy actions.

Environmental Sustainability Officer

3 Raise Staff Awareness

Increase staff understanding of the CCP program and need to reduce greenhouse emissions by:

o Encourage efficient and sustainable use of resources

o Articles in the Council’s staff newsletter

o Energy saving tips on the Council web page

o Switch-off campaign to Service Centres, depot

o Staff competition are all ways to encourage staff involvement

o Regular feedback about energy and monetary savings

Environmental Sustainability Officer, Service Unit Managers

4 Media promotion of the World Environment Day Awards for best

World Environment day Award

Public Information

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 20

practice in categories of: o Individual

Officer, Environmental Sustainability Officer

o School o Group/Business

5 Purchasing

Implement a purchasing policy to reflect reduced energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions in purchases to ensure:

o All purchases are energy efficient

o Energy star rating awareness

Assets and Contracts, Finance

Assets and Contracts, Communications, Service Unit Managers

6 Tenders Implement a tender policy to reflect Council reduced energy efficiency and greenhouse emissions commitment in:

o All purchases are energy efficient

o Greenhouse emission clause in Council Tenders to reinforce CCP endorsements and Eco-Buy MOU

Buildings

Lighting Energy reduction in Council accommodation and public facilities by:

o Lighting Lux audit of workspaces

o Retrofitting of lighting with T5 tri-phosphor light fittings, reflector and diffusers

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8 Service Centre Energy reduction & retrofitting program to equipment

Photocopier Decrease energy output through:

o Fit 7-day timers to photocopiers

o Default double side print mode Computer monitor

o Encourage ‘shut down’ mode for monitors in preference to ‘sleep’

o Install energy saving LCD screens

Mini-boil – kitchen o Fit 7-day timers to mini-boil o Install & rewire a 7-day timer

to Rheem 50L hot water unit in Ballan

Motion detectors o Motion detectors to areas

rarely occupied Security lights

o Replace outdoor security lights with 18 watt fluorescent & vandal proof cover & time

Information Systems, Assets & external Electrical Contractors

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 21

clock in Bacchus Marsh

9 Vehicle Fleet

Achieve vehicle efficiency and emission reduction through vehicle policy and salary packaging by:

o Fleet downsize to 4 cylinder o Dual fuel vehicle potential o Hybrid vehicle purchase o Loading for 6 cylinder vehicle

through salary packaging o Incentive for car pooling

Finance, Car Fleet manager, Environmental Sustainability Officer Assets,

Street Lighting Reduce corporate energy emissions (41% ) by:

10 Environmental Sustainability Officer, Utilities

o Assessing energy efficiency, potential cost savings, and greenhouse emissions

o Investigate lighting technology for increased illumination, energy reduction and decreased maintenance costs

Environmental Sustainability Officer, Assets, external contractors

Heating, ventilation and cooling are major contributors to peak demand for energy consumption.

11 Climate control

Ballan Service Centre o Install shading to the western

side for passive solar o Energy audit of

heating/cooling/ventilation Bacchus Marsh Service Centre

o Energy audit of heating/cooling/ventilation

Bacchus Marsh Portable Accommodation

o Climate control door installed to acknowledge different climate zones

o Insulation to floors o Insulation to windows o Layout audit for improved

ventilation Covers to Ballan and Bacchus Marsh pools and reduce evaporation, water loss and chemical consumption.

Assets 12 Swimming Pools

o Reinforce use Maintenance replacement program of gas boosted solar hot water system installation

13 Sporting Facility energy reduction

Investigate a % of power through renewable energy sources such as:

14 Renewable energy

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels o Investigate costs,

maintenance, and performance for long-term planning

Environmental Sustainability Officer, Assets, Recreation development Officer

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 22

o Rebates on community buildings

15 Economic opportunities Landfill o Investigate potential for

methane driven industry Extractive industry

o Heat transfer potential to a sustainable industry

Energy efficiency: o encourage and promote

energy efficiency in new housing development

Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability Officer, Assets, Planning Unit

16 Carbon Sinks Conduct an audit of Council managed open space and reserves for:

o Offset planting o Carbon sequestration

opportunities

Consultant, Environmental Sustainability Officer & Agency partners

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 23

8. ACTIONS TO REDUCE COMMUNITY GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS

No

Energy Reduction Action Description

Responsibility

Undertake a community education program to inform the residents of:

o Moorabool Shire involvement in CCP

o Their role in energy reduction o Encourage reduced vehicle

use, increase of walking and cycling

Public Information Officer, Environmental Sustainability Officer, Community Health

1 Raise Awareness

Inform community on how to reduce greenhouse emissions by:

Public Information

2 Community Information o Home energy saving tips on

the Council’s web page o Media exposure of Service

Unit Representative Team and emissions reduction in the Shire local newspapers

o Include publications, brochures in regular Council mail outs

Environmental Sustainability Officer, Community Officers

Provision of low cost energy efficient light globes as fund raisers to:

3 Energy efficient fund raisers

o Community groups o Schools o Environmental groups

Strategic Planning, Community Health

Accounting for 31.4% CO2e in 1996, investigate;

4 Transport

o Improved bus connectivity to key activity centres

o Transport links to new development

Environmental Sustainability Officer, Library, Community Officers

Implement an energy efficient unit within existing Library spaces to:

5 Residential

o Provide information source on energy reduction

o Government based rebate programs for renewable energy products

o Usage costs for appliances o Investigate an incentive

scheme through rates for retrofitting

Economic Development,

With a greenhouse gas emission of 27.8% in 1996, reduction actions to promote best practice in partnership with agencies in:

Agriculture 6

Agency partnerships

o Stubble management

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 24

o Water and fertiliser regime o Balanced animal nutrition

Reduction of organic and hard waste going to landfill by:

Public Information Officer,

Waste 7

o Publicity by Council on worm farms, composting

Environmental

Health o Community education o School education Community

Health, Environmental Sustainability Officer

o Shredding garden waste for mulch

o Promotion of an organic bag instead of disposable plastic for shopping

GREENHOUSE LOCAL ACTION PLAN 25