Our journey
What the council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Mildura Rural City Council carry out a number of projects and initiatives that aim to minimise our impact on the environment. Council’s key sustainability areas are energy, fleet, water, biodiversity, waste and community engagement. Each of these areas have plans and strategies adopted by Council to improve the sustainability of Council operations, protect the natural environment and reduce the impact of our community on the environment.
Following Council’s declaration of a climate change emergency in 2020, Mildura Rural City Council developed and is implementing its Towards Zero Emissions Strategy 2021-2050. The Strategy commits Mildura Rural City Council to achieving zero net emissions for council operations by 2040 (excluding landfill) and 2050 (including landfill). Priority areas include landfill, buildings and facilities, fleet, street lighting, water use, office paper and air travel.
Key targets include:
- 100% renewable electricity for buildings, facilities and street lighting by 2022
- All-electric buildings and facilities by 2030
- Zero emissions light fleet by 2030
- Zero emissions heavy fleet by 2040
Our natural environment, particularly our Murray Riverfront Reserve, is valued by our community and visitors to the region. Ongoing Council works to maintain the environmental and recreational values in these areas include the management of recreational pressures, revegetation and weed and pest animal control. Revegetation of rural roadsides to increase and improve roadside vegetation corridors in the farming areas is also a priority for Mildura Rural City Council.
Community engagement is also an important part of Council’s environmental program. Environmental education within the community and involvement in projects and activities including Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day and the Mildura Eco Village help build the capacity of the community to value and care for our environment. The Mildura Eco Village is located adjacent to the Mildura Landfill and is the base for the environmental education activities delivered by Council. The site includes the following facilities:
- An Education Centre – a multipurpose community facility displaying sustainable design elements, building practices and technologies.
- A Community Garden – the heart and soul of the Village which includes 37 raised beds, large on ground beds, composting and a worm farm.
- A Sustainable Play Space – constructed to encourage free play and creative thinking.
- The Eco House – a retrofitted sustainable demonstration house for community use. The Eco House is used as the main base for energy efficiency environmental education.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership?
Mildura Rural City Council values any opportunity to take the next steps towards a sustainable future. By joining the CPP, Mildura Rural City Council hopes to collaborate with other organisations and councils for the primary purpose of working together for a better future that is solution focussed for the environment. We look forward to learning from leaders in the renewable energy area and to share our renewable
energy journey.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
- Local Government Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement for 100% of our electricity needs
- Transitioning fleet to zero emissions vehicles
- Installation of electric vehicle chargers for Council and community
- Continuing installation of solar PV and battery storage at Council buildings/facilities
- Continuing building retrofits to improve energy efficiency
- Converting major road lighting to LED