Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
In 2016 a 60kW solar PV system was installed at the admin building. Recently, a 100kW system has been installed at the Leisure Centre. These have both helped reduce our electricity costs and our carbon footprint.
We partnered with Horizon Power and installed 1743 LED street lights. These new lights use less electricity and last longer saving the Shire in maintenance and electricity costs.
The Shire is currently working to improve cycling infrastructure in the Esperance community, making it easier for residents to commute to work, school and home via bicycle or walking.
Other initiatives from the Shire include a recycled wastewater scheme which allows us to save over 63000KL of water each year, installation of LED lighting in Shire buildings and re-use/re-purposing of old staff uniforms.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
The Shire of Esperance recently developed and endorsed the Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027, an overarching planning document detailing our community goals and aspirations, it outlines the opportunities and challenges expected to occur over the next ten years and details the strategies to make sure we achieve them. During the consultation phase, sustainable energy and waste management were the highest ranked topics for Council to focus on. Council will continue to advocate for sustainable and efficient utilities that facilitate connectivity within the region. Sustainable and ethical waste management remains a prominent Council focus and Council will continue to provide a best practice Waste Management Facility and investigate possible alternative methods of waste management.
As stated in our Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027, the Esperance Shire Council aims to be:
- Working together to become a champion community for renewable energy and minimal resource consumption (N9)
- A community that is empowered and motivated to minimise waste (N3)
- A responsible business community that actively supports community movement towards minimising waste (N4)
- A community that actively avoids single use products (N5)
- Be innovative in effectively using and protecting our water resources (N6)
- Community that actively chooses to use sustainable modes of transport (N7)
- A self-sustaining community focussed on optimising the use of natural resources by choosing sustainable designs that minimise reliance on consumable resources (N8)
- Public transport systems that meet the needs of the community (B4)
As the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) clearly align with many of the strategies outlined in our Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027, at the Ordinary Council Meeting, 29 October 2019, the Esperance Shire Council formally resolved to join the Cities Power Partnership and advocate towards 100% renewable energy target for Esperance. The Esperance Shire Council hopes that the Cities Power Partnership can help our council to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures quickly and effectively, as well as assist with accessing funding and incentives.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
As the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) clearly align with many of the strategies outlined in our Strategic Community Plan 2017-2027, at the Ordinary Council Meeting, 29 October 2019, the Esperance Shire Council formally resolved to join the Cities Power Partnership and advocate towards 100% renewable energy target for Esperance. The Esperance Shire Council hopes that the Cities Power Partnership can help our council to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures quickly and effectively, as well as assist with accessing funding and incentives.