Councillors last week approved the strategic framework and actions which will feed into the draft Climate Change Strategy.
The draft Strategy will go out for public consultation alongside the 2024-34 Long Term Plan in March/April next year.
The framework and actions are the result of a collaborative approach with Council, stakeholders, partners, and communities who’ve worked together to craft a road map for the district addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Whakatāne District Council’s Manager Strategy and Performance Dr Leny Woolsey said, Council has a role to play by prioritising climate change in our decision-making and supporting the leadership of communities in this space.
“Two thirds of people we heard from told us they are worried about how climate change will impact them and their communities, and this is affecting their actions.”
“Having a Climate Change Strategy is a critical step in helping us reach our goal of building capacity to enable climate change mitigation and adaptation action across our hapori/communities.”
Council kicked off the engagement campaign earlier this year with groups and individuals from across the district having a say and providing feedback on what they thought were the biggest issues when it came to climate change.
The feedback received has been translated into actions and will inform what will go into the draft district Climate Change Strategy.
Dr Woolsey adds, “we’re in an advantageous position in that we aren’t starting from scratch. We already have action plans and there are some great things Council is already doing, especially in the active transport and waste reduction space.”
“Addressing climate change requires a collective effort. We’ve been working with and hearing from a range of people with diverse perspectives which helps ensure our plans are relevant and meaningful for those involved.
“The new actions identified include both council-led and community-led actions and reflect a broader scope to encourage district-wide and transformational action,” Dr Woolsey said.
“We don’t have to be experts to make an impact, and lots of small actions can make a difference.”