Council has a role to play in the development of a socially just, healthy, inclusive and sustainable community where all members irrespective of their ability, gender, social, ethnic, or economic background can fully and fairly participate in community life. The development of the Environmental Sustainability strategy 2016-2026 has been guided by the principles of International Human Rights and Social Justice Charter. Monash City Council observes the rights incorporated in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 when making decisions, developing policies and strategies and providing services. Message by the Mayor To be completed public exhibition Message by the Environmental Advisory Committee To be completed after public exhibition and will include information on the EAC Working Group and their involvement in developing this strategy. Executive Summary To be completed after public exhibition In 2026 the City of Monash will be: A City: A City where the Community: A City where Council: Where garden city character and natural assets have been protected and enhanced Where neighbourhoods, infrastructure, buildings, community facilities, parklands and transport systems are designed and developed along environmentally sustainable development and urban design principles, in sympathy with the natural environment. it is convenient, safe and desirable to move around by walking, cycling and using public transport. re-uses and recycles as much of its waste as possible. Is proud of its sustainability achievements. Is well educated and engaged in how to reduce its environmental impacts. Actively enjoys and takes care of its natural environment. Participates actively in sustainability related programs and initiatives. Increasingly sees environmental sustainability as the normal and best way to do things. Leads by example on environmental sustainability issues. Plans and makes decisions with a focus on both immediate needs and the long term. Understands the verses long-term environmental and financial costs and benefits of its decisions. Works with the whole community to protect and restore our natural environment and to become environmental sustainable. Provides targeted programs and services and uses its powers to support all sectors of the community to become environmentally sustainable. Understands the power of effective government and regional partnerships and actively engages in these to support its own objectives. products trial
1.2.3 industry and staff understanding of Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD), urban heat island (UHI) and Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles Develop and implement education activities that increase the capacity of developers and staff to better understand ESD, UHI and WSUD principles relating to the Planning Scheme development assessment processes, and Council projects including maintenance 2016-26 S Implement ESD education and behaviour change programs relating to operating and using Council buildings 2016-26 F Demonstrate leadership by actively communicating Council’s sustainable built environment achievements 2016-26 F Urban environments are designed and planned to promote and encourage integrated and active transport Actions Timeline Resourcing 1.3.1 Integrated and active transport principles are implemented throughout the municipality Develop and implement an Integrated Transport Strategy 2016-18 F Implement the Walking and Cycling Strategy 2016-26 F 1.3.2 Build community and staff understanding of integrated and active transport principles Implement education and advocacy activities to increase the capacity of staff and community to better understand and participate in integrated and active transport 2016-26 F A strategic approach to landscape planning is established which recognises biodiversity, habitat connectivity and builds ecosystem resilience Actions Timeline Resourcing 2.1.1 Planning processes are to protect and enhance Monash’s biodiversity and landscape character Complete a municipal-wide review of vegetation and landscape character and incorporate approved recommendations into future planning scheme provisions 2016/17 F Implement the vegetation and landscape assessments and referrals through the planning scheme and develop the arboricultural skills and knowledge of Council staff 2018/19 S Implement the Street Tree Strategy 2016-26 F/S Investigate, develop and implement the Urban Forest Strategy 2016-26 S Develop and implement the Open Space Strategy 2016-26 F/S 2.1.2 Enhance biodiversity values and habitat connectivity across the municipality Undertake ecological assessments to record baseline data for conservation reserves under Council management and to identify habitat corridors across the municipality and at the catchment scale 2016-18 S Develop and implement a municipal-wide Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) from the baseline ecological and habitat corridor data 2018-26 S Promote and implement the Nature Strip Planting Guidelines 2016-26 F
Actions Timeline Resourcing 5.3.1 Encourage integrated and efficient usage and improved waterway quality and health Participate in and advocate for, initiatives and programs that assist government, residents and businesses to conserve water, provide alternative water sources and building community and environmental resilience When opportunity arises S Continue to support water conservation and waterway initiatives, community groups and activities including Waterwatch 2016-26 F 5.3.2 local awareness, knowledge and appreciation of water quality and stream condition Implement in partnership, community education and behaviour change programs that improve understanding of integrated water cycle management, water sensitive urban design and water conservation principles relating to households and businesses through specific educational programs and activities 2016-26 F Sustainability is integrated into Council decision-making processes Actions Timeline Resourcing 6.1.1 Establish a whole of organisation approach to environmental sustainable leadership Establish an internal cross-directorate Sustainability Advisory Group to guide the implementation of this Strategy and actions 2016-26 F Continue to coordinate Monash’s community Environmental Advisory Committee 2016-26 F Continue to implement and build capacity of Council’s internal Green Team 2016-26 F Integrate environmental criteria, leadership and partnership considerations into Council’s policies and priorities including Community Plan, Corporate Plan, Departmental Plans, staff appraisal processes and individual work plans at all levels 2016-26 F Demonstrate leadership and commitment to sustainability by ensuring council reports and decisions consider environmental impacts 2017-26 F Develop and strengthen partnerships that achieve Council’s sustainability objectives Actions Timelines Resourcing 6.2.1 Establish successful sustainability partnerships Implement partnership and leadership outcomes from Built Environment, Urban Ecology, Climate Change, Waste and Resource Management and Integrated Water Management priority areas 2016-26 F Strengthen partnerships that lead to sustainability networking, capacity building, innovation, research and monitoring outcomes and opportunities 2016-26 F Provide staff with ongoing support, capacity building and information to assist them deliver sustainability outcomes 2016-26 F