The ELS will continue to recognise climate change as a driver of change. Over time, we expect our region will be exposed to a number of climate hazards, including:

• rising sea levels
• more extreme weather events
• increasing temperatures

The associated impacts associated with these climate hazards will compound as more people, homes and built assets are exposed.

When we reflect on the “challenges and opportunities” associated with climate change, it is important that we continue to address the predicted impacts in a progressive and responsive way that encourages the involvement of the whole community, at the same time balancing the needs of a growing economy and emerging industry and business sector.

Council recognises climate change as a global issue and since the adoption of the ELS in 2017 has recognised that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent and sustained effort to achieve net zero emissions by 2041.

Proposed Change

A refreshed strategy will incorporate wording to recognise the state of climate emergency and the increased urgency and sustained effort required across the next 10 years to reduce emissions, build organisational and community adaptive capacity and resilience into our environment, community and economy. Existing policy positions which reference climate change will be reviewed and strengthened as required.