Environment Sustainability Strategy & LiveSmartBallarat Policy

Following an extensive community engagement process, Council adopted the Environment Sustainability Strategy (ESS) and the LiveSmartBallarat Sustainability Policy on 25th October 2007.

The initial draft of the ESS was considered by Council in June 2006, and after announcement of the State Government's amendments to Clause 56 of the Victorian Planning Provisions, the need for a policy that would apply to new major developments within the City of Ballarat was identified. Public input to the policy was sought through the LiveSmartBallarat booklets on water, energy and waste distributed with the March April and May editions of the myballarat community magazine. The ESS has been updated to reflect the status changes to projects, policy and public feedback since public exhibition in July 2006.  

What is the Environmental Sustainability Strategy?

It has been identified as one of Council's key strategies, that will result in the delivery of key outcomes of Blueprint Ballarat, the Council Plan and the Municipal Strategic Statement.

The City of Ballarat Environment Sustainability Strategy.pdf (PDF - 768KB) provides over 100 actions and initiatives that are orientated around the following themes:

• Biodiversity (flora and fauna)
• Water quality and quantity
• Energy
• Waste recycling and re-use
• Air quality 

What is the LiveSmartBallarat Sustainability Policy?

The purpose of the LiveSmartBallarat Sustainability Policy is to establish and commit to Ballarat as a sustainable city and to set targets and policy positions for how this will be achieved. This policy impacts on all new developments within the City, Council's operations, facilities, events and projects.

The policy will progressively be implemented through development of practice notes and checklists with key stakeholders and acquisition of on line assessment tools that will assist in decision making in design development for new buildings.

LiveSmartBallarat Sustainability Policy (PDF - 50KB)

What are the objectives of the Strategy

The key objectives of the Strategy are to:

• provide a clear direction to the City of Ballarat and its community regarding sustainability as well as the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
• develop a focus on sustainability across the organisation and achieve best practice environmental management in respect to Councils operation.
• continue to raise awareness and increase the communitys participation and partnerships in environmental issues.

Key issues

Some of the key issues raised by the community, Council officers and the consultants were:

• The need to develop and implement a triple bottom line management and reporting framework for Council.
• Promote Councils sustainable initiatives and outcomes of programs.
• Develop all new Council buildings and facilities on sustainability principle, with consideration of energy, materials, waste, water etc.
• Prevent, minimise and offset native vegetation removal.
• Continue implementing the Ballarat Stormwater Management Plan.
• Establish best practice stormwater management for all new developments.
• Establish a biodiversity protection and enhancement incentive scheme.
• Encourage City of Ballarat residents and businesses to take up alternative lower emission fuels.
• Encourage use of public transport and use of cycle/walking paths.
• Lead by example by implementing sustainable water use practices in Council activities.
• Provide leadership in energy conservation and emissions reduction.
• Improve Councils waste management practices and services.

Contact Details

Any queries regarding the strategy can be referred to City Sustainability Division on 03 5320 5500 or email ianrossiter@ballarat.vic.gov.au

Related Content

Waste & Recycling