The City of Ballarat’s draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) is now available for public comment.

The Strategy outlines Council’s framework for a more sustainable future through a set of practical initiatives aimed at making Ballarat a leader in its management of the natural environment and sustainability.

City of Ballarat Councillor Noel Perry said the Strategy would ensure healthier environments and protection of our natural resources.

“The strategy is about the obvious things like creating a cleaner environment with less pollution but it’s also about the things we probably think less about like economic gains through cost savings on energy, water and materials, and building stronger and healthier communities”.

“It’s about developing a culture of sustainability, both within Council and in the broader community”.

“We’re very keen to ensure that we give the Strategy the best chance of succeeding by leading by example and making sure Council staff and Councillors encourage and support this innovation and change”.

The full and snapshot versions of the Strategy are available here.

Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the strategy and have until Friday 27 January 2012 to do so.

Submissions can be sent by email to aaronizzard@ballarat.vic.gov.au or by post to Public Spaces and Environment, City of Ballarat, PO Box 655, Ballarat VIC 3353