Budget invests in environmental measures and initiatives

The City of Greater Bendigo’s 2023/2024 Budget will deliver environmental initiatives and projects that contribute towards reaching the region’s goal of zero emissions by 2030. 
 
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the measures in the Budget were aligned with the Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025, the priorities in the Climate Change and Environment Strategy 2021-2025, Zero Carbon: Net Zero Emissions Plan for City Operations and the City’s draft Biodiversity Strategy, which was recently released for community feedback.  
 
“The City will continue to invest in a coordinated approach to environmental policies, strategies and programs to produce more effective outcomes,” Cr Metcalf said. 
 
“We are committed to acting on climate change and protecting and enhancing the region’s natural environment, including its biodiversity, threatened species and waterways.” 
 
Priorities that support the delivery of actions in the Council Plan and Climate Change and Environment Strategy include sustainable land management education. This is an opportunity for landowners to learn and apply sustainable practices to improve their land in a changing climate. A small grants program will be available to eligible landowners. 
 
The Budget will fund biodiversity activities and engagement, including support for local Landcare and other environmental groups in the community.  
 
The City will contribute to a local carbon offset pilot program that will support biodiversity outcomes in Greater Bendigo and while also continuing with electrification projects for City-owned buildings. 
 
“All of these projects contribute to our goals to protect and regenerate the region’s ecosystems and achieve net zero emissions from City operations by 2030. 
 
“We will also continue to support emission reduction projects in partnership with stakeholders and the community through the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration.”  
 
This weekend the Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration is inviting members of the wider community to attend the Greater Bendigo Climate Summit on Saturday May 27, at Ulumbarra Theatre. 
 
Building the region’s flood resilience is another Budget priority.  
 
Detailed design for a Bendigo Creek levee from Racecourse Creek at Midland Highway to Leans Road, Huntly will receive $360,000 in funding that will also include design for a shared path.  
 
Rehabilitating Bendigo Creek near Weeroona Avenue, White Hills will recreate a chain of ponds along Bendigo Creek, with the aim to restore the ecological and cultural values of the creek.  
 
It will also see accumulated silt removed, banks stabilised and an in-stream sediment basin installed. The project is a collaboration between the City, Djandak and the North Central Catchment Management Authority. 

To view the adopted Budget and for more information, head to: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/About/Budget