ADVERTORIAL
Cardinia Shire Council undertakes many initiatives at both a corporate and community level to reduce the impact on the environment and to leave a healthy planet for many generations to come.
Council has committed to supplying 100 percent of Cardinia Shire’s electricity needs through renewable energy, sourced from two Victorian wind farms.
This is on track for Council to reach its two emission reduction targets by the expected timeframe of 2024. Council’s first target is reaching net zero emissions across the entire council region, while the second is achieving a 36 percent reduction in per capita community emissions, based on 2012 levels.
Further to these targets, Council has been facilitating the continuous installation of energy efficient resources in public areas. As new technology becomes available, existing items are replaced as they reach their end of life period. For example, should a public light require a replacement bulb upon the existing bulb’s expiration, it will be replaced with a sustainable and a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Since 2014, Cardinia Shire Council has completed three rounds of upgrades on street lights, while the fourth round began upon the arrival of the new financial year on July 1. The upgrade of mercury vapor street lights with LED alternatives is expected to save approximately $143,000 annually on energy and maintenance costs. Aside from lighting, Council also implements the use of recycled materials in the construction of roads and benches, where regulations allow.
Council encourages the use of the region’s public transport system, both to reduce congestion and traffic on roads and also to decrease emissions and pollutants produced by cars and other vehicles. There is also a continued effort from Council encouraging commercial electric vehicle charge providers to set up charging stations in the region, with the hope that electric and hybrid vehicles will become more commonplace in Cardinia Shire. Community demand will dictate when in the future such companies may wish to establish charging stations in the area.
Residents of Cardinia Shire are encouraged to report any incidences of rubbish dumping on Council owned land, ensuring that these people can be tracked down, penalised satisfactorily, deterred from offending in the future and keeping Cardinia Shire cleaner, safer and greener.
Council doesn’t recommend residents touch or try to remove the rubbish on their own, as it may pose a danger to health and safety or compromise evidence. Offenders may be charged under the Environmental Protection Act 1970 and if found guilty, face a maximum penalty of $6342.
Cardinia residents can report illegal dumping on Council owned land online by visiting www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/dumpedrubbish or by calling 1300 787 624.
To report dumping on private land or land owned by other agencies such as PTV, Melbourne Water or VicRoads, contact the Environment Protection Authority Victoria’s 24 hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
