Wodonga Council presented its first sustainability strategy in 2014. That strategy provided the framework and a co-ordinated approach to a more sustainable future for Wodonga.
The draft Sustainability Strategy 2022-2026 builds on this work and is intended to:
- Outline strategic direction to deliver on the Wodonga 2033 Community Vision and Council Plan;
- Inform organisational decision-making and resource allocation; and,
- Be transparent and accountable to the Wodonga ratepayers and community.
While sustainability is commonly considered an environmental issue, this strategy acknowledges the interlinkage of environmental sustainability with social and economic sustainability in building a sustainable and resilient community.
The Local Government Act 2020 and the Climate Change Act 2017 outline council's role as a decision-maker in responding and promoting the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the municipal district, including mitigation and planning for climate change risks.
The strategy provides a framework and a co-ordinated approach for council’s operations to incorporate sustainability and the impacts of climate change on its operations.
The strategy covers six key themes.
- Community and culture
- Ecosystems
- Energy
- Local economy
- Sustainable transport
- Waste
It has been developed with science-based targets that are timebound and measurable.
The strategy is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which provide a strong and holistic framework to address sustainability. The United Nations SDGs are the 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted by the United Nations member states (including Australia) in 2015.