All making an effort

as posted here

LOCAL councils are all doing their bit to protect the environment, particularly in waste and water management, according to a new survey published last week by an eco-watchdog group.

The Serpentine Jarrahdale Shire excelled in natural resource management scoring 100 per cent in survey responses while Gosnells and Armadale scored highly for waste management with 9/10 and 8/10, respectively.

The survey, published by HowGreen Is My Council, assessed the performance of metropolitan councils in a range of categories including access to information, climate change and sustainable transport, environmental sustainability and natural resource, waste and water management.

HowGreen spokeswoman Brenda Conochie said councils have “enormous potential” to affect the planet’s air, soil, water, biodiversity and climate at the local level.

In the access of information category S-J received four stars out of four, followed by Armadale with three and Gosnells none.

But Gosnells received six out of 12 stars in the climate change and sustainable transport, followed by Armadale (4) and SJ (3).

None offset their vehicle fleets’ carbon emissions, publish energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions or have addressed peak oil risks and vulnerabilities.

They have all purchased green power and participated in the Cities for Climate Change program.

Ms Conochie said the survey, which was online at www.howgreen.net.au was a “user-friendly” tool for residents, councillors and staff of Perth’s metropolitan councils.

“Our site recognises local governments’ efforts to protect the environment, while also drawing attention to gaps and, we hope, raising the bar to encourage further innovation and best practice,” she said.

There are plans to extend the service for country councils.

More detailed responses from the surveys are on the website.


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