Councillor update from Cr Kieran Simpson (Deputy Mayor)

Good local decisions are rarely made by Councillors alone. They are stronger when they are informed by people who understand our community and the practical impacts of policy. 

That is why Council’s decision last year to change the Environment Sustainability Reference Group into the Environment Sustainability Advisory Committee mattered. It gave the now Committee a clearer pathway to provide advice before decisions are made. 

As the Committee’s chair, I am proud to work with members who bring a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience. They come from different backgrounds but share a commitment to the local environment and a willingness to contribute their time in service of Whitehorse. Environmental decisions touch everyday life, from how we reduce waste to how we protect local places and plan responsibly for the future. The Committee gives Council access to practical, local and long-term perspectives as it considers how best to respond to environmental challenges. 

Their advice has helped inform Council’s consideration of a soft plastics recycling facility, the Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan, tree management policies and masterplan consultation.

These examples show the real value of Council committees. At their best, they are a genuine way for community members to turn their experience, professional knowledge or local passion into practical advice to help shape policy and improve decisions Council makes on behalf of the wider community. If you have knowledge, skills or lived experience that could assist Council’s work, or simply a strong commitment to Whitehorse, I encourage you to consider putting your hand up when advisory committee opportunities arise. Your contribution can help shape better outcomes for our community. Council’s committees are listed on our website. 

Council has also recently concluded consultation on the Integrated Transport Strategy, which considers how to better connect our city. Active transport is an important consideration, particularly given about a quarter of car trips are under 5 kilometres. That means there are congestion-busting opportunities to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across Whitehorse. I look forward to reading the feedback and seeing how community input can help shape this important work.