Council has decided to redirect funding previously spent on carbon offsets towards projects that directly reduce our own emissions and support local environmental initiatives. This approach allows us to deliver more tangible, measurable benefits to our community while maintaining our commitment to environmental responsibility. Instead of offsetting emissions, we're investing in direct emission reductions and local biodiversity projects that residents can see and benefit from. 

Absolutely not. Council remains fully committed to climate action. We're simply changing our approach to focus on direct, local environmental benefits rather than purchasing offsets. We will continue to aspire towards net-zero emissions and maintain rigorous monitoring and reporting of our greenhouse gas emissions following best practice standards.

Council has moved away from the fixed timeline of achieving net zero corporate emissions by 2032. Instead, we will aspire towards net-zero emissions without a specific deadline, allowing us to focus on practical, achievable emission reduction projects while maintaining our environmental commitment. This approach enables us to prioritise direct emission reductions based on available opportunities and resources rather than being constrained by an arbitrary timeline.

The funding previously allocated to carbon offsets will be redirected annually towards 2 key areas:

• Projects that directly reduce Council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions and/or
• Projects that enhance local environment and biodiversity.

Each project will require Council approval to ensure transparency and community benefit.  

Yes, Council will continue to monitor and report on all our corporate greenhouse gas emissions, including comprehensive scope 3 emissions reporting via best practice methodology.  

"Aspiring towards net-zero emissions" means working to directly reduce our actual emissions rather than balancing them with offsets. This approach focuses on eliminating emissions at the source through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other direct reduction measures, rather than compensating for emissions through offset purchases.

Council will fund projects that directly reduce our corporate emissions, and could include:

• Reducing reliance on fossil fuels by upgrading gas appliances and equipment in Council facilities to more efficient electric alternatives.
• Reducing emissions from Council’s fleet of vehicles by switching to electric vehicles.
• Reducing Council’s electricity demand by installing solar PV and batteries. Note that as Council’s electricity is purchased from a 100% renewable source, this would not reduce Council’s carbon emissions.
• Future-proofing Council’s infrastructure with climate-ready improvements.

We'll also support local environment and biodiversity projects that enhance our natural environment and provide community benefits.

All projects funded through this initiative will require Council approval with detailed business cases, including opportunity costs. This ensures transparency, accountability, and maximum value for ratepayers while delivering measurable environmental outcomes.

No, this change does not affect our existing renewable energy commitments. Council continues to source 100% renewable electricity through the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) and will maintain our target to source 100% renewable electricity for all Council operations by 2025.

The annual funding amount will be calculated using the carbon offset purchasing approach employed in 2022/2023 and the current year's prevailing market value of carbon offsets applied to Council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions for that financial year. This ensures a consistent approach while adapting to changing market conditions and our emission reduction progress.

Our FY23/24 certification documents are currently being reviewed by Climate Active and we will see through the process to achieve certification for that year.  We notified Climate Active on 29 May 2025 of Council’s decision to withdraw from the program, with the withdrawal taking effect 30 business days after providing notice.

Going forward, Council will no longer purchase carbon offsets or maintain Climate Active certification. The redirected funding will be allocated to approved projects on an ongoing basis, subject to Council approval and detailed business case evaluation.