Council Minutes - Town of Cambridge

COUNCIL MINUTES
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
DV12.103 SUSTAINABILITY INFORMATION REPORT
SUMMARY:
This report highlights some of the range of sustainability initiatives undertaken by the Town
through the Sustainability Services team. It is proposed to present a report to Council
approximately every four months to keep elected members and the community up to date
with ongoing and achievements by the Town.
Initiatives reported here address the pressing issues facing us today of:-
• Ecological biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Air Quality
• Energy production/consumption
• Water quality/consumption
• Waste generation/disposal
These issues are all inter-connected and, collectively, demand our attention in ensuring a
liveable environment for future generations.
In many respects, local government leads the way in embracing sustainable practice and as
the tier of government closest to the community, can influence critical behaviour change at
an individual level that is necessary to overcome threats to a sustainable future.
DETAILS:
Initiatives listed below provide a summary and overview of activities undertaken in the past
year:
1. TravelSmart
TravelSmart was introduced by the State Government in response to the Metropolitan
Transport Strategy's (1995) finding that growing car use in Perth was not sustainable and
that demand for car use would have to be managed to maintain a liveable city. It is also
identified as a key initiative in the Government's Transport Plan, 2010.
Sustainable travel options and practices are promoted by developing and implementing
programs and strategies together with community groups, schools and government bodies.
A considerable increase in the number of students cycling, scooting and walking to school
was achieved at Wembley Primary School. In a Survey conducted at the school 40% of
students regularly participate in active transport days which has helped to alleviate
congestion around the school and reduce pressure on limited parking
The TravelSmart Officer has also developed a Town of Cambridge Workplace Travel Plan to
encourage and support administration staff to choose sustainable transport options. In
addition to the Town's Plan the TravelSmart Officer assisted St John of God hospital
(Subiaco) in developing and implementing a Workplace Travel Plan.
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