FAQs
- Online: Visit www.yoursay.unley.sa.gov.au and complete the online feedback form.
- In writing: Download the online feedback form, or request a hard copy by contacting us.
- By email: Write to us at pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au, with the subject ‘Draft Climate and Energy Plan’.
- By post: PO Box 1, Unley, South Australia, 5061
Why is it a Draft Plan?
The Draft Plan was prepared by Council staff and specialist consultants through research, data collection and stakeholder workshops.
As a draft document, it reflects the thinking of Council, and is presented to the community to ensure its reflects community values and support for the key directions contained in the plan.
Is this type of approach being undertaken elsewhere?
Many local governments and organisations are either already carbon neutral for their operations (eg City of Adelaide) or working towards it with goals ranging from 2025 to 2040.
Locally the City of Burnside, City of Campbelltown and City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters are also working towards a goal of carbon neutral operations by 2030.
Can our new street trees count towards our carbon offsets?
Currently there is no mechanism for urban street trees to be recognised as accredited carbon offsets by the national regulator.
Council is proposing to reduce its emissions footprint as much as possible and then purchasing accredited offsets for the remaining balance. These offsets are independently assessed and can be for projects like registered revegetation sites and renewable energy investment (eg wind farms).
Planting street trees has many benefits including removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However these reductions can not currently count towards being accredited as carbon neutral.
How do I get a copy of the Draft Climate and Energy Plan?
In the interest of reducing paper, we have a limited number of hard copies available. If you require a hard copy please contact us at pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au, with the subject ‘Draft Climate and Energy Plan’ or alternatively come along to one of the drop in time sessions on Thursday 22 April at either Goodwood Library (10am-1pm) or Unley Library (5-8pm).
How can I have my say?
All feedback on the Draft Climate and Energy Plan must be received by 5 pm Monday, 10 May 2021.
There are a number of ways you can provide feedback on the Draft Plan to Council:
Does the draft plan include actions to reduce broader Community emissions?
The Draft Plan addresses the Council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions and recommends a pathway for the City of Unley to become carbon neutral by 2030. This work focuses on limiting the emissions Council has a direct influence on and by which it can lead by example. After Council finalises its Operations Plan, it is intended that work will commence on a Community Carbon Reduction Plan.
How will this be delivered?
Subject to community feedback, the final Plan will be presented to Council with additional supporting information regarding proposed implementation plan.
Indicative costs are included in the Technical report, but have not been included in the plan. It is envisaged the budget requirements of the Plan would be refined as annual budget bids are prepared and market conditions change.