FAQ's

Sustainability 

Sustainability is being able to sustain our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

Sustainability is often described as having 3 pillars, or components – the economy, society and the environment. It is important to recognise each of these components separately but also consider how they interact with each other and effect overall sustainability. 

Resilience 

Resilience is often termed as the capacity of a dynamic system to adapt successfully to challenges that threaten the function, survival or future development of the system. Resilience can refer to natural systems, individuals or communities. 

Environmental Sustainability 

Environmental sustainability is responsibly interacting with the planet to maintain natural resources and avoid jeopardising the ability for future generations to meet their needs. 

For example, being environmentally sustainable should maintain: 

• human life 
• the capabilities that the natural environment has, to maintain the living conditions for people and other species (e.g. clean water and air, a suitable climate) 
• the aspects of the environment that produce renewable resources 
• the functioning of society, despite non-renewable resource depletion 
• the quality of life for all people, the liveability and beauty of the environment 

By understanding the context and defining the scope of a strategy, the actions outlined in the strategy will be more realistic, achievable, and targeted to promote on ground action at a local level. 

The following diagram outlines topics that have been identified as being within scope (and out of scope) for the sustainability and resilience strategy.  

Priority themes for the sustainability and resilience strategy have been informed by extensive research and alignment with existing State and National sustainability frameworks. 

The themes will identify main areas of focus for both Council and the community and allow for a realistic range of actions to be generated that will contribute to these targets. 

The following are the themes that will form the basis of the sustainability and resilience strategy: 

1. Sustainability and Leadership 

Actions that could contribute to this theme might include things such as monitoring behaviour change towards sustainability, incorporating sustainable design to better integrate the built and natural environments, sustainable procurement training for staff, reduction in operating costs or reducing the environmental impact of Councils fleet.

2. Sustainability and the Environment 

Actions that could contribute to this theme might include things such as protecting and enhancing our natural systems, improving energy efficiency, conserving our water resources, being prepared for a changing climate, increasing the use of renewable energy and improving waste management practices. 

 3. Sustainability and the Community 

Actions that could contribute to this theme might include things such as promoting sustainable living, improving participation in sustainability events, promoting the adoption of sustainable attitudes and lifestyles and supporting community involvement and action.