Environmental sustainability means managing natural and built environments in a way that protects and restores ecosystems, conserves resources, and supports the wellbeing of current and future generations. It involves reducing emissions and waste, using water and energy efficiently, enhancing biodiversity, and building resilience to climate change. Environmental sustainability is achieved through leadership, collaboration, and actions that minimise environmental impact while supporting a healthy, liveable, and sustainable communities.

Council is preparing the Environmental Sustainability Plan because we know our community cares deeply about the environment and wants to see more action on issues like climate change, waste, greening, and sustainable living. This plan sets out how Council will respond to those priorities over the next 4 years.

The five themes of the Environmental Sustainability Plan are:

• Biodiversity, trees and greening - focuses on protecting and expanding natural areas, increasing tree canopy, and supporting native plants and animals.
• Water and coastal management - covers water sensitive urban design, stormwater management, and protecting local waterways and coastal environments.
• Waste reduction and circular economy - aims to reduce waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable ways of using and reusing materials.
• Climate resilience and emissions reduction - includes actions to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate risks like heat and storms.

• Sustainable living and environmental engagement - covers community environmental education, behaviour change, gardening, food systems, and supporting local environmental initiatives.

The Environmental Sustainability Plan works alongside a range of other council plans to support a shared vision for a Sustainable, Liveable Community. It helps deliver the goals of the City of Marion Strategic Plan 2024–2034 and is closely linked with documents like our Biodiversity Plan, Trees Asset Management Plan, Climate Policy, Waste Management Policy, and Open Space Framework.

This plan replaces and expands on the previous Carbon Neutral Plan, providing a broader and more integrated approach to reducing emissions, building climate resilience, and protecting our natural environment. By aligning with these plans, the Environmental Sustainability Plan ensures a coordinated approach to environmental sustainability across all areas of council activity.

The draft Environmental Sustainability Plan was developed through a combination of community feedback, expert input, and alignment with local, state, and national priorities. It builds on what we’ve heard from our community in recent consultations for the Strategic Plan, Biodiversity Plan, Resilient South Regional Climate Action Plan and Trees Asset Management Plan, where sustainability, trees, and climate action were identified as key priorities. Council staff reviewed current best practices, and considered emerging challenges like climate change and urban growth to ensure the plan is practical, evidence-based, and reflects community values.

The City of Marion offers a wide range of sustainability initiatives and programs to support our community and environment. These include tree maintenance and verge greening programs, community garden support, nature and sustainability workshops, and waste education campaigns. We provide incentives for food waste recycling, promote wildlife-friendly gardening, and support local conservation groups. Council also supports the transition to electric vehicles through providing public charging infrastructure at council facilities. Visit the Environment section of our website to find out more.

Your feedback will help shape the final version of the Environmental Sustainability Plan. All community input will be reviewed and considered alongside expert advice and council priorities to ensure the plan reflects what matters most to our community. A summary of the feedback and how it influenced the plan will be published when the final plan is presented to Council for endorsement.