This draft strategy provides a roadmap that includes our guiding principles, strategic priorities, targets, policy directions and measures of success to support the achievement of the Our Healthy Environments goal that by 2033, our Moreton Bay will be renowned for its healthy natural and built environments that enhance our identity, support biodiversity and our sustainable lifestyles.

It also includes a detailed plan to guide focused action for us and our partners over the next 5 years.

This draft strategy addresses policy issues and proposes key actions across six key areas of importance for environmental preservation and sustainability, including:

• biodiversity and habitats
• coasts and waterways
• sustainable living
• climate action
• use of resources
• sustainable choices.

Proposed targets for waste reduction and achieving net zero for our operations will (over time) save money, improve efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage material reuse and recycling opportunities. This will reduce the carbon footprint of our region and encourage innovation.

The proposed no net loss target for native vegetation sets a benchmark and is a commitment to retaining and maintaining vegetation that is habitat for our fauna. This will support our diverse ecosystems, protect our creeks, riverbanks and coastal areas from erosion, facilitate absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and make our region a beautiful place to live and visit.

We are leading by example and have set a science-based greenhouse gas reduction target of net zero emissions by 2039 for our own operations.

We have recognised that more work needs to be done and we are committed to preparing both a Climate Mitigation Plan and Climate Adaptation Plan that will look at how we can reduce emissions and respond and adapt to the anticipated impacts of climate change respectively.

Consideration of natural hazards (flooding, bushfires, tidal inundation) is very important, and we’re prioritising long term planning and disaster preparedness, taking into account the expected impacts of climate change.

Net zero emissions means balancing the greenhouse gas emission we produce, and the greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.

Initially Council will help the community through providing education and communication activities that target reducing greenhouse gas emissions and support uptake of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies.

Over the longer-term, we will continue working towards ensuring our programs, initiatives and information build awareness and inform action to support our community, business and household greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This will contribute to cooler and more sustainable communities that are less expensive and more liveable.

This draft strategy sets out policy to provide guidance for development, provide connectivity for wildlife, protect and manage creeks, waterways and wetlands and identify priority areas for restoration.

There are actions in this draft strategy to continue existing successful programs we deliver such as the Land Buyback for Environmental Purposes Program, Voluntary Conservation Agreements, Land for Wildlife and Bushcare.

We will continue and expand our work regenerating creeks and waterways as well as support landholders with waterways on their properties through education resources and information.

We will also assist private landholders to protect and restore the natural environment through ecological restoration advice and incentives and continue work with stakeholders and partners on koala habitat restoration.

This draft strategy encourages sustainable and climate positive businesses that contribute positively to innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth and the partnerships to support trial or incubator projects.

The outcomes outlined within this draft strategy focus on assisting businesses by providing information about sustainable practices and resources (including best practice and case study examples).

The proposed native vegetation target seeks to maintain vegetation coverage at the current percentage acknowledging there will be both losses and gains. The target will assist with planning for urban growth and encouraging regeneration and restoration activities.

We are committed to going green as we grow.

But being green does not have to be expensive - there are little things everyone in our community can do every day to make a difference and this is the focus of our strategy actions and when looking to improve our own environmental footprint.

That said, sometimes to make savings in the long run and to achieve environmental benefit, we are required to spend money (like the food organics garden organics system that will be introduced in the coming years). These decisions are made after careful consideration.

As we move further down the path of net zero emissions for our own operations, financial savings are likely to result from decreased energy costs and increased efficiencies.

The SDGs are an internationally recognised and accepted blueprint to address common social, economic and environmental issues and have been committed to by the Australian government.

The goals are holistic and cover the breadth of outcomes covered by the proposed strategies.