environmental sustainability report · mildura rural city council environmental sustainability...

Environmental Sustainability Report 2018 - 2019

Mildura Rural City Council Environmental Sustainability Report 2018-19 2

Contents Summary ................................................................................................................... 3

Electricity .................................................................................................................. 4

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4

Information .............................................................................................................. 5

Achievements and Challenges ................................................................................ 6

Fleet ........................................................................................................................... 7

Introduction ............................................................................................................. 7

Information .............................................................................................................. 7

Achievements and Challenges ................................................................................ 9

Water ....................................................................................................................... 10

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 10

Information ............................................................................................................ 11

Achievements and Challenges .............................................................................. 12

Biodiversity ............................................................................................................. 13

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 13

Information ............................................................................................................ 13


Waste ....................................................................................................................... 16

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 16

Information ............................................................................................................ 16


Community Engagement ....................................................................................... 20

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 20

Information ............................................................................................................ 20


Targets for 2019-20 ................................................................................................. 24

Energy................................................................................................................... 24

Fleet ...................................................................................................................... 24

Water .................................................................................................................... 24

Biodiversity ............................................................................................................ 24

Waste .................................................................................................................... 24

Community Engagement ....................................................................................... 25


Summary As a leader in the community, the Mildura Rural City Council (Council) strives to set an example of

responsible environmental management. This report provides information for the 2018-19 financial year

that demonstrates our commitment to managing our environment in a sustainable way. Council’s key

sustainability areas are electricity, fleet, water, biodiversity, waste and community engagement. Each of

these areas has plans and strategies adopted by Council to improve the sustainability of Council

operations, protect the natural environment and reduce the impact of our community on the environment.

Each year Council aims to meet targets related to environmental sustainability as set out in various

plans and strategies. During 2018-19 there was an 11 per cent decrease in electricity consumption at

our large market sites compared to 2017-18, due to some significant energy efficiency projects. Water

consumption in the 2018-19 year was higher than the previous year, primarily due to drier than average

conditions. Council recorded a 7 per cent decrease in fuel consumption in 2018-19 compared to 2017-

18. The implementation of a new fleet monitoring system will result in a continuing emphasis on fuel

efficiencies for the coming year.

Our natural environment, particularly our Murray Riverfront Reserve, is valued by our community and

visitors to the region. Ongoing Council works to maintain the environmental and recreational values in

these areas include: management of recreational pressures, revegetation and weed and pest animal

control. Revegetation of rural roadsides to increase and improve roadside vegetation corridors in the

farming areas is also a priority for Council.

Council provides a range of waste management services including: kerbside garbage and recycling,

management of two landfills and eight transfer stations, routine and emergency street sweeping, street

litter and recycling bins and clean-up after littering and illegal dumping on Council land. A major

achievement for 2018-19 was the approval of a kerbside organics collection service. This will see the

collection of food and garden waste, with the kerbside rubbish bin diverting organic material from going

to landfill.

Community engagement is an important part of Council’s environmental program. Council’s

environmental education within the community and involvement in projects and activities including the

Mildura Eco Village, Clean up Australia Day and National Tree Day helps build the capacity of the

community to value and care for our environment. There was a significant increase in the number of

environmental education activities delivered in 2018-19.


Electricity

Introduction

In 2007 Council developed a Greenhouse Action Plan (GAP) to address rising energy usage and

associated greenhouse gas emissions. Through implementation of actions in the GAP, Council attained

a reduction in emissions of 20.2 per cent by 2012. The Energy Management Plan 2012-2017 was

developed in 2012 and expanded on the GAP by considering the financial benefits of reducing energy

consumption. The target of a 10 per cent reduction from 2011-12 electricity consumption levels was met

in the first year of the plan.

The development of the Energy Management Plan 2017-2021 involved a review of the Energy

Management Plan 2012-17 and identifies actions that build on the achievements of the previous plans.

The key objectives of the Energy Management Plan 2017-2021 are to:

Achieve a 25 per cent reduction from 2015-16 electricity consumption in buildings and facilities by

2022.

Achieve a 15 per cent reduction from 2015-16 electricity consumption of street/public lighting by

2022.

Record financial savings generated by energy efficiency projects.

Record emission reduction from reduced energy consumption.

In achieving further reductions in energy consumption, Council will, where possible, prioritise actions

according to an ‘Energy Efficiency Hierarchy’ (Figure 1). At the top of the hierarchy are those actions

that require little to no capital investment in order to save energy, including reducing energy use through

behavioural change and efficient management of existing assets.

Figure 1: Emissions Reduction Hierarchy

AVOID Design new buildings with consideration for energy efficiency and/or retrofit existing buildings to improve efficiency REDUCE Manage existing assets to reduce energy consumption REPLACE AND OFFSET

Source alternative energy supplies such as solar panels, or purchase accredited emissions offsets such as tree-planting or energy efficiency


Implementation of energy saving measures at Council occurs within the following Council Policies and

Plans:

• Energy Management Plan 2017-2021

• Environmental Sustainability Policy

• Water and Energy Use Policy and Guidelines (Buildings and Facilities)

Information The Energy Management Plan 2017-2021 aims to achieve a 25 per cent reduction from 2015-16

electricity consumption in buildings and facilities by 2022. In the first two years of the new plan, electricity

consumption has already been reduced by 13 per cent.

The Australian Energy Regulator’s State of the Energy Market Report, released in December 2018,

stated that “the energy market in 2018 was again characterised by high prices and rapid change, with

widespread concerns about affordability, reliability and security of supply, and the industry’s carbon

emissions”.

To minimise increases in operational costs, it is important that Council maintains its focus on reducing

its energy consumption through energy efficiency projects and initiatives.

Graph 1: Annual electricity consumption in Megawatt hours (MWh)

In 2018-19 Council achieved an 11.3 per cent decrease in large market electricity consumption from the

previous financial year. The corresponding cost impact to Council was an increase of 15 percent from

the previous year due to higher wholesale electricity prices.

Council’s five large market electricity sites are: The Alfred Deakin Centre, Madden Avenue Service

Centre (Office), Deakin Avenue Service Centre (Office), the Mildura Arts Centre and the Red Cliffs

Depot.

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2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

MW

h

Annual Electricity Consumption

Target: 4,096 MWh (25% reduction on 2015-16

levels)


Achievements and Challenges Achievements

Committed 100 per cent of our electricity load to the Victorian Local Government Power Purchase

Agreement tender, which if successful will see Council purchasing 100 per cent renewable

electricity from 1 July 2021.

Energy Management Teams continue to operate at Council’s largest sites to monitor and

communicate energy consumption trends and energy saving activities. These teams consist of

management staff at each location. There have been multiple successes at these sites including:

Madden Avenue and Deakin Avenue Service Centres achieved a 25 and 10 per cent

reduction respectively in electricity consumption levels from 2017-18. These buildings saw

the installation of LED lighting with sensors and double glazed windows.

Change to the behaviour and attitude of staff.

Continual auditing and rationalisation of unnecessary appliances (small fridges, heaters and

fans).

The Alfred Deakin Centre achieved a 14 per cent reduction in electricity consumption levels from

2017-18. Condensing boilers and pool filtration equipment were replaced with more energy efficient

technology at Mildura Waves.

Facilitated the installation of over 200 kilowatts of solar panels on commercial properties within the

municipality, through our Environmental Upgrade Agreement (EUA) program.

Annual blind replacement program to provide more efficient internal window blinds for energy

conservation.

Challenges

Continuing to manage existing systems such as air conditioning to ensure efficiency is maintained.

Some remaining small Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems require a degree

of manual operation and monitoring to maximise performance and efficiencies. Ongoing training

and management is required to ensure these systems are being operated in the efficient manner

intended.

Increasing demand on resources, such as the provision of lighting in public spaces to maintain

public safety and increasing staff numbers, technology and service level provision.


Fleet

Introduction Environmental factors are considered when purchasing new items of fleet. The Fleet Management

Policy OP-002 requires, where practicable, passenger vehicles to be purchased with the following

Australian Government’s Green Vehicle Guide ratings:

Fuel consumption is less or equal to 9.5 litres per 100 km.

CO2 g/km is less or equal to 221.

Greenhouse rating is greater than or equal to 5.5.

Council’s Energy Management Plan 2017-2021 includes actions to ensure the fuel consumption and

emissions of Council’s fleet are monitored and reported on a regular basis. Environmental

considerations are also included as evaluation criteria in all tenders and formal requests for quotations

for replacement of fleet items.

Information During 2018-19, Council’s fleet totalled 264 vehicles which is a decrease from 265 vehicles in 2017-18.

Our fleet includes passenger vehicles, utility and commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, loaders, graders,

mowers, trailers and miscellaneous equipment. Table 1 below outlines the fuel usage of vehicles for

2018-19.

Fuel Type No. of Vehicles Total Litres (‘000)

Petrol 55 59

Diesel 207 917

LPG 2 4

Total 264 980

Table 1: Fuel usage of vehicles in 2018-19


Table 2 shows the efficiency of passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles during 2018-19. The

most efficient vehicles in Council’s fleet continue to be the four cylinder hybrid vehicles.

Vehicle & Engine Type

No. of Vehicles In Fleet

Total Litres Used

Total Km Travelled

Average Fuel/100 km

Passenger Vehicles

4CYL – Diesel 9 13,526 170,622 7.93

6CYL – Diesel 0 0 0 0

4CYL – Hybrid 15 9,864 151,106 6.53

4CYL – Petrol 29 33,129 369,555 8.96

6CYL – Petrol 7 13,051 120,112 10.87

Utility and Commercial Vehicles

4CYL – Diesel 83 141,749 1,358,582 10.43

6CYL – Petrol 1 1,724 16,063 10.85

Table 2: Efficiency of passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles in 2018-19

Fuel usage was 980 kilolitres in 2018-19, a decrease of 70 kilolitres from 2017-18. The implementation

of new Fleet reporting systems will result in a continuing emphasis on fuel efficiencies, reporting, route

planning and works scheduling.

Graph 2: Total fuel usage of all fleet vehicles over the past 9 years

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1200

2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

KL

Total Fuel Consumed



Council has undertaken a tender process for the provision of a fleet management system,

incorporating a pool booking system and global positioning system. This system is currently being

rolled out and will allow for better monitoring of vehicle usage and efficiencies, which will inform

future savings opportunities.

Eco Driving training continues to be delivered to operators of heavy trucks and vehicles. This

training focuses on driver behaviour in order to increase efficient driving practices and reduce fuel

usage.

Fuel reports continue to be produced on a monthly basis which allow management to monitor fuel

consumption and question anomalies as they arise.

Challenges

Council continues to undertake sustainability reviews of its operations. These reviews may impact

on the number of fleet items required by areas of Council to undertake their operations.


Water

Introduction Council is a significant water user within the community, with responsibility for irrigating parks, sporting

fields, public gardens and public open spaces, as well as using water for other Council operations. In

addition, as the local planning authority, Council is in a unique position to be able to influence public

attitude and behaviour regarding water use and to set standards for water conservation in new

developments.

As a result of Council’s Sustainable Water Use Plan 2006-11 and Sustainable Water Use Management

Guidelines 2011-16, there are various documents in place that address sustainable water use.

A ‘Sustainable Water Use at Mildura Rural City Council’ document has been developed to identify the

plans, strategies, guidelines and policies in place relating to sustainable water use, including those

required to meet requirements under Victoria's Permanent Water Saving Rules, and to set a target for

future water use.

Key areas identified for consideration for sustainable water use are:

Irrigation

Stormwater

Buildings & Facilities

Aquatic Facilities

Targets set under the Sustainable Water Use Plan 2006-11 and Sustainable Water Use Management

Guidelines 2011-16 have been achieved. The current target is to maintain water consumption at levels

lower than those of 2014-15.

Implementation of stormwater management and water saving measures occur within a framework of

local, State and Federal Strategy and Policy, including:

Water for Victoria (Plan)

State Policy, Our Water Our Future, White Paper 2004

Water Act 1989

5-star Building Rating and Plumbing regulation

Lower Murray Water ‘Permanent Water Saving Plan’

Mildura Rural City Council Policies, Strategies and Plans

The Vegetation Management Plan 2015-19

Water Use Plan – Irrigation Operation

The Environmental Management Strategy for Stormwater 2014-18

The Constructed Wetland Management Guidelines

Water and Energy Use Guidelines – Buildings and Facilities

Water and Energy Use Policy


Aquatic Facilities Redevelopment Strategy 2014-20

Information Consumption

Water consumption in the 2018-19 year increased from the previous year and was above the target

level of maintaining usage below 2014-15 levels. This increase is due to a number of factors including

additional sites requiring irrigation, below average rainfall and faulty irrigation systems.

Graph 3: Annual water consumption in Mega Litres

Stormwater

Council manages the following three major constructed wetlands:

Etiwanda Wetland which receives stormwater from East Mildura including major industrial areas.

Bob Corbould Wetland which receives water from Central and West Mildura.

Mildura South Wetlands which receives water from Irymple and South Mildura.

Erosion control works were undertaken at the Mildura South Wetlands to improve the stability of the

Panorama Drive embankment, which included tiering the embankment to slow water run-off, installing

jute matting and planting native shrubs, trees and grasses with assistance from Sunraysia Institute of

TAFE.

There were 1,500 plants placed into Mildura South Wetlands to encourage a natural environment for

people using the area for recreation as well as local wildlife.

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2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

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Annual Water Consumption - Recycled, Rural & Urban Recycled Water (Aeros)

Rural water

Urban water

Target: 1428ML(maintain usage below 2014-15 levels)


Figure 2: Erosion control works at Mildura South Wetlands


Continued monitoring of all irrigation systems including schedules and equipment.

Conversion of manual watering system to automatic at three locations.

Installed soil moisture monitoring technology at sporting ovals and green spaces to ensure the

efficient use of water.

Involvement in the Northern Mallee Integrated Water Management Forum.

Introducing water saving landscapes.

Challenges

Weather conditions continue to impact on water usage. Council continues to refine measures to

adapt to weather patterns and adjusts its irrigation needs accordingly.

Increasing the size or number of open space areas requires additional irrigation systems.

Increasing vandalism to irrigation systems.

Meeting and managing community expectations whilst conserving water. The expectation is for a

higher level of service for sporting grounds/parks which means higher water use to keep them

green.


Biodiversity

Introduction Council undertakes a number of programs focused on maintaining and improving native vegetation to

support biodiversity values. The control of rabbits and weeds on significant roadside corridors and the

management of recreational pressures and weeds in Council-managed natural areas are high priorities.

Council’s key strategic documents for biodiversity are:

Invasive Plants and Animals Plan 2014-2018

Vegetation Management Plan 2015-2019

Environmental Education Plan 2015-2019

Roadside Weed and Rabbit Control Plan 2017-19

Information

Roadsides

Roadsides Rabbit and Weed Control – Mallee Catchment Management Authority (MCMA) – Rural Roadsides

Council was successful in receiving three grants from the MCMA for the improvement of the roadside

vegetation corridors bordering National Parks and State Forests in our municipality. Protecting the intact

native vegetation on rural roadsides is beneficial. Removing the outside competition of weed cover and

pest herbivores such as rabbits gives native plant species the opportunity to grow. The area is then

improved for more native insects and animals to use as part of their habitat or to allow accessibility

through to larger patches of native vegetation. There were 34 monitoring sites assessed before and

after control measures were deployed.

A total of 2,784 hectares of rural roadsides were targeted with Council receiving $186,079 (GST

inclusive) from the MCMA.

Figure 3: Rabbit control monitoring site Figure 4: Contractor fumigating active warrens


Roadside Weed and Rabbit Control Plan 2017-19

Council received external funds to the amount of $82,500 (GST inclusive) from Local Governments

Victoria to undertake weed and rabbit control on rural Council roadside reserves. The funding was

administered to two Landcare Groups through an expression of interest process, to support rabbit and

weed control on a total of 48 hectares of roadside.

Significant Roadsides Council currently monitors 24 roadside sites where Threatened Species have been identified. These roadsides are signposted to indicate their presence and inform people to take care when working in the area. The sites are monitored annually for weeds, pest animals and other threats.

Rabbit and Weed Control

Continued monitoring and control from 2017-18 of African Boxthorn and Prickly Pear on a total of 14

hectares of roadside within the irrigation district around the Red Cliffs horticultural area. Illegal dumping

of rubbish was also cleared.

Natural Areas

Ranfurly Bend Reserve and Ranfurly Park

Weed control and rubbish removal was carried out at both Ranfurly Bend Reserve and Ranfurly Park,

as well as a small amount of revegetation (100 plants) in the vehicle exclusion zone.

Lake Cullulleraine

In 2018-19 Council supported CO2 Australia to undertake the largest revegetation project on Council

managed land. The revegetation project on 80 hectares at Lake Cullulleraine is fully funded under the

Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees Program, an initiative under the National Landcare Program.

CO2 Australia carried out the project including consultation with Traditional Owners, rabbit control and

selecting, ordering and planting of 140,000 local species. This project will continue into 2019-20 with

CO2 Australia actively managing the site, including replants and ongoing rabbit control.

Lake Hawthorn

Council received funds from the Mallee Catchment Management Authority to undertake erosion control

works at Lake Hawthorn.

The project involved formalising the existing car park at Dyar Avenue, constructing rock beaching and

revegetating the area with the assistance of The Lake Primary School. The car park had suffered

significant erosion problems over many years and required upgrades to ensure all weather access.

The works will benefit the general public and community groups who utilise the area regularly and

enhance the works already completed at this site.


Figure 5: Erosion control works at Lake Hawthorn


The protection and enhancement of Council managed natural areas, key roadside wildlife corridors

and culturally significant areas.

The collaborative approach to controlling invasive plants and animals with the MRCC Roadside

Invasive Plants and Animals Working Group.

Acting on community calls by taking appropriate action to mitigate threats and maintain natural

areas prioritised by Council.

Supporting enforcement activities for illegal clearing of native vegetation on private and public land.

Challenges

Achieving the best outcome, with minimal funds, for controlling invasive plants and animals on

roadsides, for the benefit of the community.

Improving community knowledge and responsibility about the benefits of native vegetation and

fauna that occur and inhabit the landscape.

The management of recreational pressures in our natural areas, including illegal dumping,

vandalism and off-track driving.

Continuing to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to achieve

good outcomes for all involved.

Increasing community awareness of the importance of native vegetation and urban biodiversity.


Waste

Introduction Council provides a wide range of waste management services to our community. These services assist

residents, visitors and businesses to responsibly dispose of the waste they produce, to extend the life

of local landfills and improve the sustainability of our environment.

The waste management services that Council provides include:

The provision of kerbside garbage and recycling to approximately 25,500 residents and businesses

across the municipality.

Management of two operating landfills, two closed landfills and eight transfer stations providing

access to all residents to be able to dispose of waste and recycle where possible.

Undertaking routine and emergency street sweeping.

Servicing street litter bins and public place recycling bins.

The provision of garbage and recycling bins for events.

The clean-up of illegal dumping on Council’s roadsides.

Council’s key strategic document for waste management is the Municipal Waste Management Plan

2010-15. The new Waste and Resource Recovery Plan is currently being developed.

Information Waste Generation

Waste generation comprises all waste, including waste for recycling, from domestic and commercial

sources that enter the Mildura Landfill site. The target of a 10 per cent reduction on 2004-05 level is

difficult to achieve because as population increases total waste generation also increases.

Graph 4: Tonnes of waste generated in the municipality

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25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

Ton

nes

Overall Waste Generation

Target: 27,367


Litter

Council’s litter target is a 25 per cent reduction on 2004-05 levels. This target includes litter collected

from public place litter bins and from the street sweeper. Actual waste figures are most likely greater

than this figure as tonnages collected through Parks and Gardens litter pick up and illegal dumping are

not included in this total.

Graph 5: Tonnes of litter recorded in the municipality

Municipal Waste Recovery

Council’s municipal waste recovery target is 65 per cent. Municipal waste includes the kerbside rubbish

and recycling collection and domestic waste and recycling brought to the landfill. In 2018-19 the recovery

rate was the same as the previous year. It is expected that this rate will continue to improve with the

introduction of a residential organics kerbside service from 2020-21. Organic waste currently constitutes

50 per cent of a household’s kerbside rubbish bin.

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2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

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Litter Target:2,038


Graph 6: The percentage of waste recovered across the municipality

Commercial, Industrial, Construction and Demolition Waste Recovery

To achieve significant changes in recovery of this waste stream, a pre-sort will be required before any

landfilling. This will require additional resources at the landfill to sort through these loads to remove any

product that can be recycled, with the remaining going to landfill.

The target of 80 per cent is something that Council currently cannot achieve. The reduction in tonnes

recovered is due to Council no longer accepting concrete for recycling.

Graph 7: The percentage of commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste recovered in the

municipality

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60%

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

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Municipal Waste Recovery Rate

Target:65%

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60%

2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

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Waste Recovery Rate Target:80%



In September 2018, Council approved the introduction of a kerbside organics collection service.

This will see a weekly collection of food and garden waste with the kerbside rubbish bin going to a

fortnightly collection. This will divert organic material from going to landfill, which comprises on

average 50 per cent of the kerbside rubbish bin.

Diverted and recycled 6,797 tonnes of green waste at Mildura Landfill.

Recycled 1,066 mattresses, 7,154 litres of domestic oil, 237 tonnes of cardboard, 10 tonnes of

polystyrene and 581 tonnes of steel.

Figure 6: The three bin system

Challenges

In February 2019, SKM who processes 50 per cent of Victoria’s recycling, stopped accepting

recyclable material at their sites after the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria issued

them with notices to reduce stockpiles of material. This saw Mildura having to send kerbside

recycling to landfill for a few weeks.

Council ceased accepting concrete for recycling at Mildura Landfill. This saw an increase of waste

going to landfill where concrete and mixed loads were being landfilled instead of recycled. This

decision was made to reduce activities on site that produce dust.

Encouraging the community and businesses to recycle more material at the Landfill (sorting their

loads) so that less waste is entering the landfill.

Illegal dumping in natural areas, parks and on roadsides is an increasing problem.

Providing an environmentally, economically and socially practical service in the face of increasing

regulatory and financial pressures.


Community Engagement

Introduction Community engagement is an important part of Council’s environmental program. Council’s

environmental education with students and involvement with projects and activities, including the

Mildura Eco Village, Clean up Australia Day and National Tree Day, help to build the capacity of the

community to value and look after our environment.

Council’s Environmental Education Plan aims to provide an integrated approach to environmental

education. Key focus areas for environmental community engagement include water, energy,

biodiversity and waste management.

Information Council’s Environmental Education Program gives students and community groups the opportunity to

increase awareness and participate in sustainable living and local environmental activities. Activities

offered include: tree planting, natural area and wetland visits, landfill tours, gardening and composting,

weed identification, soil identification, and energy efficiency. A target of 40 activities per year is set under

Council’s Environmental Education Plan. Graph 8 shows the number of activities delivered each year,

with the target being exceeded for the last 6 years.

Graph 8: Number of Environmental Education activities per year

The Mildura Eco Village

The development of the Mildura Eco Village is led by the Sunraysia Sustainability Network (SSN), with

the support of Council. It is delivered as a staged project, with the goal of assisting the Sunraysia

community to move toward a more sustainable future.

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2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

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Environmental Education Activities

Target: 40


The Mildura Eco Village provides an area for the community to come together, share ideas and

encourages a positive and lasting influence on community attitudes to more sustainable ways of living.

Located adjacent to the Mildura Landfill, the site is the base for the environmental education activities

delivered by Council and incorporates the following facilities:

An Education Centre – a multipurpose community facility displaying sustainable design elements,

building practices and technologies.

A Community Garden – the heart and soul of the Village which includes 37 raised beds, large on-

ground beds, composting and a worm farm.

A Sustainable Play Space – constructed to encourage free play and creative thinking.

The Eco House – a retrofitted sustainable demonstration house for community use. The Eco House

is used as the main base for energy efficiency environmental education.

Figure 7: Working Bee Day at the Mildura Eco Village



Increased use of the Mildura Eco Village site and its facilities, including the community gardens,

by various user groups.

Revised educational programs for the Mildura Eco Village incorporating the facilities at the site.

Events held at the Mildura Eco Village including:

2,077 participants partaking in environmental education activities.

547 students attended World Environment Day activities.

Three new schools and kindergartens engaged.

Four new community groups visited the site.

Open Day incorporating the Trash to Art and schools recycled art competition with 120 people

in attendance.

All site users meetings and quarterly working bees.

Monthly Sunraysia Sustainability Network working bees.

Visits to schools and excursions including:

Etiwanda Wetlands to demonstrate the purpose of constructed wetlands in stormwater

management.

Biodiversity based presentations and interactive activities including tree planting and

propagation with local schools.

Organised first Aussie Backyard Bird Count event along the Mildura Riverfront.

The promotion of native tree planting at our local schools through our Schools Plant Offer program.

Annual National Tree Day events for the community and schools.

MRCC staff participated for the first time in Plastic Free July and joined the challenge by refusing

single-use plastics like disposable coffee cups, take away containers and cling wraps for one day.


Figure 8: Winning entry in Trash to Art competition

Challenges

In conjunction with the Sunraysia Sustainability Network, engaging the community in projects

undertaken at the site.

Increasing and maintaining the enthusiasm of the community, school groups and stakeholders.

Consolidating all of Council’s environmental community engagement activities at the Mildura Eco

Village.


Targets for 2019-20

Energy Achieve a 25 per cent reduction from 2015-16 electricity consumption in buildings and facilities by

2022.

Achieve a 15 per cent reduction from 2015-16 electricity consumption of street/public lighting by

2022.

(Energy Management Plan 2017-2021)

Fleet Achieve a 10 per cent reduction from 2015-16 fuel consumption by 2022.

(Energy Management Plan 2017-2021)

Council’s desired ratings for its passenger vehicle fleet is:

Fuel consumption is less or equal to 9.5 litres per 100 km.

Co2 g/km is less or equal to 221.

Greenhouse rating is greater than or equal to 5.5.

(Fleet Management Policy – OP002)

Water Maintain water usage below 2014-15 level (<1428L).

(Sustainable Water Use at MRCC, 2017)

Biodiversity Achieve a seedling re-vegetation survival rate of 70 per cent, 12 months after planting for roadsides

and natural areas.

Update the Vegetation Management Plan and Invasive Plants and Animals Plan 2015-19 for four

more years.

Waste Achieve a 10 per cent reduction in 2004-05 levels of waste generation.

Achieve a 25 per cent reduction in 2004-05 litter levels.

Achieve a 65 per cent municipal waste recovery rate.

Achieve an 85 per cent commercial, industrial, construction and demolition waste recovery rate.

(Municipal Waste Management Plan 2010-2015)


Community Engagement Deliver at least 40 school/community group visits/tours/activities on environmental sustainability

per year.

(Environmental Education Plan 2015-2019)


This report was prepared by the following staff:

Bonnie Pettett

Nardia Baker

Joanne Robinson

Sarah O’Connor

Shaphal Subedi

Jay Smith

Tony Jenkins

Dean Umback

Mildura Rural City Council and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or

is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other

consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

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