FAQs
Why does the City need this Strategy?
The City of Busselton’s adopted Council Plan 2024-2034 describes how the City will meet desired community outcomes. The Plan outlines desired community outcomes and objectives including ‘Environment - Our environment is valued, conserved and able to be enjoyed by current and future generations’.
This Strategy will assist the City’s efforts to both achieve the desired community outcomes within the Council Plan and adhere to legislative requirements.
What do you mean by 'sustainability'?
To us, 'sustainability' means 'to meet the needs of current and future generations through integration of environmental protection, social advancement, economic wellbeing and good governance.'
What do you mean by ‘environment’?
Regarding this Strategy, when we say ‘environment’ we are referring to the ‘natural environment’. The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally, meaning not made or caused by humans. It includes ecosystems, landscapes, the atmosphere, and all natural resources
(Reference: Institute for Environmental Research and Education)
Can you define your focus areas please?
Our focus area ‘Water’ refers to the water we use as humans and the water we use in the community.
Our focus area ‘Energy’ refers to the power we use as humans, and the power we use in the community.
Our focus area ‘conservation’ refers to how we protect, maintain and restore plant and animal species, habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Our focus area ‘trees and vegetation’ refers to the plants, parks and nature spaces in our urban areas.
Our focus area ‘environmental resilience’ refers to the capacity of our environment and community to handle challenges - like storms, pollution, or human impacts - and continue functioning without breaking down.
What areas are not part of this Strategy?
The Sustainability and Environment Strategy will not address waste and recycling, and waterway management.
These are specific and complex areas that are addressed separately by the City, however, we do recognise that there will be opportunities for this Strategy to complement our waste and waterway management to collectively achieve positive outcomes for the community.
What are you doing about waterways?
Management of specific waterbodies, such as the Lower Vasse River and Toby Inlet are addressed separately to this Strategy under a collaborative approach to waterway management across the Geographe Region, and their respective Waterway Management Plans. You can learn more about the City’s role and how we work with other groups, organisations and agencies on waterway management here.