The Victorian Government has announced it is actively seeking new members to join the newly formed Victorian Adaptation and Sustainability Partnership ministerial advisory committee.

 

State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, said the Government has called for expressions of interest for three positions for local government members to join sex other recent appointments.

 

The call follows the launch of the outgoing committee’s end of term achievements report at an event showcasing innovative Accord-funded environmental sustainability projects.

 

Flagging a stronger focus on climate change adaptation, an approach supported by the independent review of the Climate Change Act, Mr Smith said the new committee would play an important advisory role and act as a conduit between state and local government on climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability issues.

 

“Consultation with all councils in mid 2012 under the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord identified climate change adaptation as a current issue for 75 per cent of councils and as an emerging issue for just over half of Victoria’s 79 local councils,” Mr Smith said.

 

Mr Smith said a major focus of the Coalition Government’s recently released Environmental Partnerships planwas on strengthening practical partnerships and activities with local government.

 

“With work already underway on a number of shared priority areas like waste and native vegetation management, it’s now even more important for the State and local governments to work together to avoid duplication and support areas that complement each other,” Mr Smith said.

 

Expressions of interest for the three local government positions must be from an elected council representative, a chief executive officer or a senior staff member from a Council. The six remaining positions will be recruited from partner organisations in the state and local government sector.

 

Visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord for information on how to apply.