Community

Environment Advisory Committee (ENVAC)

The Environment Advisory Committee (ENVAC) was established in accordance with recommendations in the 1995 Environment and Conservation Plan (ECP).  In 2006 the ECP was reviewed and the Environmental Management Strategy, 2006 (EMS) now provides the strategic direction for environmental issues in the Surf Coast Shire.

The objectives of ENVAC are to:

• Assist with the implementation of the EMS.
• Provide strategic input into Council's plan, policy and other relevant documents.
• Seek the protection, sustainment and enhancement of the natural, built and cultural environment in the long term.

The composition of ENVAC is:

• One Councillor
• Up to 12 community representatives of varied geographic background with a commitment to the objectives of the Committee.  Representation with expertise in the following fields will be sought:
  • coastal and marine
  • flora
  • fauna
  • environmental education
  • catchment & land protection
  • agriculture
  • natural resource management
  • resource conservation
  • community development
  • public relations and communication
  • planning
  • sustanable development

Some achievements of ENVAC to date include:

• Preparation of Surf Coast Shire Environment Directory
• Initiation of illegal tree lopping controls
• Advocating for additional resources for planning enforcement and pest plant and animal control
• Advocating for Council to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection Program