Environmental responsibility: aerial view of Port Douglas. Shopping for alternatives Australians dispose of four billion plastic bags each year, with the average bag used for just 12 minutes, but taking 1000 years to break down. Plastic bags in the environment are detrimental to birds, marine animals and ecosystems, as well as human health and the economy. Plastic Free Douglas focuses on reducing the number of disposable plastic bags ending up as litter and landfill. The group includes various business and community stakeholders, as well as the council. Plastic Free Douglas encourages the community to utilise reusable bags, old boxes or baskets for shopping, and inspires businesses to register as ambassadors and offer alternatives to the single-use plastic bag. Reducing reliance on plastic: Plastic Free Douglas promotes plastic bag alternatives. SES saves power The council has installed a solar power system on the State Emergency Services (SES) building in Diwan, making it the main power supply for the facility. The new 1.56 kilowatt system replaced an old and inefficient generator. The installation incorporates a 12 volt gel battery bank, which stores energy during daylight hours, ensuring power is available 24 hours a day. The system has the capacity to be supplemented by a generator, if required during bad weather or in the event of an emergency. The building’s primary power requirements are lighting, two-way radio charging and powering emergency equipment. Storing power: rooftop solar panels at the SES building in Diwan. Gladstone Regional Council Plan spans diverse habitats The council’s landmark Biodiversity Conservation Strategic Plan is designed to preserve and conserve regional biodiversity values on behalf of the community. Biodiversity across the region includes grazing land, woodlands and forests extending west to the Great Dividing Range, and seawards to include the Great Barrier Reef. The plan prioritises the main threats to the region’s biodiversity and outlines what can be done to achieve environmental outcomes. Planning in place: Biodiversity Conservation Strategic Plan 2016–25. Drawing the line against pests The council’s Biosecurity Plan 2016–19 provides strategic direction for government, industry, community groups and landholders to manage invasive species within council boundaries. The plan ensures resources are invested to achieve effective outcomes for invasive species management and incorporates mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of actions implemented. Combatting known threats: feral pigs cause damage to waterways.
Environmental responsibility: aerial view of Port Douglas. Shopping for alternatives Australians dispose of four billion plastic bags each year, with the average bag used for just 12 minutes, but taking 1000 years to break down. Plastic bags in the environment are detrimental to birds, marine animals and ecosystems, as well as human health and the economy. Plastic Free Douglas focuses on reducing the number of disposable plastic bags ending up as litter and landfill. The group includes various business and community stakeholders, as well as the council. Plastic Free Douglas encourages the community to utilise reusable bags, old boxes or baskets for shopping, and inspires businesses to register as ambassadors and offer alternatives to the single-use plastic bag. Reducing reliance on plastic: Plastic Free Douglas promotes plastic bag alternatives. SES saves power The council has installed a solar power system on the State Emergency Services (SES) building in Diwan, making it the main power supply for the facility. The new 1.56 kilowatt system replaced an old and inefficient generator. The installation incorporates a 12 volt gel battery bank, which stores energy during daylight hours, ensuring power is available 24 hours a day. The system has the capacity to be supplemented by a generator, if required during bad weather or in the event of an emergency. The building’s primary power requirements are lighting, two-way radio charging and powering emergency equipment. Storing power: rooftop solar panels at the SES building in Diwan. Gladstone Regional Council Plan spans diverse habitats The council’s landmark Biodiversity Conservation Strategic Plan is designed to preserve and conserve regional biodiversity values on behalf of the community. Biodiversity across the region includes grazing land, woodlands and forests extending west to the Great Dividing Range, and seawards to include the Great Barrier Reef. The plan prioritises the main threats to the region’s biodiversity and outlines what can be done to achieve environmental outcomes. Planning in place: Biodiversity Conservation Strategic Plan 2016–25. Drawing the line against pests The council’s Biosecurity Plan 2016–19 provides strategic direction for government, industry, community groups and landholders to manage invasive species within council boundaries. The plan ensures resources are invested to achieve effective outcomes for invasive species management and incorporates mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of actions implemented. Combatting known threats: feral pigs cause damage to waterways.
Reef-Guardian-Councils-Highlight-Report-2015-2016.docx