Waitaki District Council preparing a peak oil report

It is a step forward, albeit a very tiny one for the mankind, that peak oil finally made it to the minds of our local Waitaki District Council.

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Thursday 12 June 2008

Council to seek views of the Community on its role on sustainability issues

At Tuesday’s meeting, Waitaki District Councillors resolved to undertake consultation with the community on the Council’s role in issues such as energy efficiency, sustainable living and sustainable development. This followed consideration of matters raised in Annual Plan submissions requesting that Council take a more proactive stance on sustainability issues, and support sustainability initiatives.

The Council has an obligation under the Local Government Act 2002 to take a sustainable development approach. At the meeting, Council indicated that it would seek community views on how Council could meet this obligation and what role the Council should play in matters such as energy efficiency and sustainability. Council staff will prepare a report outlining how consultation could be undertaken for a future Committee meeting.

As a result of a submission from the Hampden Community Energy Group on peak oil matters, Council staff will also prepare a policy paper considering how peak oil issues can be taken account of in Council planning.

Council will also allocate $1,000 to fund a sustainable living programme, as a result of a submission supporting this initiative.

For further information please contact:

Richard Mabon

Strategy Group Manager

Waitaki District Council

Phone: 03 433 0300

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