GBSAN Sustainability Survey Results Now In

The responses to the GBSAN candidate sustainability survey are now in. The survey was undertaken to gauge interest and support amongst local government election candidates on the Southern Downs for a variety of sustainable development initiatives that fall within the Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

All mayoral candidates responded although Mayor Pennisi did not complete the survey and chose to make his own commentary. Fifty percent of councilor candidates completed the Survey.

The survey covered a range of future initiatives and investments that GBSAN believes will assist economic development, protect our natural assets and put downward pressure on rates. The survey focused on key issues including diverting waste from landfill, household chemical waste disposal, recycling education, funding bush care positions, improved and strategic cat management, water security and renewable energy.

“If the Southern Downs is to effectively deal with the existing and emerging development and environmental challenges, it’s essential that the next Council increases its level of ambition and innovation in regards to new ideas, technologies and creative policies. Our survey was designed to get some insight into whether the candidates are willing to embrace new ideas, technologies and opportunities,” said GBSAN President Rick Humphries.

“The good news is that the majority of respondents are up for the challenge,” he said. “It pays to read individual responses on our website because even where some of the initiatives weren’t supported, candidates made useful suggestions.”

“Of some concern, is the poor response from some councilor candidates including incumbents. While the last Council adopted the SDRC Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the ambition and delivery has been modest. It is clear there is work to be done to get the next Council to lift the bar.”

“Surrounding councils such as Goondiwindi (with a green hydrogen plant linked to their new sewage treatment plant) and Toowoomba (with methane captured from their capped landfill) have embraced sustainable development. These big projects will really pay dividends for the ratepayers in the future, and, of course, for our kids. There is no reason why the SDRC can’t lift its game. Our Council needs to focus on partnering with the Federal and State Governments for project funding to support environmentally sustainable outcomes,” he said.

To make it easier for voters to assess candidates on environment and sustainability issues, GBSAN released a colour-coded quick guide which, along with all the candidate’s detailed responses, can be found on the GBSAN website at https://www.gbsan.org.au/sdrc-election.

For further information contact Rick Humphries 0488 491 709