Environment Strategy

Download the Benalla Rural City Council 2016-2020 Environment Strategy.(PDF, 4MB)

Following on from commitments made in the 2010-2015 Environment Strategy, and after twelve months of development, the Benalla Rural City Council has developed the second edition of the Environment Strategy. This updated Environment Strategy will guide the Council from 2016-2020.

The Environment Strategy helps protect our environment and safeguard its ability to support our community into the future. To achieve this goal, the Environment Strategy outlines a proactive and strategic approach to environmental matters and identifies priorities for management. In adopting an Environment Strategy, the Council aims to respond to environmental concerns held by the community and by other stakeholders.

The Council is currently involved in a number of regional partnerships, networks, committees and groups aimed at addressing environmental issues, responsibilities, delivering projects and meeting environmental objectives that require a collaborative approach. These groups focus on vegetation planning and retention controls, land and biodiversity planning, roadside and waterway management, training, education and skills development, and community engagement. The many achievements to date are testament to the collaborative approach taken within our region. Involvement in these groups has given the Council the opportunity to undertake activities that otherwise may not have been possible. 

The Environment Strategy is a high level Council strategic document, sitting alongside the Economic Development Strategy and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, directly under the Council Plan. The Environment Strategy identifies a number of strategic directions and actions that Council plans to undertake over five years to meet the objectives of the Council Plan.

The Environment Strategy has been developed using comments and insights from community members and various stakeholders throughout the municipality.