Murrindindi Shire Council recognised more than 10 years of work by the Murrindindi Environment Advisory Committee (MEAC) and said farewell to the Committee in its current form.
Since 2007, members of MEAC have together volunteered some 1500 hours to advise Council on what strategies and actions it should take to protect and enhance the Shire’s natural environment.
From development of Council’s first ever Environment Strategy, to influencing the priorities in Council’s Roadside Management Plan, to guiding Council’s Energy Management Program, MEAC has demonstrated passion and commitment in working with Council.
MEAC has worked with Council on environmental issues ranging from forestry to wildlife conservation to water management, energy management and climate change.
The Committee also played an essential role as a conduit between Council and the community, ensuring the community’s environmental priorities were represented.
Murrindindi Shire Natural Environment and Climate Change Councillor Rebecca Bowles said MEAC’s legacy at Murrindindi Shire Council is significant and permanent.
“Where once we were an organisation without an environment unit, we now have two dedicated officers working hard to embed environmental considerations across every function of Council.
“On behalf of all Councillors and Council staff, I would like to recognise the important contributions of past and present committee members and especially thank those who have been active MEAC members from day one.
“The new Council Plan has environment at its centre and so Council has decided to trial a series of more specific community advisory panels in place of the current MEAC format. We plan to begin recruiting for these two new panels in late 2018, so stay tuned,” Cr Bowles said.
