Our Living Environment Strategy opens for community consultation
The strategy has been prepared to guide planning and project development for the conservation of natural assets and green corridors, a key theme within the Livingstone Community Plan: Towards 2050 and the Livingstone Shire Council Corporate Plan.
In the Community Plan, residents placed significance upon creating a ‘Natural Livingstone’ which will protect, sustainably manage, and enhance the natural beauty, landscapes, and resources of the country of the Darumbal and Woppaburra people, in order to safeguard the sustainability and environmental resilience of the region into the future.
In order to protect these values, Council recognises the need to take care of the environment so that a positive legacy is left for future generations.
Residents will have the opportunity to provide their thoughts and comments on the draft document, which outlines the importance of Biodiversity throughout the region, and an Action Plan which will inform future decision making and management of Livingstone’s unique and diverse environment.
Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, said the strategy will identify unique natural heritage, plants, and animals, as well as the important biological resources and how best to preserve and enhance the region’s biodiversity into the future.
“The Livingstone community highlighted that the unique natural environment across the rural, urban, marine, and island landscapes, is a key value for why they love living here and want to see the natural beauty and diversity continue,” Cr Friend said.
“Stakeholder knowledge from within the local community has been crucial in the creation of this strategy, allowing Council to highlight diverse areas across the region using experts in their field to provide information and images. Council is now encouraging all residents to read the strategy and provide their feedback.”
“Community input is vitally important in the success of this project and will assist in shaping and influencing the final strategy, helping Council to focus on what the community values.”
The Biodiversity Strategy will become a living document which will guide future Council planning and operational activities, including the development and implementation of the Planning Scheme and policies. It will assist future decisions made by Council and will drive a range of targets, strategies, and action, which will deliver the community’s vision.
To take part in the survey, open until Monday 29 November, please visit https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/biodiversity-strategy