City works to go green

A proposed amendment to the Brimbank Planning Scheme is aimed at encouraging developers to be environmentally conscious.

The council wants to include an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) policy into the Brimbank Planning Scheme. The ESD would require any new developments to be assessed against sustainable design measures before being granted a planning permit.

Mayor Margaret Giudice said the amendment was about making Brimbank a better place to live.

“Introducing an ESD policy into the Brimbank Planning Scheme would make sure that sustainable design principles are more strongly embedded in the planning permit process,” Cr Giudice said.

“We want development to achieve  best practice in environmentally sustainable development, from the design stage right through to construction and operation.

“Sustainably designed developments will help Brimbank cut energy and water consumption, and cope better with the effects of a warming climate.

“The aim is to encourage better social, environmental and economic outcomes for our community.”

The council will seek authorisation for the amendment from the planning minister. Subject to authorisation the proposed amendment will be open for public comment for a month.