An environmental sustainability strategy for the Southern Downs is one step closer!

30 March 2021

The Southern Downs Environmental Sustainability Strategy (SDESS) aims to enhance our natural environment, benefit residents, visitors and industries and is now a step closer to being delivered.

At the 24 March 2021 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council voted to endorse the release of the draft SDESS for a final round of public consultation. 

Significant public consultation has occurred to get the draft strategy to this point, including formation of a community reference panel, release of a discussion paper, an online survey, stakeholder meetings and main street pop-up stops. Council thanks the community for their high level of involvement in the process.

Southern Downs Councillor Cameron Gow said, “This document is the first of its kind for Council and presents a significant step forward in responding to the environmental challenges which face our region.  

“Finding the balance in managing the environment, living amongst and using the natural resources, and leaving a responsible legacy for future generations is complex and affects almost every area of Council business and community life.

All feedback received to date has been incorporated into the draft SDESS which has now been released for a final round of public consultation closing on the 12 April 2021.

“Council values feedback from the community and we encourage residents to read the draft strategy and respond as soon as possible.

 “We want to ensure we capture the sentiment of the community in putting actions in place for the next decade”, Cr Gow said.

Feedback received through this final round of consultation will be incorporated into a draft SDESS which will be presented to Council for consideration at the Ordinary Meeting on 28 April 2021.

• The draft SDESS can be found here.
• Feedback can be provided to sustainability@sdrc.qld.gov.au