The Shepparton Statement was created to provide a platform for young people to have input into an environmental statement designed to influence decisions and policy on climate change.
The protection of the environment and the bio-diversity systems that underpin the environment and assist in supporting our agricultural production are of vital economic and social importance to Greater Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley region.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Seema Abdullah, said “it is extremely important we consider the impact that a changing climate is having on these systems and that we engage with our community on exploring how we best prepare for and adapt to our changing circumstances.”
Council’s Greater Shepparton Youth Strategy and Action Plan and the Greater Shepparton Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2014-2030 have been the strategic links behind the development of the Shepparton Statement project.
The Shepparton Statement project has now been underway for six months. To assist in the delivery of the project, Council engaged a Project Officer to develop the links with local youth and to encourage discussion within the youth cohort about their views on issues affecting our environment and particularly the impact of climate change.
Some highlights of the project to date include young people meeting with Sir Bob Geldolf to discuss climate change; videos with views and thoughts from youth; young people as guest speakers at a forum and a conference; lunchtime Climate Conversations at schools, and support from Sustainability Victoria amongst many other initiatives.
Council will continue to implement actions to encourage young people to have their say on climate change and the environment, and suggest actions that can be undertaken to mitigate against the impacts of climate change and ensure a more sustainable future for our community.
