As the uncertainty over Melbourne’s water supplies continues it is imperative that as a local Council, the City of Maroondah, considers environmental and water issues in its upcoming budget.

The Maroondah Journal has reported on the growing need to consider Maroondah’s future sustainability:

Cr Alex Makin said a levy which would fund water recycling and water tanks across a city was something worth investigating.

An environmental levy would be one way of ensuring the resources necessary to fund a number of environmental and sustainability initiatives.

“The water shortages at the moment have been having an impact on our sporting fields, and obviously our community wants to play sports in a safe environment. I will certainly push for greater environmental initiatives within this council budget, particularly looking at alternative sources of water – that is definitely worth an environmental levy.”

It is clear that the City of Maroondah must urgently enhance its sustainability. While water is one of most pressing concerns it is imperative that energy and transport, both of which are high greenhouse contributors, are also examined. It is clear that our future urban sustainability cannot no longer simply be given lip service and as a result I will be pushing for greater environmental initiatives within the upcoming council budget.