By Ryan Sands
THE council has approved its Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
On Monday, the local authority ratified the final draft of the document, which had been endorsed by its Sustainability and Environment Committee in August.
A public consultation process on the ‘Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy 2026-2030’ was completed earlier this year.
The draft document’s foreword – signed by chief executive Marie Ward and former council chairperson Philip Campbell – states that ‘it is vitally important that we preserve and enhance the beauty of the area and its fragile environment, and the benefits it provides for those who live in and visit the region, for current and future generations’.
‘We recognise that our council has a responsibility to make changes to our own practices and operations, but we must also take a leading role in fostering a wider culture of sustainability across our district,’ it reads.
‘In the wake of mounting concerns about the already evident impacts of climate change including within our own district, the council needs to set out a clear plan of action across its services.
‘We are becoming increasingly aware of the localised impact of climate change, including increased frequency and severity of flooding and storms in our district.
‘In order to deliver real change, we are embedding sustainability across all areas of our work.’
The strategy adds that council will ‘continue to engage with local communities, citizens, businesses and other stakeholders, including on a cross-border basis, to ensure we have a resilient, thriving and sustainable district’.
‘In delivering this strategy, we would seek the support of local people as we change the way we do things,’ it continues.
‘We would also encourage people to make changes to their lifestyles, by becoming more energy efficient, reducing waste and making greater use of sustainable forms of transport.
‘We would like to thank those who have contributed to the development of this strategy and who will continue to work in cooperation to ensure it is implemented to counter the threats and take advantage of the opportunities arising from climate change.
‘Together we can make Newry, Mourne and Down a safe, sustainable and prosperous place where we are proud to live, work and play, now and into the future.’
