Alpine Shire Council is developing a Carbon Offset Policy and invites community members to learn more, ask questions, and offer suggestions at a drop-in session on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 between 12pm and 2pm.
This drop-in session follows on from two pop-up sessions held at markets in Mount Beauty and Bright in March earlier this year.
Alongside the in-person consultation opportunities, community members are encouraged to fill out an online survey on Council's community engagement platform, Engage Alpine.
Community members can also find more information about the background to the policy and Council's actions to date on Engage Alpine.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that the development of a Carbon Offset Policy reflects Council's commitment to net-zero, which they achieved in 2023.
"While we are currently net-zero, some of our residual emissions, such as fuel, particularly heavy plant, and closed landfill methane emissions, are currently too expensive or difficult to reduce at an organisational level," she said.
"As a result, we offset some of our residual emissions by purchasing credits that take carbon and other greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
"Another option is to inset our residual emissions by undertaking projects that take place within our own region, such as planting more trees."
Cr Nicholas said that the reason Council is seeking to develop a Carbon Offset Policy is to ensure that their future actions reflect the values of Alpine Shire communities.
"Council currently does not have a policy that outlines how we will continue to achieve our commitment to net-zero," she said.
"This is why we want to hear from you, to make sure that our actions are led by our communities."
Community members are invited to have their say on the development of a Carbon Offset Policy by:
- Attending the in-person drop-in at the Myrtleford Library on Tuesday, 5 May 2026 between 12pm and 2pm.
- Completing a survey online on Engage Alpine.
- Completing the same survey in person at libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty, and Myrtleford.
- Speaking to a Council representative by emailing info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or calling (03) 5755 0555.
More information, including a link to the survey and Council's journey to net-zero so far, can be found online on Engage Alpine: https://engage.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/carbon-offset-policy
The survey will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.