Big boost for the natural environment in City of Victor Harbor Community Plan 2030 review

Hi
One of Biodiversity Victor Harbor's core objectives is advocacy of the natural environment. 
Since our inception, there have been many positive engagements with the City of Victor Harbor (CVH) elected and professional staff around the 'natural environment'. 

We are delighted that the recent update of the Community Plan (agreed by the elected members) has seen a significant bolstering of the importance and vision of CVH in the future 'around' the natural environment. 

We believe our focused approach, building on the activities of fantastic local environmental groups, has been influential in the significant clear policy shift. 

We congratulate the City of Victor Harbor on adopting these changes.

How important is the Community Plan 2030?
These positive policy shifts within the Community Plan can not be underestimated.
The Community Plan is the principal guiding document of the CVH.

As related by Mayor Moira Jenkins, it is the guiding strategic document for the City of Victor Harbor, outlining a vision for Victor Harbor that is shared by both council and the community.  CEO Victoria MacKirdy supports its significance - it serves as a compass that sets a direction for the council’s future planning and decision-making.

Natural Environment within the Community Plan
Within the challenges and opportunities of the plan, the primary environmental issues are now acknowledged by the following:
Environment
There are species and ecosystems in the region that are declining, including woodland birds, water birds and native fish.
Habitat loss and fragmentation, impacts on water flows and quality, and weeds and pest animals are key threats to biodiversity and native species.

Aspiration 4's previous heading: We protect the environment
It is now bolstered to: We protect & restore our environment

The strategic context now reads:
This aspiration highlights the leading role that the environment plays in contributing to Victor Harbor’s liveability.
Victor Harbor boasts several remarkable natural assets, including The Bluff (also referred to as Kongkengguwarr or Longkewar by our First Nations people), Granite Island, Hindmarsh Falls, Glacier Rock and the Inman and Hindmarsh Rivers.
The pristine coastal and marine areas, natural vegetation, clean air, and mild climate contribute to Victor Harbor’s appeal as a great place to live.

The city’s planning efforts focus on preserving these valued environmental features while addressing future challenges.
Urban growth must be balanced with the need to protect the natural environment and maintain the character of the landscape and built forms.
Victor Harbor anticipates climate change impacts, such as warmer and drier conditions, more extreme weather events, and rising sea levels. Enhancing community understanding of climate variability and change will help manage adverse effects and seize opportunities for resilience.

Objectives to achieving these aspirations now include:
4.3 Enhance the health and biodiversity of our natural environment through  protection and active restoration
4.4 Protect the health of our coastline, estuaries, waterways and catchments

We applaud the City of Victor Harbor.
These changes are significant and continue to build on how we, the broader community, can collaborate with councils in caring for our natural environment by preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of the region.

Mark Richards
Chairperson