Summary
On October 18, 2022 the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council of Australia passed a resolution to explore the concept of Rights of Nature as a foundational framework for Council strategies, plans and future actions. Councillor Debra Mar introduced the motion and cited the model set by the Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) of Australia who adopted Rights of Nature as a policy and planning framework in 2021.
Local Councils do not have the power to create Rights of Nature laws, but using Rights of Nature frameworks will facilitate policies and planning that protect ecosystems and supports communities’ health and wellbeing.