Mornington Peninsula (Australia) Council Resolution: exploring rights of nature frameworks

Summary

On 18 October 2022, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in Australia passed a resolution to explore the concept of Rights of Nature as a foundational framework for future strategies, plans, and actions. The Mornington Peninsula extends 40 km from the mainland, and is located to the south of the Melbourne city centre. Much of the peninsula was cleared for agriculture and settlements, but small areas of the native ecology remain, including area protected by the Mornington Peninsula National Park.

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.

While local councils do not have the power to create binding rights of nature laws, using rights of nature frameworks can facilitate policies and planning that protect ecosystems and supports communities’ health and wellbeing.

The motion stipulates that the council will host a workshop with Officers and Councillors to be held before the end of March 2023, to explore the impacts of adopting rights of nature as a foundational framework for its future strategies. Considering the rights of nature and biodiversity to exist and flourish on the Mornington Peninsula, the workshop will outline future challenges associated with the loss of habitat, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as the latest developments in recognizing Rights of Nature, including the challenges and opportunities of implementation as a principal factor in the Council’s operational, planning processes, and advocacy.