The public was gifted with a new climate change officer at a meeting on Valentine's Day with thousands of pounds being set aside for the role.
West Oxfordshire District Council agreed to seal the deal by committing permanently to the role at an executive meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
A total of £55,155 per annum will be invested into the position in line with the council's prioritising of a "good life for all".
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The climate change officer post had been filled previously in July 2021 under a temporary 24-month contract though this was extended by 12 months in May 2023 up to July 2024.
This extension came following the council's declaration of a 'climate and ecological emergency' in 2019, commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050 and its approval of a 'carbon action plan' in 2020.
Councillor Andrew Prosser, executive member for climate change, said: “Doing what we can to tackle the climate emergency is a key priority for the council.
"We have made some really positive steps over recent years including reducing the carbon footprint of our own operations, bringing in funding and supporting communities to make changes.
“However, we have much more to do and this post will be crucial for us to deliver our net zero targets and ambitious plans for tackling climate change across the district.
"A lot of funding for climate work has to be bid for.
"Our experience over recent years is that this post is excellent value for money, helping us bring in millions of pounds of investment we wouldn’t otherwise get.”
Other officers in the existing climate team are the climate change manager, who has a permanent, full-time contract, and a climate support officer.
The council says that the climate change officer, in their temporary role capacity, has "secured external funding far in excess of their cost of employment".
Notable achievements to date include the securing of £1.3m funding to decarbonise Carterton Leisure Centre in 2021 and submitting an application for £301,798 to improve the financial viability of the district’s leisure centres.
The officer also produces a quarterly 'climate bulletin'.
A council meeting paper said: "Due to the increasing demand in this sector the Council is at risk of losing the colleague currently in post to permanent roles offered externally."
Councillor Andrew Prosser proposed at the meeting that the executive agree to the recommendation of approval.
This was seconded by Councillor Lidia Arciszewska, put to a vote, and agreed upon unanimously.
Wednesday's meeting also saw councillors approve the appointment of a youth development officer and nature recovery officer.
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