Sustainable City Program
The Sustainable City Program is the foundation for Council promoting and developing economic, cultural, social and environmental sustainability programs for the whole City. The Sustainable City Program is based on the Local Agenda 21 principles created at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. The City of Canada Bay Local Agenda 21 Program and its objectives were adopted by Council in 2002.
The Sustainable City Program was developed with funds generated by the Sustainable City Levy, which started in July 2005. The Levy is a charge on property owners in the City in order to invest in targeted economic, cultural, environmental and social sustainability programs for the whole City. The Levy will raise $600,000 and is initially scheduled to operate for seven years.
The outcomes of the Sustainable City program will be to:
- Create a long term sustainable future for the City of Canada Bay;
- Create vibrant neighbourhood centres;
- Retain a range of services for residents;
- Reduce resident car trips and Vehicle Kilometre Trips;
- Preserve local employment;
- Illustrate Council’s support for business;
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution;
- Increase energy efficiency and conservation;
- Increase water efficiency, conservation and quality;
- Decrease waste to landfill; and
- Provide leadership, education and support to the community.
Proudly, Council has implemented an array of projects under the Sustainable City Program that filtrate through our schools, businesses, residents and through Council’s operations in planning, assets, infrastructure, outdoor works, economic development, community services and day to day operations.
Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing all governments and one that Council's staff and community sustainability committees recognises with genuine enthusiasm and commitment. Council is now a participant in the Adaptive and Resilient Communities program supported by International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.