Strategies, policies and targets

In an increasingly urbanised and fast-paced world, fostering a strong connection to nature is vital for enhancing individual well-being, strengthening community cohesion, and supporting environmental sustainability. Access to nature provides significant benefits to physical, mental, and emotional health, offering opportunities for relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. 

Key Targets

• Increased native plan diversity and animal species
• Increased canopy cover to 25%
• Parramatta River remains swimmable

Supporting Thematic Actions Plans

• Biodiversity Framework and Action Plan
• Urban Tree Canopy Strategy
• Our Living River Strategy 

As our city transforms and grows, we face new challenges including a growing population, increasing urban density and climate change. A resilient city connects people through opportunities for active involvement in city life with equitable access to services, facilities and opportunities. A resilient city proactively plans and creates urban environments that can withstand extreme weather events and longer-term climate impacts. 

Key Targets

• Implement Reconciliation Action Plan
• No net increase on household water consumption
• Planning controls address resilience to natural hazards

Supporting Thematic Actions Plans

• Reconciliation Action Plan
• Climate Resilience Framework
• Canada Bay Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS)
• Local Environment Plan (LEP)
• Development Control Plan (DCP) 

Reaching net zero emissions by 2050 requires action on multiple fronts all at once: transition to renewable energy, transition to zero emissions transport, reducing resource use, moving to zero waste to landfill and transition to a circular economy. 

Key Targets

• Net zero emissions by 2050
• 30% increase in active transport paths
• Increase Electric Vehicle registration in Canada Bay
• Increase energy efficiency
• Double rooftop solar by 2030

Supporting Thematic Actions Plans

• Emissions Reduction Action Plan
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy and Action Plan
• Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP)
• Canada Bay Local Movement Strategy 

Council will support our community by improving Council waste and resource recovery collection services, promoting recycling, encouraging repair instead of replacement, and exploring innovative solutions like waste-to-energy technologies. Council will also tackle issues like illegal dumping and litter, which harm our environment and waste valuable resources. 

Key Targets

• Increase waste diversion from landfill to 60% by 2027
• Reduce frequency of illegal dumping incidences
• Reduce priority litter by 30%
• Maintain above 90% community satisfaction with waste collection services
• Create and adopt Circular Economy Roadmap by 2027

Supporting Thematic Actions Plans

• Resource Recovery and Waste Strategy

Council is committed to ethical and effective decision making, to ensure a sustainable, financially secure, and resilient future for our city. Good governance is essential, so Council maintains it's long-term viability for the wellbeing of the community. Good environmental governance is about ensuring Council's culture, processes, systems, policies and practices, deliver resilience for long term. 

Key Targets

• Plant 2,500 trees per year
• Net zero Council emissions by 2030
• Increase recycling at Council events
• 25% reduction in potable water use
• Procurement considers environmental impacts by 2027