A new five-year climate action plan is set to lead the way to a net zero emissions future by reducing greenhouse gasses while implementing a range of environmental efficiencies.
The Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-25 was endorsed by City of Newcastle for public exhibition at its meeting last night.
The plan outlines priorities for the City and community to minimise carbon emissions, embrace sustainable transport, deploy clean technology and support low-emission industries.
It proposes to reduce fuel use by transitioning to electric vehicles, increasing battery storage to lessen the City’s reliance on the electricity grid, cutting emissions via LED lighting replacements and building upgrades, and encouraging development of sustainable buildings.
“Through strong and consistent actions to reduce our emissions, City of Newcastle is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading local governments in terms of addressing climate change,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“After achieving so much over the past five years, particularly by becoming the first NSW Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy in January, our transformation will continue under this new plan.
“By supporting residents, business and industry to act more sustainably, encourage local resilience and build a circular economy, our sustained investment will propel the city towards a net zero emissions future.
“I encourage the community to have their say on the way forward during the public exhibition period of the Climate Action Plan.”
The draft plan also covers better resource management, headlined by an organics processing facility at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre; recycling initiatives and infrastructure, use of more recycled products in construction, water-efficient technologies, community-owned renewables projects and solar garden innovation.
Community engagement on the new plan helped build on the 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP), which delivered a five-megawatt solar farm, rooftop solar panels, LED streetlights and a 100 per cent renewable energy deal.
The draft 2025 Climate Action Plan will be available for viewing from Tuesday 4 August until Monday 31 August on the council’s website.
