It’s full steam ahead for City of Newcastle (CN) as it pushes towards its net zero emissions objective by 2030.
Measures will be considered across all the organisation’s operations after councillors endorsed the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2026 – 2030 on Tuesday 16 June.
It includes maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply, expanding the battery network and transitioning CN’s fleet, plant and equipment to electric or low emission alternatives.
Council’s executive manager environment and sustainability Marnie Kikken said achieving meaningful reductions required rapid, transformative change.
“To achieve net zero emissions in our operations, we’ll need to invest an additional $42 million over the next five years,” she explained.
“We’ll be seeking at least 50% of this through state and federal grants, commercial partnerships and other funding mechanisms.
“CN has already secured $5 million from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to deliver a battery deployment program, including one (10MWh) at the Summerhill solar farm, and another 3.8MWh in 11 batteries across our facilities.
“If the Climate Action Plan (CAP) can be fully-implemented, it’s estimated council would see a return of between $3.5 million to $4 million per year from 2030.
“That’s thanks to revenue from the Community Energy Precinct, savings from solar and battery energy storage systems, fuel savings and gas to electric savings.
“The plan also adopts a holistic approach to addressing climate change with a focus on creating flourishing lives for all Novocastrians.
“Action is not only about reducing emissions and managing risks, but also about supporting a healthy, resilient, inclusive and liveable city.”
The CAP was developed using economic modelling, scientific research, cost-benefit analysis and extensive community consultation.
“Residents need to see it as credible and deliverable,” Ms Kikken said.
“So, we’ve made amendments to the plan based on their feedback.
“A total of 239 submissions were received during public exhibition, with almost 80% agreeing climate action is a high priority, and 83% supportive of nature-based solutions, such as urban greening, tree planting and ecosystem restoration.
“City of Newcastle is also conducting a feasibility study for a Community Energy Precinct at the Astra Street landfill site at Sandgate, which was supported by the community.”
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