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The City of Newcastle intends to create an environmental legacy for future generations by focussing on net zero carbon emissions, renewable energy initiatives, more cycleways, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials.

The vision has been outlined in the City’s draft Newcastle Environment Strategy, which pending approval from Councillors at today’s meeting, will then be placed on public exhibition for four weeks before returning to Council later this year for adoption.

Designed around the three priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy, the Strategy sets out a 10-year environmental roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle, with 15 key actions identified to be delivered within the first four years.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure Council continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

Lord Mayor Nelmes notes "Newcastle has a well earnt reputation as a leader in local government when it comes to protecting our precious natural environment, while also investing in progressive actions to ensure our city is more sustainable.

"Since the watershed Pathways to Sustainability international conference held in Newcastle in 1997 under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Greg Heys, we have recognised that we must take local action towards addressing global environmental challenges.

"Through this Strategy, we are sending a message to our community that we remain strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians."

The Strategy is based on a shared community vision for the environment, having been informed by more than 4,500 pieces of feedback from over 2,600 community members and environmental experts received during the Community Strategic Plan engagement program.

It sets out the initial actions to be delivered by City of Newcastle or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community by 2027.

This includes transitioning the City’s vehicles, plant and equipment to electric-powered or low emissions alternatives and expanding our urban forest to create connected green corridors for iconic, threatened and pollinator species.

Other actions include working in partnership with local traditional custodians to integrate indigenous knowledge into the way land is cared for and managed, and increasing the use of recovered materials and sustainable product alternatives in the City’s operations and construction works.

The Newcastle Environment Strategy will be delivered in conjunction with the City’s Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, Newcastle Transport Strategy and On Our Bikes Cycling Plan and is currently supported by the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-2025.

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