The City of Canada Bay is updating its Environmental Strategy, and we need your input to guide the way. We have invited community members to share their ideas, thoughts, and visions for a more sustainable future.

Our last strategy, developed in 2019, was shaped by your feedback on how we could enhance our local environment. Since then, we’ve partnered with the community, local non-profits, Bushcare, and volunteer groups to bring those ideas to life.

Thanks to your input and our collaborative efforts:

• We’ve expanded from a single rooftop solar site in 2018 to 10 today
• We’ve transitioned to purchasing 100% renewable energy from NSW solar farms
• Our community's solar capacity has quadrupled, reaching 30,208 kW across many homes
• We’ve opened a new swim site along the Parramatta River, started moving away from gas, and supported numerous educational workshops, community clean-ups, tree planting days, and more

Now it’s time to reflect on our progress and set new goals for the future. Whether it’s conserving natural spaces, improving waste management, or pioneering new green initiatives, we want to know what matters most to you.

We asked for your help to refresh the City of Canada Bay's Environmental Strategy by sharing your feedback. Your input will helped us to identify emerging environmental issues, prioritise actions, and ensure we’re on the right path towards a sustainable future for our community.

All completed surveys were entered into a draw to win one of three $150 local dining vouchers. Read the terms & conditions here. The winners have been contacted by email!

The City of Canada Bay's Environmental Strategy is a comprehensive plan focused on reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing community engagement in sustainability practices. Central to this strategy are ambitious targets, such as transitioning to 100% renewable energy, promoting sustainable transportation options, expanding green spaces, and achieving significant waste reduction milestones.

This strategy is closely aligned with the City of Canada Bay’s Emissions Reduction Action Plan, which builds on the progress made since the first Greenhouse Action Plan in 2014. The plan sets a clear path toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target of a 50% reduction by 2030. Key areas of focus include improving energy efficiency in buildings, reducing community emissions, and enhancing waste management practices to minimize environmental impact.

The development of these targets was guided by several key factors: the Community Strategic Plan "Your Future 2030," successful actions taken by other cities worldwide, policy frameworks from the NSW Government and other Australian Governments, the evolving impacts of climate change, advancements in technology, urban densification trends, and the City’s commitment to contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Achieving these ambitious goals requires strong collaboration with local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders. Together, these efforts will help create a more sustainable and resilient community, with initiatives designed to increase green infrastructure, support climate resilience, and foster a culture of sustainability across the City of Canada Bay.

The City of Canada Bay has made remarkable progress in advancing its environmental goals over the past four years. Some of our key accomplishments include:

Reduction in Carbon Emissions:

• Corporate Emissions: Achieved a 77% reduction in corporate greenhouse gas emissions compared to our 2017-18 baseline, far surpassing our mid-term target of a 61% reduction by 2025.
• Community Emissions: Partnered with Inner West Community Energy to boost renewable energy adoption, resulting in a fourfold increase in community solar capacity, now totaling 30,208 kW across numerous homes.

Transition to Renewable Energy:

• Installed rooftop solar panels on 10 Council sites, up from just one in 2018.
• Committed to purchasing 100% renewable energy sourced from NSW solar farms.

Enhanced Waste Management:

• Implemented a comprehensive recycling and composting program, reducing landfill waste by 25%.
• Launched community education campaigns on waste reduction, significantly increasing participation in sustainable waste practices.

Natural Environment and Biodiversity:

• Expanded Coastal Saltmarsh communities in key locations by 30%.
• Planted over 4,200 native trees to enhance urban biodiversity and improve air quality.

Community Engagement:

• Hosted over 100 sustainability workshops and events, engaging thousands of residents in environmental initiatives.
• Supported 19 community groups in local clean-ups.
• Partnered with local schools to integrate sustainability into their curricula.

These achievements underscore the City of Canada Bay's dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient community, in line with local strategic plans and global goals like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.