AS PRESSURE mounts on a national scale for Australia to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050, the local council's own sustainable strategies have come under the microscope.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) sustainability strategy is up for renewal after it spent the last four years improving its own emissions data and establishing a baseline.
The original plan looked at four themes; energy, waste, water and carbon emissions and this time around the council wants to broaden the scope.
A report to councillors written by TRC sustainability officer Tracey Carr argues the community wants Tamworth to be a leader in sustainable practices and that could include integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in local plans.
"As key policy and decision makers, local councils can link the SDGs with local community priorities in a logical and measurable way," she said.
"[Such as] setting an emissions reduction target in line with the NSW State Government Plan for Net Zero Emissions 2050, with stage one aiming for a 35 per cent emissions reduction by 2030."
The state government plan looks at initiatives like electricity efficiency, electric vehicles, hydrogen, primary industries, coal innovation and organic waste.
Adapt NSW climate predictions for the New England North West region indicate an increase in all temperature variables, changes to rainfall patterns and increased fire weather risks.
Read also:
Ms Carr said the plan would also help drive down the cost of living and provide consumers with more information to help them make more environmentally and financially sustainable choices.
It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison faces pressure to commit to a net zero carbon emissions target ahead of US President Joe Biden's climate summit this week.
The local strategy will be developed in the coming months, ready for review after the September 4 election.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark northerndailyleader.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
