Hawkesbury Council has committed to become a net zero emissions organisation by 2050, if not sooner. Additionally, the Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2017-2036 outlines that the Hawkesbury community aspires to become a carbon neutral Local Government Area. In order to establish a pathway to achieving these aspirations and direction, Council has recently prepared a Draft Net Zero Emissions and Water Efficiency Strategy.
Following technical analysis of the emissions sources, population projections and the development and implementation of the actions referenced in the Draft Strategy, the following targets for emissions reductions and water efficiency have been recommended:
Council Operations
- Net Zero Emissions by 2030 or earlier
- No net increase in potable water use (Sydney Water Mains)
- All non-potable water demand to be serviced using recycled water
The Hawkesbury Community
- 25% reduction in emissions relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2028
- 60% reduction in emissions relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2036
- Net Zero Emissions by 2050 through strategies and carbon offsets
- No net increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2028
- Under 5% increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2036
- Under 25% increase in water use relative to FY2016/2017 baseline by 2050
The Draft Strategy covers 6 Strategies towards a net zero resilient Hawkesbury, including:
- A more resilient and renewable powered grid
- Greener suburbs and better design
- Low carbon and local transport
- Towards a zero-waste community
- Drought resilient, green centres
- Council leading by example
