The peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney — the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WRSOC) — has joined the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership network to enhance collaboration on clean energy and climate initiatives.
The Cities Power Partnership agreement aims to:
- accelerate the electrification of transport in Western Sydney,
- support Western Sydney households and businesses to increase uptake of renewable energy and storage,
- collaborate on recycling and resource recovery initiatives, and
- advocate for environmentally sustainable development in the region.
Greater Western Sydney is home to more than 2.2 million people.
WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert said the agreement strengthens Western Sydney’s reputation as a region that supports effective action on climate change.
“The Cities Power Partnership is Australia’s largest network of local councils tackling climate change.
“By entering into a Regional Partnership with the network, Greater Western Sydney councils have committed to collaborating on shared climate goals with over 185 other councils from across the country, representing over 70 percent of the Australian population,” said Councillor Calvert.
“Councils taking part in the Cities Power Partnership pledge five actions to tackle climate change locally, from ramping up renewable energy through to planning sustainable transport systems.
“WSROC is already leading the region on climate initiatives,” said Councillor Calvert.
“Our Western Sydney Energy Program is a saving emissions and energy costs for our councils and communities.
“By working collaboratively other councils from across the country, we hope to accelerate the electrification of transport in Western Sydney through our EV Roadmap, support local households and businesses to increase uptake of renewable energy and storage, and advocate for environmentally sustainable development in the region.”
“We are working to build a cooler, more resilient future for Western Sydney by planning for cooler suburbs and programs that support our communities in extreme heat conditions.
In addition, through our regional Waste Strategy, councils collaborate on recycling and resource recovery initiatives that save emissions and reduce waste.
“We welcome collaboration with councils across Australia. Sharing our work and learning from others is important to scale up action,” said Councillor Calvert.
“By partnering with Cities Power Partnership, our councils and WSROC are ensuring that we continue to take joint action on climate.
WSROC is the second only peak body to partner and make pledges with the Cities Power Partnership, creating a new regional partnership model that can be replicated across the country.
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell, commended WSROC on its leadership towards creating a better future for Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney has been hit hard by climate-fuelled extreme weather events, from multiple disastrous floods in Hawkesbury to record-smashing heat waves across the region.
“It’s wonderful to see this group of councils respond by pledging to tackle climate change and support its community by taking actions to build a healthy, resilient future,” said Dr Odell.
