Our journey
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Shellharbour City Council is committed to protecting and enhancing our natural environment and practicing sustainable living. These core objectives form part of Shellharbour City Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2018 – 2028.
Council has completed water and energy saving projects across a range of Council facilities such as libraries, community centres, swimming pools and sports fields, our Tourist Park and Works Depot. These have included energy and water efficiency upgrades, solar power installation and water meter monitoring.
In 2016 Council introduced a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service which turns residential food and garden waste into soil conditioner. We have also developed a landfill gas management system which includes methane flaring to reduce the intensity of emissions released from landfill waste.
Council continues to deliver our popular Sustainable Shellharbour and Waste education programs which in 2017/2018 engaged over 9,000 residents.
Our Small Environmental Projects Fund provides environmental education programs that assist our community to practice sustainable living and protect and promote the natural environment. Since its inception in 2000/2001 the fund has supported 58 schools, child care centres and community groups in achieving these aims.
Council plants over 15,000 trees in our reserves and donates more than 2,000 trees to community groups each year.
Our corporate Environmental Leadership program uses educational workshops, events and initiatives to explore ways and facilitate change to improve the environmental performance of Council operations.
Council recently completed the construction of its Civic Centre building which achieved a 5 star Green Star design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Council is seeking to progress waste and sustainability improvements across its facilities and operations that will result in ongoing emissions reductions, financial savings and demonstrate our commitment to reducing our impact on climate change. We will also continue to deliver waste and sustainability education that inspires community climate action.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
Joining the Cities Power Partnership will allow Council to build on successes achieved through Council’s existing Waste Strategy, Environmental Leadership and Sustainable Shellharbour education programs.
It will also provide an opportunity to work with other like-minded councils across Australia to explore innovative ways to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency, encourage sustainable transport options and align expectations for city-level emissions reductions.