Northern Beaches Council has developed a Charter which aspires to have zero waste entering its seas and waterways.

The Zero Waste to Ocean Charter was adopted by Council on Tuesday evening, highlighting the need for a range of initiatives to eliminate pollutants flowing into local waterways and beaches.

Council currently removes around 1,200 tonnes of rubbish from our networks every year, which is equivalent to stopping three tonnes of waste going into the ocean every day.

This Charter will support even greater and more widespread waste removal efforts across a range of different areas from stormwater pipes to planning future development.

Mayor Michael Regan said the Charter will set aspirational targets to work towards, aiming to protect and improve the waterways and beaches residents and visitors love on the Northern Beaches.

“Our waterways, particularly our shoreline and beaches, define our lifestyle and attraction to the world, so it’s a no-brainer we should do everything in our power to protect it,” Mayor Regan said.

“With researchers predicting a massive increase in the volume of plastics in global oceans by 2040, we all have to do our bit locally to stem the trajectory of waste in all our waterways.”

Mayor Regan said the charter would commit Council to embed four principles in its action and strategic planning, and will support Council’s adopted Environment and Climate Change Strategy to safeguard its catchments and waterways, making them healthy, resilient and sustainable.

“We want to keep enjoying the benefits of our waterways for generations to come, so we need to act now to protect them.

‘I would also like to acknowledge and thank the members of the Environment Strategic Reference Group, many who are locals who share a passion for the Environment, who collaborated closely in making this Charter a reality,” he said.

Charter principles include enhanced waste removal initiatives in the existing stormwater network, setting quality benchmarks, community education and integrating best practice into development controls.

Council will incorporate the principles in everyday practice and is calling on all councils to join in its goal for zero waste in shared waterways.

Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au (02) 8495 6943.