Northern Beaches Council is proposing a series of ambitious targets to protect and enhance the local environment over the next 20 years including maximising the retention of bushland, more than halving community carbon emissions and for our beaches to achieve the highest water quality rating.
The targets are included in the draft Protect. Create. Live. Northern Beaches Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2040, which was developed following extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders and Council’s Environment Strategic Reference Group.
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said Council was now keen to hear feedback from the broader community.
“We know how important our beaches, waterways, bushland and biodiversity are – they are what makes living here so special,” Mayor Regan said.
“That’s why this is a critical document for Council. It will guide how we continue to achieve a healthy and diverse natural environment now and for future generations.
“We want to be a leader in this area, implement measures we know will help protect and enhance our environment as well as try new initiatives to improve outcomes for our community.
“The draft Strategy seeks to, among many other things, minimise the use of single use plastics, promote more wildlife friendly gardens and engage in partnerships, research and innovation opportunities.”
A key feature of the document is the goals and commitments for the Northern Beaches area, which are set under nine themes including for bushland, waterways and catchments and sustainable living.
Mayor Regan said the draft strategy also set down corporate commitments for Council to stretch further than those for the community, including a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2040, net zero emissions by 2045 and a 10% reduction in our drinking water use by 2040.
“This will allow us to learn from experience and use this knowledge to help our community. It will take all of us working together to make a difference.”
The draft strategy will be on public exhibition from September 27.