WARNING: It appears that Javascript is currently not active within your browser.

Please enable it to use this site without any inconveniences.

See how to enable Javascript in your browser.

Targets and Reports

In This Section

Home > Environment > Targets and Reports

Our Environmental Targets

wets_circles_with_text_250 Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own environmental, economic and social needs.

For all communities, the challenge of sustainability is to consider future generations in the decisions we make today.Decisions which deplete natural resources or produce waste beyond the regenerative capacity of the planet may jeopardise future generations' ability to enjoy this planet as we currently do.

In 2012, Council developed an Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) which details Council’s targets and commitments in relation to five key priority action areas (energy & emissions, water, biodiversity, waste, transport).

Read the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.

Note: On 26 April 2016, Council adopted a revised suite of targets for each of the five action areas. Read the Council report containing the rationale for the target revision.

On 18 June 2018, Council adopted the Woollahra - 2030 Our community, our place, our plan which includes updated targets superseding some of those within the ESAP. The updated targets are shown below.

Energy Targets

30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
100kW of renewable energy installed at Council facilities by 2030

Water Targets

50% reduction of 2005/06 levels of water consumption (from mains) by 2025
Stormwater harvesting or rainwater harvesting systems installed on all major council assets by 2025.

Waste Targets

75% waste diversion from landfill by 2022
Litter collection devices and services throughout the LGA increase by 5% each year (% by volume)

Transport Targets

30km integrated network of bike paths by 2025
2.4km of new off road cycleways by 2020

Biodiversity Targets

75% bushland under regeneration by 2025
1,750 trees planted in bushland annually
4,250 shrubs planted in bushland annually
4,000 ground cover plants planted in bushland annually
Increase the number of bush regeneration volunteers by 30% by 2030

Reporting

In order to track our progress towards these targets, Council reports our achievements through our annual report, supported in the last three years by an annual environmental report card.

View our annual reports and environment report cards.

Our Plans and Strategies

In addition to our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP), Council has a range of supporting plans and strategies to ensure the sustainable future of Woollahra.

Biodiversity Conservation Strategy

The Woollahra Biodiversity Conservation Strategy was adopted in 2015. The Strategy contains a range of objectives and targets for biodiversity conservation in addition to those listed in our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, and a list of prioritised actions for Council to implement.

Read the strategy.

Consultation

All plans and strategies undergo a process of public consultation to allow the community to have input into the way our extensive natural resources and spaces are managed.

Sign up to our bi-monthly Our Environment e-newsletter to stay informed about environmental news and upcoming consultation opportunities.

Ecological Sustainable Taskforce

In June 2009 Woollahra Council established the 'Ecological Sustainable Taskforce' to provide additional strategic guidance to Council on environmental and sustainability issues. The Taskforce assists Council to integrate environmental sustainability into Council policy, plans and operations in our key priority action areas.

The Ecological Sustainable Taskforce is made up of five Councillors with a Chair appointed by the Mayor with advice offered by Council staff and other external experts as required.

Historical Reporting

Council has reported on our local environment for many years. While these reports are no longer created (due to the above plans and policies), they serve as helpful historical records of the challenges facing our local environment over time.

State of the Environment Reporting

State of the Environment (SoE) reporting enabled councils to report on the state of the environment in their local area and the progress of environmental activities undertaken during the reporting period.

SoE reporting was a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) up until 2012. Every council in New South Wales was required to prepare a SoE report as part of its reporting obligations.