Environmental sustainability

2025 Statement - Where we will be

Blacktown is a nationally recognised sustainable City that actively strives to conserve, restore and enhance its natural environment. Council's operations and decisions balance environmental, economic and social considerations.

The natural environment is valued by Council and our community. Threatened species, remnant bushland and local native species of flora and fauna are identified, conserved and protected. The community and Council understand the threat posed by climate change and undertake actions that reduce or offset their carbon emissions. As a result, our greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced and we have reached our goal to become a carbon-neutral organisation.

The demand for potable water has decreased with the community continuing to conserve our precious water resources. The consumption of resources has fallen, with Council and the community actively seeking out ways to reduce waste. Recycling by individuals and business is second nature.

Council leads by example and has incorporated the principles of environmental sustainability into all aspects of the organisation. Council staff appreciate and understand how sustainability relates to their role at Council and are committed to the goal of reducing their impact on the planet. Council participates in a number of partnerships to ensure that environmental management is undertaken in a holistic manner, shared between all levels of government, non-government organisations, community groups and all who are interested in the City's environment.

Our community is engaged in and aware of environmental sustainability issues and accepts ownership for actions that can be taken by them at a local level. The community is proactive and empowered and seeks out opportunities to reduce its ecological footprint.

Focus Areas

• Council leads by example through integrating sustainability into core business and reducing its ecological footprint in its day-to-day operations.
  
  
• Actively encourage the community to become involved at the local level to move towards sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint in its homes, businesses, schools and recreational pursuits.
  
  
• Protect and improve the water quality of our local waterways.
  
  
• Promote water and energy conservation initiatives to reduce consumption.
  
  
• Pursue sustainable water management through such opportunities as stormwater harvesting, water sensitive urban design and alternative water sources.
  
  
• Pursue opportunities to reduce atmospheric pollutants and improve air quality in the Western Sydney Basin.
  
  
• Reduce the consumption of resources, minimise the environmental impacts of waste and improve recovery and diversion rates.
  
  
• Enhance the health and wellbeing of the Blacktown community by promoting public health best practice and enforcing legislation.
  
  
• Protect, restore and enhance Blacktown City's biodiversity.
  
  
• Continue to implement the Solar City program 2006 - 2013 and, following this period, advocate the implementation of the results of the project through Council processes, programs and partnerships with government, the community and the commercial sector.
  
  
• Advocate and address climate change, including working towards becoming carbon neutral.