Making waves on the Beaches

With Mayor Michael Regan

words by: tara wesson

Mayor Michael Regan pulls no punches when it comes to making sure the Northern Beaches Council does everything and more for our beloved beaches. Moving into a range of environmental initiatives, COVERED. has the lowdown on what they all involve.

Policy Strategy Actions

Towards 2040: the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, Towards 2040 is just off public exhibition. This statement identifies that the environment and climate change will be considered in the future planning framework for the Northern Beaches.

Draft Environment & Climate Change Strategy: This strategy is also just off public exhibition and includes aspirations and commitments to protect and enhance the environment and reduce emissions.

MOVE – Northern Beaches Transport Strategy 2038: This strategy includes aspirations to reduce carbon emissions from transport through increasing public transport and reducing trips in cars.

Cities for Power Partnership (CPP): Council is a member of the Cities Power Partnership (CPP) a national program to celebrate and accelerate the emission reduction and clean energy successes of Australian towns and cities. Council has committed to five CPP pledges that will see new initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport and working with our community.

Community Programs

Charge Ahead: Council’s Charge Ahead program provides support to residents who want to make a difference in their own home. There are two free services on offer for residents including:

1. Sunspot - A solar mapping tool which allows homeowners to calculate potential electricity savings.

2. Australian Energy FoundationA sustainability advice service which offers practical guidance on reducing energy use in the home.

Sustainable Business Programs: We are engaging with local business through our Sustainable Business Network and hosting a series of programs and events to support businesses to reduce environmental impact.

Simplifying Solar: The program, planned for launch during this financial year, will address key identified barriers to solar uptake in the community.

Community education programs: A series of programs to improve sustainable behaviours in the community including waste reduction workshops such as composting and worm farming, reusable nappies, keeping backyard chickens and small electrical repairs café .

Corporate Action Programs

Sustainability Advantage Program: We have been recognised as a Bronze Partner of the NSW Government Sustainability Advantage Program which means we demonstrated commitment to improving environmental outcomes, rigorous data management practices, implementation of resource efficiency projects, commitment to sustainability goals and staff and community engagement.

Waste: The new waste contract involves modernising our waste collection and processing system across the whole Council area will result in considerable environmental benefits.

Emission Vechiles (EVs): Fleet Council is transitioning its fleet to low emission vehicles and within 2 years will have 12 electric (fully electric and hybrid vehicles) in its fleet. Charging infrastructure has been installed for Council use at its depots and at the PCYC, at Dee Why for use by Council and the local community.

Solar: We have installed over 400kW of solar across 30 sites and is planning on near doubling this by the end of 2020.

Accelerated Street Lighting Program: We have partnered with Ausgrid to accelerate the replacement of over 9,000 residential street lights with LED’s to reduce our energy consumption by around 80% and reducing emissions by 3,000 tonnes per year.

Electricity Procurement: We have entered into an agreement to procure 30% of our electricity from clean, renewable energy.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades: We have conducted energy audits at Council’s highest using sites and have been implementing priority actions. This includes HVAC upgrades, lighting upgrades and pool pump upgrades. •