Lake Macquarie City Council works towards a sustainable future

Lake Macquarie City Council has joined the Cities Power Partnership, a local government climate network that will see Council make five pledges relating to renewable energy, transport and sustainability.

The Cities Power Partnership is Australia’s largest network of cities and towns tackling climate change. Lake Mac will work alongside 129 councils from across the country, representing almost 11 million Australians.

The five pledges will be informed through community consultation, with residents able to participate in a survey and share their opinion on which climate actions are most important for Lake Macquarie.

Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator Chris Harle said it was important that the community provide input on the five pledges.

“Residents in Lake Mac are incredibly engaged when it comes to sustainability and improving our City’s environmental footprint,” Ms Harle said.

“We will choose pledges that reflect what is most important to the community while aligning with Council’s sustainability framework.”

The survey will be open until Monday 2 November with pledges being announced in late November.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Cr Kay Fraser said the partnership was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with other Councils and to take meaningful action on climate change.

“Environmental sustainability is very important to our community and we know as a City we face a range of challenges in the development of a sustainable and resilient future,” Cr Fraser said.

“We’re committed to identifying solutions that achieve positive and lasting change to our environment and our lives.”

Manager Environmental Systems Tim Browne noted that Council had successfully reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent since 2007, contributing to a six per cent reduction in emissions City-wide.

“Despite the City’s rapid growth and development, Council is taking proactive steps towards becoming more sustainable,” Mr Browne said.

“Through the Cities Power Partnership, we will be able to collaborate with other Councils and improve on the sustainability measures that are most important for our City.”

Go to shape.lakemac.com.au to have you say by Monday 2 November, and complete a survey to inform the pledges.