Environmental Sustainability Strategy

An ambitious framework for sustainable planning, decision-making and action aims to ensure Lake Macquarie remains one of the most liveable and ecologically diverse cities in NSW.

The draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan (ESSAP) outlines how natural resources can be enhanced and protected.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Environmental Systems Tim Browne said the plan also highlighted the importance of providing services and facilities that promoted a sustainable lifestyle.

“Reducing our energy consumption, improving air quality and protecting our natural environment requires a determined, long-term effort, with co-operation between a wide range of stakeholders,” Mr Browne said.

“This demands an ambitious response, practical steps and informed, evidence-based policy.”

The draft ESSAP details 22 targets and 126 management actions designed to create a sustainable City, promote responsible consumption and production, enhance Lake Macquarie’s natural landscape and support resilient communities.

They range from rehabilitating sand dunes and wetlands to partnering with industry and the community to improve water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

“We have worked extensively with the community to develop this draft plan, but we are keen to hear further feedback on the specific issues it identifies,” Mr Browne said.

The draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan 2020-2027 is on exhibition at shape.lakemac.com.au until March.

An accompanying online survey aims to gauge support for issues and actions outlined in the document.

Mr Browne said the public exhibition period would include a series of February workshops, designed to get further community feedback and raise awareness of the strategy and action plan.

Maintaining a green canopy covering more than half of Lake Macquarie and diverting more than 75 per cent of household waste from landfill are among the 10-year targets proposed for a new draft Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

Lake Macquarie City Council is seeking community input to develop the strategy – an update on the city’s existing Environmental Sustainability Action Plan.

Acting Manager Sustainability Chris Harle said the time had come for an overhaul of the original ESAP, adopted in 2011 and reviewed in 2014.

“Lake Macquarie is one of the most liveable and ecologically diverse local government areas in NSW,” Ms Harle said.

“This review proposes the development of a plan that sets out our strategic directions, key themes and targets, and actions to deliver sustainable outcomes.

“It looks at how we can continue to protect, sustain and enhance our natural landscapes, from the coast and the lake to the bush, the mountains and the places where urban development and nature meet.”

Proposed targets for the draft ESS are divided across four broad themes:

• Protecting and enhancing our natural landscapes;

• Supporting resilient communities;

• Creating an even more liveable city; and

• Valuing our finite resources

In total, 25 targets are proposed, with a 2027 deadline for reaching them.

They include:

• Maintaining at least 55 per cent native vegetation cover across Lake Macquarie;

• Increasing lake and waterway health by 20 per cent, compared to a 2007 baseline;

• Diverting 75 per cent of domestic and commercial waste from landfill;

• Increasing the proportion of land in Lake Macquarie with a conservation status by five per cent, compared to a 2007 baseline; and

• Doubling the ratio of infill development to greenfield development, compared to a 2007 baseline.

“These are all important targets towards which we must strive,” Ms Harle said.

“But this strategy will also cover other aspects aimed at creating a more safe, attractive and inclusive city.

“Things like increasing the number of homes within 400m of a public transport stop, improving pedestrian access to our economic centres and providing residents with the information and resources they need to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other adverse events.”

Ms Harle urged the community to complete a survey and provide feedback on the draft strategy via shape.lakemac.com.au/ess.

A short video outlining the plan is available here.

Consultation closes Wednesday 31 October.