Camden Council has released a bold plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in its bid to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The plan is featured in Council’s Camden: Towards Net Zero strategy, which is now on public exhibition. It presents pathway to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, before achieving the final target 20 years later.
Mayor, Ashleigh Cagney, said the strategy was “incredibly important”, given both the growth of the area and the requirement for urgent action on climate change.
“The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, which is why we need to act now,” she said.
“Sadly, here in Camden, we’ve recently experienced the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including storms, droughts, bushfires and flooding.”
Mayor Cagney said some of the work had already begun. Recently, Council secured 100% renewable energy for street lighting and 46 of its largest sites.
Council has also installed electric vehicle charging stations, placed solar panels on several facilities, operates an electric mower and much more. In 2021, Council was recognised as a Silver Partner of Sustainability Advantage – a program of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
“We’ve made steps already but there is a lot more to do and we look forward to working through the action plan to reach our goal,” the Mayor said.
“We welcome community feedback on the strategy and I encourage everyone to have their say. I’m proud that we are an organisation which strives to operate sustainably.”
Camden: Towards Net Zero is on public exhibition until 26 July.