City of Newcastle Council has opened public consultation on its draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030, which features a proposal to transform part of a remediated landfill into a solar farm, battery hub and heavy vehicle EV charging facility.
The Council says the proposed Astra Street Community Energy Precinct has the potential to meet Council’s growing renewable electricity needs, while also benefiting the community through a renewable energy sharing scheme.
The broader CAP sets out the actions Council will take to achieve net zero emissions from its operations by 2030 and to support a Newcastle-wide transition to net zero emissions by 2040.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said it provides a clear, evidence-based pathway for taking action to address climate change.
“The CAP 2030 has been developed through extensive community consultation, economic modelling, best-practice research and cost-benefit analysis,” Ms Kikken said.
“As our region transitions to clean energy, it’s vital everyone in our community can access affordable, reliable and renewable energy. Our Energy for All program will empower culturally and linguistically diverse communities and renters to lower their energy bills through advice and support, personalised energy bill checks and support to access rebates and savings.
“The ultimate goal would be to move beyond net zero and actively remove more carbon from the atmosphere than is produced by leveraging nature-based solutions such as urban greening, tree planting and the restoration of ecosystems, to sequester carbon.”
Strategy and Innovation Strategic Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Declan Clausen said the draft CAP 2030 includes a range of initiatives to help City of Newcastle achieve its climate goals.
“This includes electrifying City of Newcastle’s fleet of vehicles, trialling renewable diesel fuel, and phasing out gas installations and heating with electric power,” Cr Clausen said.
More information on how the community can comment on the draft plan can be found on Council’s Have your Say page.
Community members are also being invited to take part in a community workshop on Wednesday 18 February from 5.30pm – 6.30pm, which will include a presentation of an overview of the draft Plan and its highlights.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, take part in workshop activities, and provide feedback to help shape the final plan.
