Creating “sponge cities” that absorb water effectively is just one of the featured topics in Series Two of Local Government NSW’s (LGNSW) Climate Resilience; Shoalhaven podcast.
LGNSW President, Linda Scott said last year’s podcast series on climate resilience, featuring local councils and experts talking on best practice water management in the Naomi region, had proven to be a popular resource for those wanting to increase climate resilience in their communities.
“These podcasts tackle the issue of securing our vital water resources, which is an increasingly critical enabler for communities, economies and the environment across NSW and especially in our regions, in the context of a changing climate,” Cr Scott said.
“This initiative is just the latest example of ways councils have taken an active lead role in addressing the vital issue of climate issues.
“For example, a recent report from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, revealed that if all the targets set by Australian local governments were met, an incredible 88,200 kilotons of CO2 emissions would be reduced.
“This would bring Australia 96% of the way to meeting its target of 28 per cent reduction by 2030.
“With increased State and national funding to help local governments deliver on their climate resilience ambitions, there is not only a huge emissions reduction potential, but also opportunity to grow a roaring green economy across Australia.”
LGNSW has released a second podcast series in climate resilience through a funding partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Climate Resilience: Shoalhaven answers questions on how to keep water in the landscape for longer through better design, whether in cities or towns, in the home or on the street.
“The reality is, big changes are underway in how communities and their governments think about climate resilience and water conservation, and local government is providing a leadership role in bringing about these shifts in thinking,” Cr Scott said.
The Climate Resilience: Shoalhaven episodes explore:
- How Illawarra-Shoalhaven Joint Organisation councils are integrating water-sensitive urban design principles into new urban developments;
- The ‘sponge city’ concept – visualising how water should be absorbed and travel through an urban environment instead of the traditional thinking of rushing the water away; and
- The barriers and opportunities to better collaboration between local water utilities and councils.
Cr Scott said the topics had been developed in liaison with LGNSW and the Department through the Increasing Resilience to Climate Change program.
“LGNSW is grateful for NSW Government funding to make these podcasts possible,” Cr Scott said.
“They are an excellent resource and I encourage anyone who wants to better understand the challenges facing councils and communities in rural and regional NSW to search Climate Resilience on their favourite podcast app and have a listen.”
The podcasts are produced and presented by former ABC documentary maker, Gretchen Miller.
