Camden Council has released its bold plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The plan is featured in Council’s Camden: Towards Net Zero strategy, which is on public exhibition. It lays out a pathway to achieve a 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, before achieving the final target 20 years later.

Mayor of Camden, Cr 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.”

Cr Cagney said some of the work had already begun. Recently, Council secured 100 per cent 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,” she 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. Residents can have their say at yourvoice.camden.nsw.gov.au.