Urban Sustainability Program

Aim of the program

The Urban Sustainability Program aims to facilitate projects of significant environmental benefit to NSW, delivered by local government organisations in partnership with other government agencies, local businesses, community organisations and householders. Through these projects, the Program also aims to improve the capacity of communities and organisations to protect, restore and enhance the sustainability of our urban environment.

Objectives

The objectives of the Program are to:

1. improve urban water management with particular focus on stormwater and urban runoff to achieve sustainable water quality and conservation outcomes
2. improve resource conservation through effective waste management, avoidance, reuse, recycling and support for sustainable products and services
3. improve and protect urban bushland and creeks, urban wildlife and habitats of rare and endangered flora and fauna
4. improve the quality of the local urban environment, through integrated approaches that address a combination of the following examples: air quality, noise, odour, chemical use, biodiversity, litter and dumping
5. improve the sustainability performance of local councils, small businesses and community organisations and householders in urban areas.

The program to date

The Urban Sustainability Program commenced in 2006. Through 4 funding rounds, a total of $78.5 million has been allocated to 113 projects developed and currently being implemented by NSW councils and local government organisations.

Grants awarded in 2009

The Trust received 14 applications requesting $385,515 and awarded 11 grants totalling $325,540 for sustainability planning. A list of successful projects and project summaries is available on the 2009 Urban Sustainability project summaries page.

Funding for 2009

A total of $500,000 was available this round for seed funding for sustainability planning. Projects are 12 months duration, commencing in early 2010.

Note: Only councils (as defined in the Local Government Act), regional organisations of councils and other local government controlled organisations proposing an urban sustainability project for significant urban area with a population of 10,000 or more are eligible to apply for funding. It is expected that councils will actively engage other government agencies, local businesses, community organisations and householders in the design and development of projects funded under this Program.

Should more general information on the Program be required, please contact the Environmental Trust on (02) 8837 6019.

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