The strategy was released in February 2022, with progress made during 2022 highlighted in this section. Agencies across NSW Government are delivering the strategy actions under 5 key priority areas.

Better preparedness for pollution events

  • Commitment of $44.8 million over 10 years for the NSW environmental and air quality monitoring program, and $0.85 million ongoing for air quality forecasting enhancements, more deployable monitoring pods and other monitoring resources, and targeted information campaigns.
  • Partnering with the NSW Smart Sensing Network and committing $1.78 million to the OPENAIR project. This will pilot a network of low-cost air quality sensors and equip councils with the latest knowledge and best practice approach to local air quality monitoring.
  • Partnering with Asthma Australia on its AirSmart communications pilot to test effective messaging on air quality alerts, warnings and information in the community.

Cleaner industry

  • The new Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2022 sets stricter air emission standards for aging industries, and emission limits and controls for volatile liquids in storage tanks.
  • 3,132 MW of renewable generation capacity (as of 31 October 2022) and short-term storage committed or commissioned under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, tracking above the minimum needed to meet the 2030 target.
  • Grant funding under the Hydrogen Hub initiative increased from $70 million to $150 million. Ten projects shortlisted from an expression of interest round proposing up to $6 billion in potential investment, with projects in the Hunter, Illawarra and regional NSW.
  • Update of the NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement to ensure NSW air emissions standards for these projects meet and exceed world best practice.
  • Thermal treatment of waste for energy recovery prohibited under the Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2022, unless it is in a nominated precinct, or specified exemptions apply.

Cleaner transport, engines and fuels

  • Implementation of the NSW Electric Vehicles Strategy continued, with completion of round 1 of the fleet program, $39.4 million committed to 86 charging stations, and commissioning of the first chargers on the NSW South Coast under destination charging grants.
  • Release of the Future Transport Strategy including the vision to improve air quality outcomes for the people of New South Wales.
  • $3 billion announced under the Zero Emission Buses program, including to purchase over 1,200 new buses, convert 11 existing depots for electric charging and build a new depot in Macquarie Park.
  • $20 million in grant funding announced by New South Wales and Victoria to support demonstration of a zero-emissions freight model along the Hume Highway, as part of a nation-leading agreement to establish an east coast hydrogen refuelling network.
  • 25 NSW government agencies reported compliance with Government Resource Efficiency Policy requirements regarding cleaner mobile non-road diesel plant and equipment in purchasing, leasing and contracting decisions.

Healthier households

  • Commenced work on updating the Local Government Air Quality Toolkit to support local council officers to effectively manage air quality in their communities.
  • Increase of Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) thermal performance and energy efficiency standards as of 1 October 2023 through the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022, making new homes warmer in winter and encouraging installation of clean and energy-efficient heating systems such as reverse cycle air-conditioners.

Better places

  • Updated Eastern Harbour City Strategic Cycleway Corridor program released in April 2022.
  • Work commenced on developing strategic cycleway corridor networks for Central River City and Western Parklands City, including initial consultation with local councils and bike user groups.
  • Active Transport Strategy developed, and 6 pilot studies commenced in Greater Sydney for 15-minute walkable neighbourhoods.
  • Achieved the goal to plant 1 million trees almost 2 months early, with the 1 millionth tree planted on 5 November 2022.

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