The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has released its latest Annual Report, demonstrating how councils have worked together to save money and deliver better outcomes for their communities.
WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting said: “By working together, WSROC member councils have saved ratepayers tens of millions of dollars, massively reduced their carbon emissions, commenced an ambitious region-wide biodiversity rescue project, reduced litter and waste, and put downward pressure on the cost-of-living.”
By working closely together, WSROC councils have:
- Saved $75 million to date across the region through a suite of energy projects.
- Attracted $450,000 to action a Western Sydney Regional Litter Prevention Plan.
- Secured $9.5 million to date to deliver waste reduction and circular economy projects.
- Secured $2.5 million to date to deliver guidance, tools and strategies to support local extreme heat management.
- Secured $1.5 million for a ‘Caring for Country’ program funding member councils to support First Nations Communities, and
- Secured $1 million under the Cumberland Plains Conservation Plan to support council control of illegal native vegetation clearing.
“Western Sydney councils also achieved major successes in improving quality of life and putting downward pressure on cost-of-living pressures impacting residents,” said Councillor Bunting.
Toll roads
“Western Sydney councils’ combined advocacy contributed directly to the NSW Government motorway toll relief scheme, including a $60 toll cap for motorists and ongoing review of the tolling system,” said Councillor Bunting.
“This was a major cost-of-living win for our residents who spend more on tolls per week than people living in other parts of Sydney,” he said.
Western Sydney Airport
“WSROC has also held the federal government to account over likely impacts caused by the newly completed Western Sydney International Airport once operations commence, commissioning several independent peer reviews of Airport Environmental Impact Statements. In fact, WSROC was the only organisation to do so.
“This work has successfully delivered a range of federal policy changes, including a fairer distribution of noise impacts, and federal commitments to noise amelioration and property acquisition to protect communities.
"WSROC and Western Sydney councils continue to advocate for stronger community consultation on ongoing airport operations, and for equity and fairness when scheduling aircraft movements, flight departure times and the direction of aircraft take-offs and landings.
Reducing waste and litter
“Eight Western Sydney councils have combined efforts through Western Sydney’s regional waste program to support the improved delivery of household waste services and enhanced ‘liveability’ for our communities.
“Councils are responsible for providing the essential services of waste and recycling collection to households and manage the processing or disposal of collected waste.
“Western Sydney’s rapid population growth and urbanisation are projected to see domestic waste generation within the region increase by 46 per cent to 1 million tonnes by 2041.
“In addition, WSROC has secured $450,000 in grant funding to tackle litter across the region.
“Littering costs Western Sydney councils $31.2 million annually, with councils having to spend 147 per cent more to pick up litter than had the rubbish simply gone in a bin!”
Tackling the impacts of heat
“Western Sydney councils are also leading the way on building safer, cooler communities. The Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce has brought together three levels of government, industry and the community sector to develop a joint five-year plan for heat resilience in our city; the Heat Smart City Plan.
“Western Sydney communities are already bearing the brunt of extreme heat on their health, energy bills, and general well-being,” said Councillor Bunting.
“By working together, WSROC councils have delivered significant cost savings for ratepayers and better outcomes for our communities.”
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