Metropolitan Sydney’s four Regional Organisations of Councils, together with Resilient Sydney, have been asking the NSW Government to accelerate action to address Sydney’s waste crisis.

Representing all 33 Sydney metro councils, we called for the development of a strategic plan for waste infrastructure that would provide certainty for local councils and industry.  

We welcome the release of the first part of the NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan. It commits to strategically planning future waste infrastructure in Greater Sydney for the long term to meet the needs of our growing population.

The Plan lays the foundation to address the immediate landfill crisis facing Sydney with capacity anticipated to run out in 2030, just 4 years from now.

The NSW Government’s commitment to protect existing waste infrastructure from land use conflicts is critical.  Government has also recognised the need to build resilience into Greater Sydney’s waste management system to support population growth and prepare for any future environmental/climate impacts.

The Plan is an important first step and there is still more to do.  Metropolitan Sydney’s Regional Organisations of Councils look forward to working with the NSW Government to deliver against the Plan.

• Mayor Tanya Taylor (President NSROC, Willoughby City Council) said:

“All levels of government need to work together to strengthen community and industry confidence. The cross-government approach outlined in the Plan will be critical to ensure timely delivery of the necessary infrastructure.”

• Mayor John Faker (President SSROC, Burwood Council) said:

“The need to accelerate whole-of-government solutions is more pressing than ever, with 4 years to a potential crisis and typical waste infrastructure developments taking at least 7 to 10 years.  Sydney needs the infrastructure to cope with ever-increasing waste; that means landfills, energy from waste facilities, recycling plants, and composting sites.” 

• Mayor Brad Bunting (President WSROC, Blacktown City Council) said

“Strategic planning combined with careful delivery, with risks assessed and managed, will be essential to ensure that infrastructure is in the right locations at the right time so that industry, NSW Government and Councils can effectively manage the waste crisis.”

• Mayor Todd Carney (Chair The Parks, Penrith City Council) said:

“Councils are keen to contribute to delivering solutions, and as the only tier of government that actually delivers waste management services, has an essential contribution to make.”

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Meeting with the Hon. Paul Scully MP and the Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC to discuss Strategic planning for waste infrastructure.

Left to right: Mayor Tanya Taylor (President NSROC, Willoughby City Council), Mayor John Faker (President SSROC, Burwood Council), Minister Paul Scully, Mayor Brad Bunting (President WSROC, Blacktown City Council) , Minister Penny Sharpe, Mayor Todd Carney (Chair The Parks, Penrith City Council)