Sustainable Neighbourhoods

FAQSearch
What does Council mean by ‘Sustainability’?

Sustainability is about making sure that our natural resources such as water, coal, oil, fuel, timber, and food sources do not run out for future generations.  It means ensuring there are enough natural resources for everyone around the world, forever.

Sustainability embraces community participation; and is achieved by people planning and working together to reduce our impact on the local and global environment.

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

What is Council’s Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program?

The Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program provides support to communities to plan, through local Sustainable Neighbourhood Groups, and make changes that will reduce their ecological footprint - neighbourhood by neighbourhood, contributing to an overall City-wide reduction.  Neighbours will decide how they can contribute to sustainability as individuals and as a group, with support from Council and other networks over the next ten years.

The Sustainable Neighbourhood Program is based on the following principles or values:

  • Shared responsibility: The collective experience, expertise and efforts of the group is far superior to the experience, expertise and efforts of the individual
  • Everything is possible: Individuals will take action on issues that matter to them when they have ownership of the process and are committed to the end result
  • Collaboration and inclusion: Creating processes whereby every voice is important in creating a shared future
  • Connections and relationships: Promoting cooperative relationships between people or groups, by strengthening community networks, and creating opportunities for citizens to participate in public life

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

What do Sustainable Neighbourhood groups do?

Each Sustainable Neighbourhood group will run community planning workshops and collect ideas from a broad range of residents to develop a neighbourhood sustainability plan.  The group will then implement activities and projects from their plan, in cooperation with Council, community groups and other partners.

Each neighbourhood will decide what activities and projects they would like to plan for and implement in their local area, but some examples could include:

  • Organising local talks and workshops around sustainable living and environmental issues
  • Building a community garden
  • Working with established Landcare and Waterwatch groups or setting up new ones
  • Starting a local 'trash and treasure' event / clothes swap or similar
  • Organising a bulk purchase of water tanks for residents in our neighbourhood
  • Creating a patch of native habitat in the local park

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

How big is a Sustainable Neighbourhood area?

Neighbourhood areas are loosely defined around approximately 2000 residents, according to each neighbourhood’s locality and sense of community.  There are approximately 100 neighbourhood areas in the Lake Macquarie LGA.

Last Modified: 19-MAY-2010

Where are Sustainable Neighbourhood groups already operating?

Sustainable Neighbourhood groups are starting up in Cardiff North, Cooranbong, Morisset, Redhead, and Woodrising, whilst Charlestown East, Swansea Heads and Swansea have groups up and running and are on the way to developing their very own sustainability plan.  Climate Ready Dora Creek have already developed their draft action plan, focussing on preparing for the impacts of climate change.

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

How can I get involved in an existing Sustainable Neighbourhood group?

Existing Sustainable Neighbourhood groups will welcome participation from residents in their area.  You can get involved as little or as much as you like.  This might be by turning up to events that the group organises or by helping to organise different activities.  Each group will have a contact list you can join to find out about upcoming opportunities.

For more information on an existing group near you please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre:

Phone: 02 4921 0333
Email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

How can I start a new Sustainable Neighbourhood group in my area?

Residents can nominate their area to become a Sustainable Neighbourhood.  Council resources to support the program are limited, so your neighbourhood may be put on a waiting list.

To find out about starting a Sustainable Neighbourhood group in your area please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre:

Phone: 02 4921 0333
Email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

Can I join an existing group if I don’t live in their neighbourhood area?

Sustainable Neighbourhood groups are made up of residents that live in the defined neighbourhood area, consisting of about 2000 residents.  In some instances, other community members will also have an interest in the area and will be welcome to participate. However, decision-making and prioritising will be the sole responsibility of residents of that particular neighbourhood area.

As the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program develops, all residences in the Lake Macquarie City will be included in a Sustainable Neighbourhood area.  If you live outside of the current neighbourhood boundaries, please be assured that the Sustainable Neighbourhoods program is coming to your area at some stage.

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

How does Council support the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program?

Council supports communities to take part in the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Program.  This may include resources for community engagement, planning, and research for developing Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plans and assisting with grant applications, providing expertise and promotions for particular activities.

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010

How do I find out more about the Sustainable Neighbourhood program?

Contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on:

Phone: 02 4921 0333
Email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au 
Postal Address: PO Box 1906, Hunter Region Mail Centre, NSW 2310
Visit: 126 – 138 Main Road, Speers Point, NSW 2284

Last Modified: 28-JAN-2010