Parramatta eyes C40 status as part of sustainability push

Parramatta has sets its sights on becoming the next C40 global city.

C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors from the world’s leading cities united in action to lead and tackle the challenges of climate change and build resilient cities and sustainable communities.

Cities already part of the global network include Stockholm, New York City, Rome, Johannesburg and Jakarta as well as Sydney and Melbourne.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber said the objectives of the network fit with the wider vision for the future of the City.

“We want a sustainable future for Parramatta, and we walk the talk,” Cr Esber said.

“In the past 12 months, we’ve become the first Council in Australia to achieve carbon neutral certification for services in a public domain for Parramatta Square and earned a 6-star Green Star rating for our civic hub, PHIVE.  

“Council is proud to be powered by 100% renewable energy since July 2022 and is continuing its work to reduce its carbon emissions by 60% by 2038, based on 2015 levels.

“By the end of 2024, the food organics garden organics (FOGO) waste program will be up and running in our LGA to help divert food waste from landfill and reduce emissions even further.”

Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using an inclusive, science-based and collaborative approach to cut emissions in half by 2030, helping the world limit global heating to 1.5°C, and to build healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.

Cr Esber said an application to join the C40 network allows for Parramatta to expand its wider objectives on the international stage.

“We’re currently asking the community for feedback on a long-term vision for our City that seeks to secure Parramatta’s status as a global city,” Cr Esber said.

“It includes plans to create an unrivalled river city that is a global leader in resilience, regeneration and recreation and to create a model city at Camellia-Rosehill that is a world-class example of urban regeneration.”

For more information about the C40 global network click here

To comment on the draft Parramatta 2050 vision, go to the Participate Parramatta website