Leading Sustainable Communities

The 2012 local government election provides exciting opportunities for visionary environmental leadership from local government candidates.

There is broad and enduring public support for action to protect the environment. Government research consistently demonstrates that the public consider protection of the environment and sound management of natural resources to be a top priority for attention by government.

Our unique environment underpins the social and economic fabric of this state. Healthy ecosystems provide billions of dollars of goods and services essential for the wellbeing of local communities and businesses. Protecting and enhancing these services is pivotal to the future prosperity of New South Wales.

The advantages we enjoy from our wild places, agricultural lands, fresh air and clean water are under threat from extractive and polluting industries, climate change and unsustainable development.

Local governments have a critical leadership role to play in reducing pollution, investing in natural infrastructure and restoring our environment
to health. This election platform draws on far reaching experience from across NSW to offer our vision for local government areas and outline the bold steps needed to safeguard the benefits we receive from nature.