Thursday, 04 August 2022 10:58
Governments not only shift costs onto communities – they shift blame, too
OF all the unsung heroes looking after our communities, few are more important to our day-to-day safety, health and welfare than local council Compliance Officers. However, their vital work is being de-funded even as the government demands more of them. Building and health Compliance Officers, for example, are highly skilled,…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 16:24
Helping council staff avoid waste contract pitfalls
It is estimated that the value of council waste contracts in NSW currently exceeds $1.7 billion annually. Waste contracts are some of local governments’ largest value contracts, for household waste services provided to millions of residents throughout Western Sydney by our councils. For that reason, on 23 June WSROC ran…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 18 July 2022 10:25
Shaping our energy future
WSROC has played a leading role in two crucial Local Government Workshops that will help shape the services that electricity distribution network provider Endeavour Energy will offer its customers in the 2024 - 2029 period Endeavour Energy owns, maintains, and operates the electrical distribution network supplying 2.4 million people in…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 14 July 2022 10:35
President’s message, July 2022
As the fourth flood emergency in a year cut a swathe of destruction through Sydney’s Greater Western Suburbs, leaving communities devastated and causing tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes, you might be justified in wondering in whose interest NSW planning laws are written. Earlier this year, the…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 08 April 2022 09:26
What is cheap housing costing communities?
WSROC President, Councillor Barry Calvert What are we willing to trade for cheap housing? The NSW Planning Minister’s recent decision to scrap the draft Design and Place SEPP leaves communities open to the long-term costs of climate change and natural disasters, not to mention long, car-dependent commutes and…
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Tuesday, 10 May 2022 17:43
Top 10 election issues for WSROC councils
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has outlined 10 key issues the Australian Government must address in its next term to increase Western Sydney’s liveability, resilience and wellbeing. From energy and waste to disaster resilience, housing affordability and local government funding, the issues identified require action and…
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Tuesday, 10 May 2022 17:34
Councils $1.6m worse off on waste
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), has called for a halt on any further funding restrictions that would impact local governments’ capacity to deliver essential waste services. WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “A recent report by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW (IPART) proposed…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 10 May 2022 17:32
WSROC partners on 100% renewable PPA
WSROC’s Western Sydney Energy Program has secured another win, facilitating the development of a 100% renewable power purchase agreement (Renewable PPA) through Local Government Procurement (LGP). The Renewable PPA harnesses the collective buying power of councils, to purchase 100% renewable power at competitive rates, allowing councils to reduce energy…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 10 May 2022 17:29
President’s message, April 2022
After years of jumping from one crisis to another, the approaching Federal Election provides an opportunity to reflect on recent events and consider what our region needs to build a more resilient future. WSROC has outlined 10 key issues we believe the next Australian Government must address to ensure the…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 10 May 2022 17:27
Regional research at Waste Educators Forum
After two years of online meetings, Western Sydney Waste Educators gathered in person during April to discuss the latest behaviour change studies, regional research outcomes, and targeted education campaigns from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). 25 staff from across Western Sydney councils gathered to hear results from WSROC’s latest…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 02 March 2022 09:40
President's message: Welcome new WSROC Directors
Our first e-newsletter for the year demonstrates WSROC has not been idle over the holiday period. There have been several state and industry consultations running including the NSW Design and Place SEPP, BASIX SEPP and a policy paper on energy infrastructure resilience from a coalition of energy network providers.…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 02 March 2022 08:22
Heat Smart resources now in eight languages
The Western Sydney Regional Organsiation of Councils' (WSROC) Heat Smart heatwave preparedness resources for community are now available in eight languages. The Heat Smart resources outline key actions households can take to plan, prepare, respond and recover from heatwave events. The pack includes three resources: Heat Smart over 65s…
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Tuesday, 01 March 2022 17:40
Litter reduction plan recognised at waste summit
The five-year Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan has been recognised at the Waste Strategy Summit in February, with Regional Waste Coordinator, Amanda Bombaci presenting key learnings and successes of the five-year program. The Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan was delivered by WSROC in partnership with staff from nine Western Sydney…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 17:16
Submission to paper on resilient energy networks
Six Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSP) including Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy have joined forces to release a Network Resilience policy paper as part of efforts to make the energy infrastructure more resilient to hazards such as bushfire and climate change. The paper covers a range of topics including…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 16:09
Design and Place SEPP submission
One of the NSW Government’s most substantial planning reforms has been on exhibition over the new year period, with significant influence for new development in Western Sydney, and local government operations. The package included: Draft Design and Place SEPP Draft Urban Design Guide Revised BASIX SEPP Revised Apartment Design…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 01 March 2022 16:07
GPs gather for Heat and Health seminar
WSROC has teamed up with Doctors for the Environment and the Hills Doctors Association to speak to Western Sydney GPs about the impacts of heat. Run as part of the Heat Smart Western Sydney program, the seminar discussed the impacts of heat on the human body, medications and mental health,…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 19 January 2022 13:35
Does your organisation have a heatwave plan?
What temperature is your air-conditioning rated to? Will building access be impacted in a power outage (lifts, electronic doors)? How will you contact staff if telecommunication networks are disrupted? Do you have a plan for altered operating hours? Can you offer additional welfare checks for at-risk clients? These are just…
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Friday, 17 December 2021 15:05
WSROC commended by Planning Institute
WSROC's Urban Heat Planning Toolkit has received commendation at the Planning Institute of Australia's 2021 NSW Awards for Planning Excellence. The Urban Heat Planning Toolkit was developed to assist councils integrate urban heat into their local planning instruments; Local Environment Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCPs). The toolkit focuses…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 17 December 2021 14:57
Soft plastics focus during National Recycling Week
Phase four and five of WSROC’s Love Recycling? social media campaign launched during National Recycling Week in November. Soft plastics are a common area of confusion for community members, and the number one contaminant in household recycling bins across Western Sydney. Resident feedback collected by Western Sydney councils indicates many…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 17 December 2021 14:51
President's message: Reflecting on 2021
2021 has been another challenging year for both councils and their communities. However, there have also been some fantastic achievements and I would like to reflect on some of the positive outcomes from the last 12 months. Turn Down the Heat Strategy and Action Plan Our collective work on addressing…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 13 December 2021 17:01
Western Sydney councils adopt first urban heat controls
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) in partnership with its members has developed NSW’s first guidance on planning for urban heat – the Urban Heat Planning Toolkit – with the first planning controls for heat entering new LEP and DCPs this month. WSROC President Clr Barry Calvert said,…
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Thursday, 28 October 2021 16:05
President's Message
The warmer months means the advent of Western Sydney’s most vulnerable season in terms of dealing with potential extreme heat events. WSROC’s Heat Smart resources and a comprehensive social media campaign are currently being distributed to councils, and I encourage the promotion of these important messages to help keep our…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 28 October 2021 15:50
WSROC gives evidence at NSW inquiry into road toll regimes
WSROC’s advocacy in addressing Western Sydney’s disproportionate toll burden was tabled in NSW Parliament this month, as President Clr Barry Calvert and CEO Charles Casuscelli gave evidence at the NSW hearing into road tolling regimes on October 7. Western Sydney is more greatly impacted by tolling issues than other parts…
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Thursday, 28 October 2021 12:03
WSROC presents at regional thought leadership forums
WSROC’s work in heat mitigation and adaptation, and as representatives of councils and Western Sydney, is sought after in key forums, with Project Coordinator Judith Bruinsma and Projects and Policy Office Kelly Gee appearing at three events this month. Western Sydney University’s Wicked Urban Challenges brought together researchers, government and…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 27 October 2021 15:58
Modern cloth nappy workshop
WSROC has delivered a second regional reusable nappy education package across councils, to help reduce nappy landfill and to educate residents on the economic and sustainability benefits of cloth nappies The program was delivered in partnership with Nappy Lane Modern Cloth Nappies, and included a suite of resources to support…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 27 October 2021 15:55
Heat Smart preparedness workshops
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council’s Heat Smart Western Sydney program has commenced its community engagement phase with heatwave preparedness workshops being rolled out from October. WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “The aim of Heat Smart Western Sydney is to build community resilience to heatwaves and extreme heat…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 27 October 2021 15:52
WSROC presents to Australian Disaster Resilience Conference
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Council’s Heat Smart Western Sydney program was presented to the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference in October. WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “Extreme heat is a major challenge for Western Sydney – one that impacts every person in our city each and every summer.…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 02 September 2021 09:37
President's message
WSROC Projects have surged over the past two months, marking key milestones and progressing to exciting stages of development. WSROC’s Cool Suburbs – which supports and rewards industry best-practice – is the critical next step for delivering cooler, safer development outcomes for communities. The WSROC team has been working with…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 17:16
Soft plastics, sorted: Love Recycling? campaign
Soft plastics are unanimously identified by Western Sydney councils as the top yellow bin contaminant. WSROC's Love Recycling? campaign has been developed to increase awareness of ways to dispose of soft plastic packaging and encourage proper recycling. More than 25 soft plastic items were identified by councils as being problematic…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 17:07
WSROC campaign gets residents Moving away from illegal dumping
Many people don't realise that that it is illegal to leave unwanted stuff out on the kerb for other people to take, yet this is the most common form of dumping that occurs in NSW. Illegal dumping is, by definition, the disposal of any waste that is larger than litter,…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 13:31
Western Sydney Energy Program accelerates EV shift
Western Sydney will see the installation of more fast-charging electric vehicle stations in the next two years, in key sites identified by members of the Western Sydney Energy Program and Western Sydney University, as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Future Fuels Fund Round 1 results are revealed. The Western…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 12:38
Cool Suburbs enters industry pilot phase
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ (WSROC) award-winning urban heat work continues with the Cool Suburbs tool commencing industry pilots from September. WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “Cool Suburbs is a much-needed design support tool to address the impacts of urban heat in Western Sydney. “WSROC has been…
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Wednesday, 01 September 2021 12:36
Ensuring Design and Place delivers for Western Sydney
The NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment is currently consulting on the development of a new state environmental planning policy – the Design and Place SEPP. The Design and Place SEPP promises to significantly alter the NSW planning landscape by preferencing a principles-based approach to development design. The principles-based…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 01 September 2021 12:31
Report from the Board
The third WSROC Board meeting for 2021 was held on the 19th of August, via Zoom. Some of the key discussion items from the meeting included: IPART rating reform and Infrastructure Contributions Bill Proposed reforms to the two primary sources of local government funding – rates and infrastructure contributions –…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 28 June 2021 14:34
Win for WSROC Cool Suburbs and Urban Heat Planning Toolkit
WSROC's Urban Heat Planning Toolkit and Cool Suburbs project won Best Sustainability Initiative at the Greater Sydney Commission Planning Awards on Tuesday night, June 22. WSROC thanks and congratulates all our project partners for their work on this initiative, which tackles the detrimental impacts of extreme heat and urban…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 28 June 2021 14:32
President's Message
In excellent news for WSROC's Projects Teams, the Urban Heat Planning Toolkit and Cool Suburbs Projects won the Award for Best Sustainability initiative at the Greater Sydney Commission Planning Awards this week. The recognition is pleasing, not just because these projects stand to improve outcomes for our region's ongoing resilience-building…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 29 April 2021 12:44
President's message
While the cooler months are well and truly upon us, WSROC’s continuing work on urban heat mitigation in Western Sydney saw two important milestones earlier this month, with the release of the Urban Heat Planning Toolkit, and April’s user-testing workshops for the Cool Suburbs industry-based design tool. After months of…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 28 April 2021 12:00
Cool Suburbs user-testing workshops
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ (WSROC) Cool Suburbs Tool has hit a new milestone with government and industry user-testing workshops held in April. The Cool Suburbs Tool is an industry-based design support tool to address the impacts of urban heat in Western Sydney; supporting cooler, safer development outcomes…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 28 April 2021 11:53
WSROC releases urban heat planning toolkit
WSROC recently released the Urban heat planning toolkit, which provides guidance for better urban planning and design. This Toolkit has been developed in partnership with WSROC member councils to help strengthen local planning provisions to reduce heat impacts in line with the Greater Sydney Commission’s District Plans. Extreme heat and urban heat…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 28 April 2021 11:41
Love Recycling campaign takes on soft plastics
Soft plastics have been unanimously identified by Western Sydney councils as the top contaminant of the yellow recycling bin. From this, it is clear that many people are confused about what types of materials qualify as soft plastic packaging, and the correct way to dispose of and recycle these materials.…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 26 February 2021 10:35
President's message
After the challenges of 2020, the optimistic beginning to 2021 is reflected in WSROC’s priorities and projects in key areas of heat, waste, planning, energy, and climate resilience, which are off to a flying start. In this e-news issue, Heat Smart Western Sydney’s review of heatwave management practices in Western…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 25 February 2021 15:22
Heat Smart Framework
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ (WSROC) is currently consulting on its draft Heatwave Preparedness and Response Framework which seeks to provide recommendations for improved heatwave management in the region. WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, said “Heatwaves are widely recognised as one of the deadliest hazards in Australia and a…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 25 February 2021 12:22
WSROC writes to Ministers on Design and Place SEPP, BASIX
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has written to the Ministers for Planning and Public Spaces, and Energy and Environment seeking greater involvement of local government in the Design and Place SEPP and review of BASIX – both of which promise significant changes to the NSW Planning system.…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 24 February 2021 15:58
Climate Resilient Street Trees Workshop
WSROC, in partnership with Western Sydney University, hosted a Passive Irrigation Design workshop on 9 February, 2021 as part of its Climate Resilient Street Trees project. The workshop was the first stage in the Climate Resilient Street Trees project, which seeks to test the performance of different tree species, with and without irrigation, in the…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 24 February 2021 15:23
Reusable nappy education helps councils reduce waste
The WSROC waste team is currently delivering a regional education package to nine Western Sydney councils, on reusable nappies. The program offers direct and ongoing support for participants using cloth nappies for up to 12 months. Online community workshops are available, alongside a suite of resources to support residents and…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 16 December 2020 11:42
President's message
This November-December WSROC e-news reflects a robust end to a difficult year. While 2020 may be characterised by its challenges, WSROC and Western Sydney councils have met adversity with ingenuity and resilience. We can be proud of the following outcomes: Ongoing advocacy saw heatwaves and resilience included as one of four themes in Housing for NSW…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 03 December 2020 14:07
WSROC Stoked with Minister’s cooler species stance
Media Response 1 December 2020, WSROC welcomes the NSW Government’s more comprehensive approach to urban greening but adds that the community experience of increasing heat in Western Sydney requires additional consideration. As heat mitigation programs continue to feature highly on the NSW Government agenda, WSROC President Barry Calvert stated his support…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 23 November 2020 14:34
WSROC Executive re-elected for another term
Media Release 23 November 2020, WSROC President, Clr Barry Calvert, has been returned for a third term, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at Crowne Plaza, Hawkesbury City Council last week. All four members of the WSROC Executive Committee were returned to their positions, unchanged for another term. Joining Clr Calvert are…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 29 October 2020 09:53
President's message
As we look ahead to warmer months, WSROC’s heat projects are at the fore, with a focus on building regional resilience to heatwave; often referred to as “the silent killer”. Extreme heat poses a major risk for residents of Western Sydney, yet planning for heat is relatively underdeveloped when compared…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 27 October 2020 12:47
Heat Smart for summer 2020
Heatwaves are Australia’s number one natural killer and are considered an ‘extreme risk’ in most Western Sydney LGAs. However, planning and preparedness for heatwaves is relatively underdeveloped when compared with other natural hazards such as flood, fire and storm. President of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), Cllr…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 27 October 2020 11:53
Waste Not Design competition winners announced
In partnership with Western Sydney University, WSROC’S 2020 Waste Not Design competition put the spotlight on young, local designers, inviting them to creatively explore new ways with waste. The inaugural event drew 11 entries, competing for an iPad Pro, and the winner and runners-up were announced earlier this month at…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 26 October 2020 12:55
UV Smart Cool Playground ready for play
Cumberland City Council have now opened a newly refurbished Merrylands Memorial Park, which has been retro-fitted with the first of its kind UV smart materials to protect children from heated play equipment. “With communities facing unprecedented heat, drought and bushfire weather conditions across NSW, we are delighted to be pioneers…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 31 August 2020 16:40
President's message: planning for resilience
As we continue to navigate Covid-containment and adjust our behaviours, the changing weather is a reminder of seasons shifting; it's timely to consider the precautionary measures we can put in place before the warmer months take off. While we hope to avoid the extremes of last year’s bushfire season, it…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 19 August 2020 11:21
Western Sydney: Don’t break Powerhouse promise
Media release, 29 May 2020 The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has called on the NSW Government to maintain investment in the Parramatta Powerhouse and a host of other venues to avoid major setbacks in the region’s liveability and cultural economy. WSROC President Cllr Barry Calvert said “The…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 29 June 2020 19:55
President's message: Supporting communities through COVID
As we continue to adjust to the changing reality that is COVID, WSROC has continued its advocacy for support for our Western Sydney councils and communities to ensure that no-one falls through the cracks. As such, we have supported the Refugee Council of Australia’s Nobody Left Behind campaign which asks…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 16 April 2020 18:59
WSROC meets with the Minister for Multiculturalism
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and Fairfield City Council met with NSW acting Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. Geoff Lee, this month to discuss how the federal and state governments can better support councils settling migrants arriving under humanitarian visas. Councils play an extensive and multi-faceted role in…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 16 April 2020 17:54
President's message: Councils adapting to COVID-19
Since the last e-news, our collective circumstances have radically altered. I hope that as you read this, you are adapting to the new situation and are availing yourself of the many supportive, transitionary resources that have emerged over the past weeks. WSROC has collated a repository of local government resources…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 16 April 2020 16:22
Support for councils helping with bad behaviour in strata
WSROC has engaged Amanda Farmer of Lawyers Chambers to assist Western Sydney councils in helping to address common residential issues in strata living in a series of sessions to be presented in the coming months. In March, Farmer presented to community members and strata managers on ‘How to use By-Laws…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 16 April 2020 16:12
Cool Playground coming to Cumberland
In partnership with Cumberland City Council, Western Sydney University has been conducting research on playgrounds across the suburbs of Cumberland - logging temperatures, identifying hotspots and assessing thermal performance of playground materials. “As communities face unprecedented heat, drought and bushfire conditions across NSW, it’s important that we have playgrounds that…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 30 March 2020 14:42
Western Sydney coffee lovers embrace sustainable future
- Please note: While the Refill Don't Landfill Western Sydney project is currently in hiatus, WSROC and Green Caffeen encourage our stakeholders to wholeheartedly support our local cafes at this time. Western Sydney cafes and coffee lovers are leading the shift towards a circular economy, by joining a free new regional…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 05 March 2020 12:06
President's message
A particularly trying summer has preceded this most recent e-news publication. As a group, WSROC experienced some of the most frightening and upsetting elements of the bushfires and flooding events – and, as a group, we have endured and embarked upon the recovery process. Firstly, I welcome our newly-elected Senior…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 05 March 2020 11:00
Blacktown Mayor elected WSROC Senior Vice President
Media release, 27 February 2020 WSROC Board has elected a new Senior Vice President, Clr Tony Bleasdale, Mayor of Blacktown City Council. Senior Vice President Bleasdale’s election completes the Executive Committee team for 2020. Clr Bleasdale joins President Clr Barry Calvert, Mayor of Hawkesbury City Council, Clr Don McGregor of…
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Wednesday, 04 March 2020 15:00
Refill Don't Landfill campaign launched as Western Sydney goes Green Caffeen
The WSROC-Green Caffeen swap-and-go coffee cup project launches in March, with Mayors heading to their local participating cafes for events across the region. How many disposable cups would you use in a year? Western Sydney cafes and coffee lovers are leading a shift from throwaway takeaway, joining an increasing, international…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 16 December 2019 16:36
Boost your health and happiness in Sydney’s Biggest Backyard these holidays
This article is featured with the kind permission of Western Sydney Parklands media. We all know that staying active is key to maintaining our physical health, but recent research has revealed that the answer to boosting our overall wellbeing could be as simple as stepping outside and soaking up nature for…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 16 December 2019 15:10
President's message
As 2019 draws to a close, I take this opportunity to reflect on a year of success for current and emerging projects, strengthened collaborative partnerships and success in progression of key advocacy priorities, effecting significant outcomes. This year, our advocacy impacted the introduction of M4 tolls for Western Sydney motorists,…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 16 December 2019 09:40
Austroads clear zones limit tree planting
In December 2019, number of stakeholders in the local government, health and research sectors came together to discuss how current road design guidelines limit councils’ capacity to deliver street tree plantings across Western Sydney. Many councils are working to increase street tree plantings for health and cooling benefits however,…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 13 December 2019 10:08
Campbelltown junglefies and deep dives into heat
Campbelltown City Council will be embarking on a number of exciting projects over Summer 2019/2020. Microclimate deep dive During the summer of 2018-2019 Campbelltown City Council, in partnership with Western Sydney University (WSU), undertook a project titled ‘Data collection of the outdoor thermal environment’. The project involved the distribution…
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Thursday, 12 December 2019 14:04
Microclimate research shows 10-degree difference between streets
Heat mapping conducted across the Campbelltown, Cumberland and Parramatta LGAs has revealed temperature variations of more than 10 degrees can occur between individual streets due to variations in size and type of urban canopy and elements of the built environment. The three studies, led by Dr Sebastian Pfautsch from the…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 11 December 2019 12:14
WSROC Board returns President in 2020
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) President, Clr Barry Calvert, has been returned for a second term, at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held at Blacktown City Council late last month. Two members of the WSROC Executive Committee were also returned to their positions for 2020. Joining Cr Calvert…
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Tuesday, 10 December 2019 16:07
Blacktown to harness stormwater for cooler streets
Blacktown City Council is investigating ways to use stormwater to help water street trees and keep local streets cool. The benefits of trees are well known: their shade reduces the surrounding air and surface temperature, they clean our air, and provide amenity to our local streets. However, trees need water…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 16:02
WSROC secures $413,000 funding for heat projects in 2019
12 months on from the Turn Down the Heat Strategy launch, the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has secured $413,000 in funding to deliver on priority actions. The funding will help deliver three key projects identified as priorities by the 55 stakeholder organisations who informed the Strategy’s development.…
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Wednesday, 30 October 2019 13:15
Sydney Climathon seeks heatwave resilience
Over 100 cities from around the world participated in a global 24 hour Climathon on 25 October 2019. Climathon is a year-round programme, which focuses on a solutions-hackathon in October each year. The Hackathon seeks to develop solutions to climate challenges and translate these into tangible projects, supporting climate positive…
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Wednesday, 30 October 2019 12:37
Cumberland and Liverpool win Sustainable Cities Awards
Cumberland and Liverpool Councils have “cleaned up” at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards 2019, winning six awards between them. The Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards is a community and environmental awards program for metropolitan Sydney communities. Winning projects are chosen based on their contribution to…
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Wednesday, 28 August 2019 15:45
President's message: Board endorses Western Sydney Energy Program
President’s message The winter months have not been idle, with some positive developments for member councils and WSROC projects. Most recently, at the third Board meeting for the year - kindly hosted by Blue Mountains City on August 22 - the Board endorsed the draft Western Sydney Energy program (WSEP),…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 30 July 2019 16:07
WSROC meets with Ministers on heat
WSROC’s President and CEO met with the new Ministers for Planning and Public Spaces, Energy and Environment, and Water following their appointment after the NSW Election in March. WSROC sought to brief the Ministers on priorities identified under the Turn Down the Heat Strategy as being urgent points of action,…
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 15:39
Strategy presented to National Growth Areas Alliance
WSROC in partnership with Blacktown City Council presented the Turn Down the Heat Strategy to the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Symposium on the 4th July. The NGAA’s Symposium Research and Practice from Australia’s Fast-Growing Outer Suburbs sought to explore key issues associated with rapid growth in Australia’s outer suburbs…
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 15:30
Next Gen. planners trained to tackle heat
The Turn Down the Heat Strategy is set to become required reading for Western Sydney University students studying the Master of Planning degree. A new unit delivered by Dr Sebastian Pfautsch will focus on urban heat and how to mitigate it. The unit will include a number of guest lecturers…
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Tuesday, 30 July 2019 15:08
WSROC secures funding for cool rating tool
WSROC has successfully secured $108,000 in Increasing Resilience to Climate Change Funding (IRCC) to build the region’s resilience extreme heat. The funding will deliver the Cool Suburbs project, which seeks to assist government, developers and the community to identify and implement best practice in urban cooling. Using the latest in…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 30 July 2019 14:59
Councils collaborate on cool LEPs
WSROC and NSROC have teamed up to provide guidance to councils to integrate urban heat objectives into the current LEP Review process being undertaken by Sydney councils. With the collaboration of staff from seven councils, the ROCs engaged a planning consultant to help develop standard clauses that councils can use…
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Thursday, 27 June 2019 10:15
President's message: NSW Budget 2019
In the wake of both state and federal elections, and last week’s State Budget announcements, WSROC continues to work toward realisation of priorities and entrenching a firm advocacy agenda. Currently, we are meeting with key Ministers to ensure that our priorities are clear. These strategic discussions bring member council priorities…
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Thursday, 27 June 2019 09:57
Integrated planning for better places and environmental outcomes
On Wednesday 26 June, Western Sydney councils’ planning and environment representatives came together with stakeholders from the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Resilient Sydney, for an Integrated Planning workshop. The event, hosted in collaboration with WSROC, NSROC and SSROC, aimed to inform strategic planning…
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Thursday, 27 June 2019 09:45
Green light for Cool Suburbs
Western Sydney is now one step closer to implementing best practice interventions, for dealing with the growing challenges of extreme heat. WSROC has successfully applied for grant funding to implement the ‘Cool Suburbs’ initiative. Building on theTurn Down the Heat strategy, ‘Cool Suburbs’ will help to build the region’s resilience and…
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Tuesday, 30 April 2019 14:57
Waste, growth and infrastructure forum
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) hosted a Waste, Growth and Infrastructure Forum in Parramatta on April 11, in partnership with the Macarthur Strategic Waste Alliance. The forum aimed to highlight the region’s impending waste challenges and facilitate long-term planning for councils. Attended by various Sydney metropolitan councils,…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 30 April 2019 14:33
President’s message: Federal election 2019
Over the last few months, in the lead up to the federal election, our members have identified the following regional issues which they believe could be best addressed by WSROC advocacy. Roads to Recovery Program WSROC welcomes the Federal Budget’s $1.1 billion boost to Roads to Recovery (R2R) Funding over…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 26 February 2019 11:12
ALGA Women’s Association conferences
In the lead up to International Women’s Day, the Australian Local Government Women’s Association has opened registration for its major conferences, both of which are to be held in Western Sydney. 2019 National ALGA Women’s Association Conference - Blacktown Registrations are open for the 2019 National Australian Local Government Women's Association…
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Tuesday, 26 February 2019 11:00
Citizen Science Urban Microclimate program kicks off
Seven Greater Western Sydney councils have joined a nation-wide citizen science program in partnership with University of New South Wales and RMIT. The hands-on project seeks to educate residents about the factors contributing to urban microclimates including: how urban design, material selection and vegetation cover can create a cooling effect,…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 26 February 2019 10:43
WSROC wins grant to tackle food and beverage litter
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has been awarded a $85,000 NSW EPA grant to target food and drink packaging littered in community parks and carparks across Western Sydney. Awarded under Stage 4 of the NSW EPA Litter Regional Implementation Program (LRIP) Grants, the project seeks to encourage…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 26 February 2019 10:36
President’s Message: Election advocacy
With both the NSW and federal elections not far off, WSROC is busy advocating on our region’s priority issues. The following issues, as identified by WSROC’s members, will be front and centre of our advocacy for the coming months. Waste and recycling Rapid urban development and population growth are…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 18 December 2018 15:58
Planning Liveable Cities - Report
A new report released by Infrastructure Australia has called for greater involvement of local governments in strategic planning and better support for the delivery of local infrastructure. The report was launched in Western Sydney, in partnership with the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) on the 12th December. WSROC…
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Tuesday, 18 December 2018 15:29
Western Sydney Citizen Science Forum
Over fifty environmental educators, scientists and community representatives came together to discuss all things citizen science at the Western Sydney Citizen Science Forum on 23 October. Citizen science programs allow the community to assist with collecting data, which can then be assessed and interpreted to inform decision making or research.…
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Tuesday, 18 December 2018 14:48
Message from the President: 2018 year in review
As we come to the end of another year, it is a good opportunity to reflect on what WSROC has accomplished over the last 12 months. 2018 has been a year of strong collaboration. WSROC has worked with a broad range of stakeholders to develop new programs, such as Turn…
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Monday, 17 December 2018 15:35
Councils commended for environmental excellence
Western Sydney councils have once again shown they are leading the way on sustainability. With several winning and highly commended entries at the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards. Blacktown City Council All Eyes on Blacktown: reducing takeaway litter through enforcement and fast food outlet partnerships (Highly…
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Monday, 05 November 2018 12:22
Heat strategy commended at Resilience Awards
Western Sydney’s urban heat mitigation program, Turn Down the Heat, received highly commended at the NSW Australian Resilience Awards in October. Heat has an impact on multiple community themes such as population health, animal welfare, energy, infrastructure, transport, emergency response and planning. Turn Down the Heat is a five-year (2018-23)…
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Monday, 05 November 2018 12:02
Message from the President
It is an honour to have been elected by my fellow directors to take on the role of President of WSROC; an organisation with a long and proud history of delivering for the people of Western Sydney. I wish to sincerely thank outgoing President, Mayor Stephen Bali, for his leadership…
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Friday, 05 October 2018 15:55
Walk your 30 this October
5 October 2018 Did you know that rates of preventable chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are two to three times higher in Sydney’s west? There are a whole range of reasons for this, but one key factor is that we aren’t moving enough on…
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Monday, 27 August 2018 15:49
2019 Youth Advisory Council: Applications now open
Recruitment for the 2019 NSW Youth Advisory Council is now open. The NSW Youth Advisory Council (YAC) plays an important role in guiding NSW Government youth affairs and providing a direct avenue of communication between young people and the NSW Government. The YAC meets regularly throughout the year to provide…
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Monday, 27 August 2018 11:49
Message from the President: An affordable, liveable and sustainable region
It has been a busy start to the new financial year as WSROC pushes ahead with projects which seek to improve affordability, liveability and sustainability in Greater Western Sydney. In July, WSROC launched Western Sydney’s second Regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy; a coordinated approach to sustainable waste management…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 27 August 2018 11:37
Western Sydney presents at Litter Congress 2018
Western Sydney councils showed they are leading the way on litter management presenting four case studies at 2018 NSW Litter Congress in July. Facilitated by Keep Australia Beautiful, the Litter Congress is an opportunity for organisations involved in litter prevention and management to share best practice and discuss common challenges.…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 27 August 2018 11:22
WSROC recognised in Resilient Sydney Strategy
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ (WSROC) Turn Down the Heat Strategy has been identified as a flagship action under Sydney’s first resilience strategy. Launched in July, Resilient Sydney is a blue-print for building Sydney’s resilience to challenges such as extreme weather events, cyber and terror attacks, housing affordability,…
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Wednesday, 27 June 2018 13:14
Phillip Street Parramatta's new 'Smart Street'
Phillip Street in Parramatta’s CBD will be transformed into a Smart Street and ‘urban forest’, enhancing one of the City’s main gateways to the river and cultural precinct. Wider footpaths lined with mature trees along the southern side of Phillip Street, with space for expanded outdoor dining areas, will form…
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