Increasing energy costs place pressures on councils and the communities they serve. Electricity use makes up more than half of Western Sydney’s greenhouse gas emissions followed by transport and waste. All up, Greater Western Sydney generates around 30 million tonnes of CO2e annually, representing 7% of Australia’s total emissions.

Reducing our region’s emissions is critical for mitigating the impacts of a changing climate including rising temperatures and an increasing frequency of natural disasters. It is also critical for meeting state and national emissions targets. While WSROC’s Western Sydney Energy Program (WSEP) is working with councils to reduce internal emissions, there are a range of measures needed at the state and federal levels to support local energy transitions.

These include:

Consistent resourcing, data and reporting standards

WSROC continues to advocate for increased support for local government’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. This includes the need for structural resourcing, staff training, as well as the development of consistent climate data and reporting standards to provide clarity and efficiencies for councils.

A coordinated approach to EV charging roll-out

WSROC advocates for a coordinated approach to EV charging roll-out through the development of a EV charging infrastructure master plan. Such a plan would enable a cohesive public charging network across Greater Western Sydney, address gaps and barriers (including charging blackspots), meet community needs, and provide certainty for industry and service providers.

Ensuring an equitable renewables rollout

WSROC advocates for an equitable transition to renewable energy that delivers both emissions reductions and tangible energy cost relief for communities. WSROC calls on governments to collaborate with councils in the design of renewable energy programs to ensure community, cultural and equity barriers are meaningfully addressed.

Further information

• Submission to the NSW Net Zero Commission (2025)
• Federal Election Issues Brief (2025)
• Submission: Australian Government’s Consultation on a Fuel Efficiency Standard (2023)
• Submission to the 2023 Endeavour Energy Electricity Distribution Price Review (2023)
• NSW Election Issues Brief (2023)
• Submission to the National Electric Vehicle Strategy Consultation (2022)
• Submission to the 2022 Collaboration Paper on Network Resilience (2022)
• Submission to the Endeavour Energy Electricity Distribution Price Review Process for 2019 - 2024 (2017)
• Western Sydney Electric Vehicle Roadmap 2022 – 2030 (2021)
• Western Sydney Energy Program: Working together for a better energy future (2019)