Thursday, 08 October 2026 13:46
Stronger together: WSROC Annual Report 2025–26
WSROC has published its 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting a year of regional collaboration, advocacy and practical delivery for Western Sydney’s councils and communities. The report showcases how councils working together through WSROC are strengthening Western Sydney’s collective voice, sharing expertise and resources, and delivering outcomes at a scale that would…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 16 September 2026 15:01
Western Sydney Energy Forum, July 2026
WSROC hosted the Western Sydney Energy Forum on the 22nd of July, bringing together representatives from 14 councils, two Joint Organisations, NSW Government agencies, Endeavour Energy and industry partners. The forum explored emerging energy and emissions reduction issues, including climate-related financial reporting, EV transition, growing energy demand and the implications…
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Wednesday, 16 September 2026 14:57
WSROC sets policy position on AI and data centre growth
The WSROC Board has endorsed a formal policy position to guide the organisation’s engagement on the rapidly growing issues of data centres, artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and cyber security. The position recognises the significant economic and service-delivery opportunities associated with AI and the digital economy, while emphasising the need for…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 16:37
Working on Western Sydney's waste priorities
More than 68 regional waste initiatives were delivered last year. Councils are now turning to the priorities for the year ahead. WSROC recently brought together representatives from eight Western Sydney councils and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to review progress against the Western Sydney Regional Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy…
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Tuesday, 15 September 2026 16:08
Board outcomes report, August 2026
WSROC’s new Strategic Plan and 2027 election priorities are now set. Find out what the Board has endorsed. The WSROC Board Meeting Outcomes Highlights | 27 August 2026 report is now available, providing a summary of key decisions, advocacy priorities and program updates from the most recent Board meeting. At…
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Tuesday, 15 September 2026 15:34
Advocacy win: RFS Red Fleet reform
A long-standing burden is set to be removed from council balance sheets, with the RFS Red Fleet transferring to the NSW Government in 2027. Following long-standing advocacy by WSROC and member councils, the NSW Government has announced that ownership of the Rural Fire Service Red Fleet will transfer from councils…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 15:18
Advocacy win: stronger restrictions on nitrous oxide
Councils are seeing the local impacts of discarded nitrous oxide canisters. New restrictions show the value of collective advocacy. WSROC has welcomed NSW Government reforms restricting the sale and supply of nitrous oxide products, following advocacy by Western Sydney councils and NSW Health. Discarded nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 15:02
Advocacy win: Household asbestos collection to receive NSW Government funding
A decade of advocacy is paying off, with NSW Government funding secured for household asbestos collection trials from 2027. More than a decade of advocacy and program delivery by WSROC and Western Sydney councils has helped secure NSW Government funding for trials of household asbestos collection services from 2027. Western…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:59
Advocacy win: Fairer tolling system
After more than a decade of advocacy, toll reforms are delivering changes that matter for Western Sydney communities. WSROC has welcomed further NSW Government toll reforms, including reductions to tolls on key routes, a lower M7 distance cap, reduced motorcycle tolls and more consistent heavy vehicle tolling arrangements. WSROC has…
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Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:57
Designing better waste services into developments
Better planning can make waste collection safer, more efficient and less costly. Find out what councils are learning together. WSROC recently brought together council staff from across Greater Sydney for a forum focused on waste collection vehicle specifications and collection efficiencies for apartments. The session brought together 69 council staff…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:53
Tracking Litter, Driving Prevention
Every piece of litter tells a story, and understanding that story helps us prevent it. Over the past few months, WSROC’s Regional Litter Prevention Officer, together with staff from seven Western Sydney councils, completed Year 2 Local Litter Checks and Cigarette Butt Litter Checks across 26 sites throughout the region.…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:19
Caring for Country grants program
More than $1 million is supporting projects across Western Sydney to support Caring for Country initiatives. More funding is on its way to Western Sydney councils to support First Nations-led projects that strengthen connections to Country, cultural knowledge and community through the Caring for Country grants program. WSROC and the…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:14
Sydney Plan: an important step forward, but delivery will be critical
The Sydney Plan is final. Now the focus shifts to delivery, and making sure growth creates liveable, connected communities. WSROC has welcomed the release of the final Sydney Plan following public exhibition. The final Plan responds to several issues raised by WSROC, including a clearer 20-year vision, stronger recognition of…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 14:11
Singapore and Sydney: sharing lessons on heat resilience
What can Sydney learn from Singapore about tackling urban heat? The two cities explored common challenges and opportunities. WSROC was pleased to welcome a delegation from Singapore's Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment to Sydney to exchange insights on urban heat resilience and learn more about the Greater Sydney Heat…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 12:09
Disaster resilience: councils ready to keep working together
WSROC's Western Sydney Disaster Resilience Forum brought together nine councils and partner agencies to discuss the challenges facing local government before, during and after disasters. A key message from the forum was that there is nothing inevitable about the impacts of disasters. Decisions about how and where we plan, build…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 12:00
President's message
WSROC is evolving, and I am optimistic about what this next chapter means for our organisation, our member councils and the communities we serve. Over recent months, we have continued to strengthen our advocacy, build new partnerships and deliver practical programs that support councils across Western Sydney. As we look…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 14:49
Our reply to the NSW Budget 2026-27
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) welcomes a number of important investments announced in the 2026–27 NSW Budget that will benefit the rapidly growing communities of Greater Western Sydney. The Budget recognises the need to invest in essential infrastructure, public services and environmental resilience to support one of Australia’s…
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Monday, 22 June 2026 17:31
President’s message…
Western Sydney is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history. This is a moment of genuine opportunity, and WSROC is making sure Western Sydney is ready for it. With our population set to grow from 2.8 million today to more than 4.1 million over the next 15…
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Thursday, 11 June 2026 11:08
Global recognition for Sydney's heat resilience leadership
We're proud to share that the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce has been featured in the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Beat the Heat: 50@50 initiative — a global platform showcasing cities and regions taking action to build resilience to extreme heat. Established and facilitated by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of…
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Wednesday, 10 June 2026 04:36
WSROC calls for mandatory minimum standards for rental housing
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the NSW Government’s consultation on Minimum Energy Efficiency Rental Standards (MEERS). Many renters live in homes that are too hot in summer, too cold in winter, more expensive to run and are associated with poorer health…
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WSROC news stories
Saturday, 30 May 2026 06:57
Councils plan ahead for another year of collaboration on waste
On 27 May, Western Sydney councils came together to plan and prioritise another year of regional collaboration on waste diversion, circular infrastructure and preventing waste in the environment. Council staff from eight councils joined WSROC staff and representatives from the NSW Environment Protection Authority to review progress of the Western…
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Saturday, 30 May 2026 06:48
Litter Enforcement Training at Fairfield City
On Wednesday (6 May 2026), WSROC’s Regional Litter Prevention Officer facilitated 'Litter Enforcement for Authorised Officers' training for Fairfield City Council. 19 enthusiastic participants now better understand their powers under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the differences between the various ‘deposit litter’ offences, which range…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 18 March 2026 13:50
WSROC statement on SBS relocation decision
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) is disappointed by the Federal Government’s decision not to proceed with the relocation of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to Western Sydney. Western Sydney remains Australia’s most culturally and linguistically diverse region, and a natural home for a national broadcaster dedicated to multicultural storytelling.…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 17 March 2026 08:08
President’s message…
Working together for a growing Western Sydney The past few months have been a busy and productive time for WSROC. As Western Sydney continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, councils across the region are working hard to manage both the opportunities and the pressures that come with that growth.…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 16 March 2026 05:05
World-Leading Climate Solutions Shared in Western Sydney
Western Sydney recently hosted a delegation from global not-for-profit organisation Resilient Cities Catalyst (RCC), who travelled to Sydney to share insights from cities around the world tackling extreme heat and other climate risks. During a week-long visit, RCC worked with the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), Resilient Sydney…
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Thursday, 05 March 2026 14:44
Strengthening Relationships On Country
Twenty-four council staff from across Greater Western Sydney benefited from an intensive Caring for Country Council Grants Seminar on Wednesday, 25 February. The Caring for Country Council Grants Program is a NSW government-funded initiative delivered jointly by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and the NSW Department of Planning,…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 02 March 2026 12:45
Introduction to litter prevention training
Recently (4 February), WSROC’s Regional Litter Prevention Officer, Brendon Andrei facilitated Introduction to Litter Prevention training with staff from Hawkesbury City Council. The participants were from different departments and were members of Hawkesbury City Council’s Litter Prevention Steering Committee. The training aimed to further upskill this motivated group and enhance…
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Wednesday, 25 February 2026 18:10
Businesses Clean Up in Western Sydney
WSROC President Councillor Brad Bunting hosted Pip Kiernan, chairperson of Clean Up Australia, for the launch of Business Clean Up Day in Western Sydney recently. Held at Whalan Reserve, the launch coincided with waste management and resource recovery company Cleanaway's national Business Clean Up Day event on 24 February. Across Australia, businesses took time…
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Wednesday, 25 February 2026 14:03
Western Sydney councils respond to government’s ‘Sydney Plan’
The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), representing councils across Greater Western Sydney, has provided detailed feedback to the NSW Government on its draft Sydney Plan. The ‘Sydney Plan’ outlines how the government will manage growth in the Greater Sydney region over the next 20 years, laying out a…
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Monday, 23 February 2026 08:24
Circular Procurement Forum shared ‘real-world’ tips
There were lots of creative solutions, expertise and boundless enthusiasm on show for the Western Sydney Circular Procurement Forum (19 February 2026) at Cumberland City’s Eric Tweedale Stadium in Merrylands. Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) teamed up with Local Government Procurement to present the interactive circular procurement forum designed…
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Tuesday, 17 February 2026 10:54
WSROC submission urges financial equity for councils
On behalf of our member councils, WSROC has completed a submission to the House of Representatives inquiry into Local Government Funding and Fiscal Sustainability, hammering home the extent of the financial crisis confronting local government in Sydney’s west. The federal government inquiry was set up to examine the financial relationship…
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Tuesday, 27 January 2026 14:25
Tokyo delegation shares heat knowledge
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) was delighted recently to host a delegation representing Japan's Tokyo Metropolitan Government, visiting Australia to compare experiences and share knowledge about the impacts of extreme heat. Taskforce members University of Sydney, NSW Reconstruction Authority, Blacktown City Council, Australian Red Cross, Resilient Sydney and…
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WSROC news stories
Thursday, 04 December 2025 09:51
President’s message…
Welcome to WSROC’s last e-news of the year ▶ – and it’s an action-packed issue. First, it was my privilege to have been re-elected as WSROC’s President, for a second term. As President, it is my responsibility to chair the WSROC Board, which sets the strategic direction for the organisation,…
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Tuesday, 02 December 2025 15:54
Western Sydney Energy Forum
The second Western Sydney Energy Forum of 2025 was held on 24 November. The event brought together around 40 participants from 14 councils, NSW Government agencies, universities, and network distribution service provider Endeavour Energy for a productive day of discussion, collaboration, and forward planning. The Forum is an initiative delivered…
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Monday, 01 December 2025 13:21
Heat Smart Sydney Forum shows ongoing commitment
Heat resilience champions from across Greater Sydney gathered for the Heat Smart Sydney Forum on the 10th of November; 12 months on from the launch of the Heat Smart City Plan. The event was attended by 95 representatives from local, state and federal government, as well as industry and the community…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 26 November 2025 11:49
ROCs unite to accelerate waste action
Metropolitan Sydney’s four Regional Organisations of Councils, together with Resilient Sydney, have been asking the NSW Government to accelerate action to address Sydney’s waste crisis. Representing all 33 Sydney metro councils, we called for the development of a strategic plan for waste infrastructure that would provide certainty for local councils…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 24 November 2025 14:43
Procurement Forum for Western Sydney councils success
Twenty staff from Western Sydney councils have benefited from a free, two-day circular economy procurement training course. The course was delivered by expert staff from WSROC’s Regional Waste Strategy team, in partnership with Local Government Procurement (LGP). Circular economy procurement is a purchasing strategy that applies circular economy principles to…
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Monday, 24 November 2025 12:36
Heat Smart Sydney Forum shows ongoing commitment
Heat resilience champions from across Greater Sydney gathered for the Heat Smart Sydney Forum on the 10th of November; 12 months on from the launch of the Heat Smart City Plan. The event was attended by 95 representatives from local, state and federal government, as well as industry and the…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 24 November 2025 11:56
WSROC, Resilient Sydney update Ministers on heat
WSROC and Resilient Sydney have met with six NSW Ministers in as many months to discuss delivery of the Heat Smart City Plan, receiving a positive response from all. Taskforce Co-Chair, Mr Kerry Robinson said: “Heat is one of the most significant challenges facing Greater Sydney, and one that is rapidly growing.…
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Monday, 24 November 2025 09:26
Heat Taskforce receives global attention
The work of the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce has attracted international attention for its innovative approach to building heat resilience. After several record-breaking summers, cities around the world are grappling with the challenge of heat and are looking to Sydney for guidance. WSROC and other Taskforce members have been approached…
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Wednesday, 21 May 2025 07:55
Courageous Conversations
The Caring for Country team hosted a special cultural learning event for representatives from Penrith City Council, Blacktown City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Fairfield City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Liverpool City Council, Camden Council, Wollondilly Shire Council, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Housing and Infrastructure and Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC). The day was part of the Caring…
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Tuesday, 29 April 2025 12:40
Protect Your Trees. Be Scam Aware.
An increasing number of renters and homeowners across Australia are being targeted by scammers, falsely warning occupants that their trees could be a hazard and need to be removed. These scams usually involve: Door knocking houses or leaving cards in mailboxes Saying that trees are sick, dying or dangerous Trees…
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Tuesday, 29 April 2025 12:28
The CPCP, mapping and you
Have you heard about the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP)? The CPCP identifies land that is home to rare and important native vegetation not found anywhere else in Australia, which needs protection.. You can check whether your land is home to significant biodiversity and any applicable…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 29 April 2025 12:02
Know the rules for managing native vegetation
Native flora is important for the biodiversity of ecological communities, providing food and shelter, critical to the survival of some of our unique Australian Species. The Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) helps to protect our native vegetation in Western Sydney. The plan outlines any development restrictions and additional biodiversity…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 29 April 2025 11:48
Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan
In 2022, the NSW Government released a plan for Western Sydney that supports the delivery of housing, jobs and infrastructure while protecting important biodiversity, including threatened plants and animals - the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP). The CPCP identifies land that can be developed and land that requires conservation.…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 31 March 2025 15:31
President’s Message: The future of Western Sydney is looking bright
There has been a flurry of activity at WSROC in the first two months of 2025, with some wonderful initiatives benefiting Western and South Western Sydney communities. These have been particularly noteworthy in the areas of waste management, community climate resilience and urban design, sustainable energy, bushland management, and some…
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WSROC news stories
Monday, 31 March 2025 15:13
Heat Smart City Plan summer wrap
Following the successful launch of the Heat Smart City Plan in December 2024, members of the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce have been busy working towards building heat resilience in our city. WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting, said: “While there is more work to be done setting up formal governance and…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 03 December 2024 16:31
Our new Team Leader of Compliance Support
WSROC, in partnership with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, has established its Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) Compliance Support Team. One of the most recent additions to the Team is Joshua Vogelzang, who has been appointed as the Team Leader Compliance Support. The CPCP Team has been…
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WSROC news stories
Tuesday, 03 December 2024 16:05
Meet our new CPCP Team
WSROC, in partnership with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, has established its Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) Compliance Support Team. This team has been established as one of the commitments of the CPCP, published by the NSW Government in August 2022. The Team will be conducting a 12-month…
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WSROC news stories
Wednesday, 11 September 2024 14:12
Government study confirms North-South rail ideal city shaper
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), the peak body representing councils in Greater Western Sydney, has welcomed the release of a previously confidential report commissioned by the Minns government charting a path for building rail projects over the next two decades. The report outlines an “ideal assumption” of up…
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WSROC news stories
Friday, 29 September 2023 15:33
Helping councils plan for heatwaves
WSROC, in partnership with Resilient Sydney, has kicked off development of a Heatwave Management Guide to support Greater Sydney councils better prepare for heat. The Guide is one of a series of projects funded under the Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce. The Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce is funded under the joint Australian Government —…
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WSROC news stories
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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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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WSROC news stories
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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WSROC news stories
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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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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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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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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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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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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