Local government

Sustainable Energy and Water Plan

Sustainable Energy and Water Plan
Parkes Shire Council

Institute researchers developed a series of options that Parkes Shire Council could undertake to both reduce their energy costs, already a significant proportion of their budget and demonstrate leadership in the transition to low carbon energy supplies. To develop this plan, Institute researchers conducted a situation analysis, reviewing existing energy spending, estimating prospective changes in electricity prices and the impacts on PSC’s future budget. The Plan identifies local energy options that can deliver significant financial and environmental benefits by reducing energy use and generating local energy from renewable or low carbon sources. An energy options assessment tool, including a 25 year cash flow analysis, was also developed to allow the Council to revisit the business case as conditions change or firmer information is available. View/Download project information sheet.

Rutovitz, J., Langham, E., Ison, N. & Dunstan, C.G. 2011, 'Parkes Shire Council: Distributed energy plan - report', [prepared for Parkes Shire Council], Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS, Sydney, pp. 1-64. View/Download

Community attitudes to in-situ retention of contaminants

Home based sex services policy research

Sustainable destinations

Community attitudes to in-situ retention of contaminants
Funded by: Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment

An analysis of community perceptions and attitudes to land contamination and its remediation undertaken by the Institute’s Dr Jason Prior and Emma Partridge has just been published. The Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE) commissioned this research in response to a need identified by regulators, site managers and other practitioners in the industry who need to understand how Australian communities perceive and experience contaminated land and its remediation. Community surveys, interviews and focus groups were used to gather opinions and attitudes from 800 people, as well as a telephone survey of 400 residents living near two sites in New South Wales. An analysis of media content informed the project. The two case study sites have been exposed to a range of toxins from over a century of industrial activity, with the resulting contamination extending beyond the industrial property boundaries into the surrounding residential areas. The first site was the Botany Area, consisting of the Botany Industrial Park and adjoining Southlands site. The second site was the North Lake Macquarie Area consisting of the adjoining industrial sites of Pasminco Metal Sulphide Ltd and adjoining Incitec Pivot Cockle Creek. The report is available as CRC CARE Technical Report 17

Home based sex services policy research
City of Sydney

Research on the types, practices and impact of home based sex services operating in the City of Sydney was undertaken through interviews with operators and stakeholders. The research found the impact on residential amenity in terms of noise, antisocial behaviour, late night disruption etc was minimal given the priority placed on discretion in the operation of such services. A number of operational and long term strategic challenges in relation to regulation and governance of home based sex services were identified. The research found good practice management information on home based sex services which deal specifically with management issues, could be produced to ensure that the current knowledge and experience of workers can be shared with any people considering operating a home based sex service. It also found the issue of safety of workers needs to be further explored and ideally addressed collaboratively with all stakeholder groups with a view to improving the work environment for home based sex workers.

Research was undertaken to assess urban residents’ perceptions of tourism, the challenges that tourism presents for urban local governments and the way tourism affects social qualities of cities. The data collection methods used in this study included a literature review, focus groups and resident surveys. The focus groups were used to elicit council opinions regarding the impacts of tourism on local government and their constituent communities; the perceived net costs or benefits of these impacts; and how these impacts are addressed. The outcomes from the focus group and the understandings gained from the literature review were then incorporated into the questionnaire for the resident survey. The study was undertaken in Australia’s three major urban destinations—Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The research led to the development of a destination audit tool for managers of urban destinations. The report is available from the Sustainable Tourism CRC

Ashfield City Council’s Community Strategic Plan

Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) Part A: Sustainability review

Healthy planning in local government: case study

A snapshot of environmental education and education for sustainability in NSW councils

Sustainability Tool Selector: A Guide for Local Government

Ashfield City Council’s Community Strategic Plan
Client: Ashfield City Council

Institute researchers worked in partnership with Ashfield City Council in inner west Sydney to develop a 10-year Community Strategic Plan. The Plan incorporates a vision for the future of the municipality, shared by both community and Council, and sets out strategic directions and priority actions to deliver this vision. An effective and well-managed community engagement programme was developed to complement consultations with Council’s Integrated Planning Team and Councillors. Over 1,100 residents and stakeholders provided their views on the future directions for the municipality through 26 different events or ‘conversations’ including two public 'world cafe' meetings and an online forum. The first public conversation involved small groups discussing key issues that emerged from earlier broad community consultation. The Institute then developed options for strategic directions and priority actions and these were considered by participants at the second public conversation. The outcomes of these conversations were incorporated into the Plan.

Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) Part A: Sustainability review
Client: Strathfield Council

The sustainability content of Strathfield Council’s Draft Development Control Plan (DCP) Part A was strengthened following a workshop conducted with senior Council staff responsible for strategic planning and development assessment. The purpose of this DCP is to outline planning requirements for the development of single residential dwellings and ancillary structures. The aim is to meet community expectations, make sure buildings are environmentally sustainable, respect the heritage significance of Strathfield, make a positive contribution to the streetscape and minimise impact on neighbours while providing quality spaces in which to live. The workshop conducted by ISF researchers focused on best practice in relation to energy, greenhouse gas emissions, integrated water cycle management, building materials, waste management, biodiversity, universal access, safety, health and housing diversity. Council staff were then able to revise their DCP so that is aligns with Council’s own sustainability objectives as well as those included in State planning documents such as the State Plan, the Sydney Metropolitan Strategy, the Inner West draft subregional strategy and various State Environment Planning Policies (SEPPs).

Healthy planning in local government: case study
Funded by: Heart Foundation

Research and writing of a case study illustrating the innovative partnership work undertaken by Bellingen Shire Council and the North Coast Area Health Service to embed 'healthy planning' principles into Council policies and plans.

A snapshot of environmental education and education for sustainability in NSW councils
Client: Department of Environment and Climate Change

Research undertaken to provide a 'snapshot' of the current picture of Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainability (EfS) activities within a selection of NSW Councils, with a focus on how these activities are integrated into the plans, activities and organisational culture of the Councils. Information was gathered via an online survey and a series of follow-up interviews with 8 selected Councils. The project report prepared for the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, describes the kinds of education and community engagement activities with environmental or sustainability content that are currently taking place in these Councils. It reflects on the status of such activities within the Councils by looking at related decision-making processes, resourcing issues, attitudes towards such activities, and their level of integration and prioritisation within Council organisational structures and cultures.

Sustainability Tool Selector: A Guide for Local Government
Client: Urban Sustainability Support Alliance (USSA)

Drawing on its extensive experience with local government sustainability approaches, the Institute was commissioned to produce The Sustainability Tool Selector: a guide for Local Government by the Urban Sustainability Support Alliance (USSA). The Guide showcases ten tools that can help council staff with evaluation, decision making, developing performance indicators and tracking progress towards sustainability at both an organisational and project level. It describes each tool and its intended outcomes, its strengths and any special considerations or limitations on its use. The guide includes case studies that show how the tools have been used by councils. Practical considerations such as costs and time commitment, support offered and where to find the tool are also included. The Guide is intended to save time spent by Council staff researching tools and to help reduce confusion about the differences between the many tools available. It focuses on solutions and provides guidance on which tool to use and when. The Guide follows earlier research undertaken by the Institute on barriers and drivers to sustainability in local government and was launched at a series of workshops around New South Wales in March 2010. It has received positive evaluation feedback from users and potential users in the sector. View/download evaluation report (4.3MB).

Developing a monitoring and reporting system for sustainability for Hunters Hill Council

Review of  environmental sustainability indicators for Holroyd City Council

Sustainability advice to Waverley Council

Developing a monitoring and reporting system for sustainability for Hunters Hill Council
Client: Hunters Hill Council

Hunter's Hill Council (HHC) sought assistance in developing an appropriate objective monitoring and reporting system for the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Councils' 2008 Sustainability Plan. ISF undertook stage 1 of an intended two stage process to establish a monitoring and reporting system for implementation of the Sustainability Plan. This involved validating the sustainability KPIs; reviewing information held by staff; and consulting with the appropriate staff on the appropriate suite of KPIs and associated datasets. It is anticipated that KPI's will be monitored annually and published in the annual HHC Sustainability Report. Council intends to integrate them into every-day decision making in the organisation.

Review of  environmental sustainability indicators for Holroyd City Council
Client: Holroyd City Council

ISF undertook a review of environmental indicators in use by Holroyd City Council. The review sought to evaluate the individual indicators against various criteria, assess their value as a set, and align them with Council's strategic objectives. A new indicator framework and set of indicators was developed as a result of the review. This was presented to Council executive staff, and made available to inform the next round of Council management planning.  ISF worked closely with Council staff on this project, using a collaborative process to enable learning and build capacity. While this project focused on environmental indicators, the overall approach used was presented to Council as one that would be applicable to other areas of activity, as well as a useful point of reference for Council as it develops its new strategic planning framework.

Sustainability advice
Client: Waverley Council

Institute researchers were engaged to provide high level sustainability research and advice to Waverley Council regarding their planned future infrastructure. This involved undertaking a literature review on material selection and design aspects which could contribute to the sustainability of Council's operations. 

Active transport for parents and children at Council preschools and childcare centres

Hornsby futures research paper

Household organic waste collection trials

Sustainability indicators for Gosford

A Sustainability Strategy for Hawkesbury City Council

Active transport for parents and children at Council preschools and childcare centres
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
This action research project was underaken by the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), with funding from the Local Government and Shires Associations' (LGSA) Healthy Local Government Grants Program. ISF contributed a range of research services to this collaborative project, and authored the final report. 'Active transport' is any physical activity undertaken as a means of transport. It usually refers to walking and cycling, although public transport can also be included as the journey usually involves some physical activity (e.g walking to the bus stop). As an alternative to private vehicle use, active transport has significant health, environmental and community benefits. In the context of this project, active transport includes parents walking with their children, pushing them in a stroller, cycling with childseats, or taking public transport together. The project investigated the reasons for the current, highly car-dependent travel behaviour of parents taking their children to and from childcare centres and the barriers to active transport. The three Sydney Councils involved in this project, namely Waverley, Marrickville and Sutherland Shire, used the research to inform the development of interventions to help increase the use of active transport in their communities. As a research contribution to the project, ISF conducted a literature review, developed a survey for parents (and analysed the results), prepared context studies for each of the pilot sites, and developed a comprehensive resource for Councils at the conclusion of the project. /pdfs/whatwedo/active-transport-childcare.pdf">Download/view the resource guide (PDF 3.1MB)

Hornsby futures research paper
Hornsby Shire Council
ISF developed a 'Hornsby futures' research paper, for Hornsby Shire Council. This concise research document was commissioned to inform the development of a sustainability strategy for Council. As a brief 'think piece', the paper identifies the main challenges and opportunities facing Hornsby Shire Council in the period to 2020. It discusses various conceptual frameworks for sustainable futures, and contains a 'futures scan' that identifies a selection of key issues and trends for the future that are relevant to Hornsby Shire. The paper draws connections between global issues and local implications as well as making linkages between the natural environment, and social and economic dimensions. The key issues and trends identified and discussed illustrate the full range of sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, economic) as well as geographical scope (global, national, state, local), while remaining relevant to the leadership roles that Hornsby Council occupies (control, influence, advocacy). Issues included in the futures scan are: climate change, peak oil, traffic and transport, materials and resources, water, ecosystem health, bushfire risk, changing demographics, affordable housing, healthy communities, employment, work-life balance/working families, community/civic engagement, and local government finances, planning and reporting.

Household organic waste collection trials
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
ISF provided advice and assistance to the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) and two Sydney Councils (Kogarah and Woollahra) in relation to trials of household organics (food waste) collection in each LGA. ISF assisted with the development and subsequent focus-testing of the information and education materials to be used with participating households during the trial. We also conducted an evaluation (including resident feedback workshops) at the conclusion of the trial. Written reports were provided to both Councils and to SSROC at the conclusion of the trial, which summarised the findings of the trial, and included recommendations for improvement of the service. The evaluation work undertaken by the Institute assisted in decision-making at both Councils. As a result, Kogarah's trial concluded after 3 months and Council is considering the implications for its permanent waste service, and Woollahra Municipal Council decided to extend the trial for 12 months.

Partridge, E.Y. 2007, Food Waste Trial: results of resident feedback workshop, [prepared for Woollahra Municipal Council], Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney. Download/view (PDF 2.43MB)

Sustainability indicators for Gosford
Gosford City Council
In mid 2006 ISF was engaged by Gosford City Council to undertake a research-based review and analysis of sustainability indicators for use by Council. The review drew on the base of current literature relating to sustainability indicators, and applied these theoretical frameworks to the specific circumstances of the Gosford LGA. The Institute also reviewed existing Council indicators, in consultation with Council staff. The review assessed how well existing indicators addressed the various dimensions of sustainability - including environmental, social/cultural and economic. The exercise included assessment of a range of different indicators, both qualitative and quantitative. It also considered the relationship between specific sustainability indicators and Council goals, strategies and targets, particularly as expressed in the community-generated and Council-endorsed vision document; Gosford Vision 2025. Drawing from the literature, the project developed a set of clear, guiding principles for sustainability indicators and a practical framework Council. The final report also recommended a comprehensive 'suite' of sustainability indicators for Gosford.

A Sustainability Strategy for Hawkesbury City Council
Hakesbury City Council
ISF worked with Hawkesbury Council's Strategic Planning Team to explore sustainability and what it means for Council. Training and interactive workshops were used to develop a set of sustainability principles, objectives and approaches for Council, with case studies of possible actions given to illustrate each approach. The workshops drew on the NSW Local Government Sustainability Health Check as a framework for reviewing strategic planning and corporate culture in relation to sustainability. The project focused on how to embed sustainability principles into Council at a strategic level, and forms the basis of a sustainability plan that Council will develop.

City of Sydney Environmental Management Plan

Research to inform the Street Based Sex Work Strategy

Review of Earthworks in Southern Sydney Councils

City of Sydney Environmental Management Plan
City of Sydney
In 2006 ISF was commissioned by City of Sydney to provide expert advice on the creation of their Environmental Management Plan (EMP). ISF provided an overarching review of the draft document, and helped the City in prioritising projects based on a range of criteria developed with the client. ISF reviewed structure, logic, approach and content of the draft plan as well as advice on best practice sustainability principles. ISF also provided feedback on the proposed processes for community consultation & engagement and ongoing implementation and review processes for the document. The EMP was adopted by the City of Sydney on 25 June 2007 and establishes the environmental vision, targets and actions for Council and the local government area for energy and emissions, water, waste. and plants and animals. The plan is available from the City of Sydney's web site (opens an external site).

Research to inform the Street Based Sex Work Strategy
City of Sydney
ISF conducted two pieces of research to assist the City of Sydney in the development of its Street Based Sex Work Strategy. We undertook a review of existing reports and data, summarising key issues and analysing the material with regard to:

• Amenity and safety issues for street based sex workers
• Health issues for street based sex workers
• Amenity and safety issues for residents
• Community attitudes to street based sex work
• The regulation and management of street sex work (including legal issues and the role of state agencies)

ISF also assisted the City of Sydney to analyse and write up the results of a survey with street based sex workers and their clients. The report summarisd the findings of the surveys that were undertaken with 19 clients and 14 street based sex workers in East Sydney and Darlinghurst. The findings were discussed, and implications drawn out for the City of Sydney and other agencies that play a role in managing the activities and impacts associated with street based sex work. The Institute's report made a number of recommendations for improving planning and management strategies, as well as for conducting further research in relation to this issue.

Review of Earthworks in Southern Sydney Councils
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
SSROC engaged ISF to undertake a preliminary review of practitioners perspectives on the implementation of the Earthworks program in the Southern Region of Sydney. Earth Works is a training course for members of the community who express an interest in minimising waste. It is a community education activity adapted and developed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) from a program that ran during the 1980s in Seattle, USA. The course focuses on equipping people with the knowledge and practical skills to minimise waste at home, at work and in their recreational activities. Whilst the EPA (now DECC) remains the central contact for the course in NSW, individual Councils choose whether to run the programme, and how to use and adapt the materials. As a result, the implementation of Earthworks varies markedly across Council boundaries, and over time. The review process involved facilitating a workshop with waste and sustainability education officers from member Councils to reflect on both operational and strategic strengths and weaknesses of their Earthworks programmes. The review synthesised the results of the workshop and identified the main options identified for the future of the programme including a centrally supported sustainability focused Earthworks.

Community consultation for the Woollahra Sustainability Plan

Community consultation for the Woollahra Sustainability Plan
Woollahra Municipal Council
The Institute conducted a number of different consultation processes for Woollahra Municipal Council to inform the development of a Sustainability Plan for the Woollahra LGA. Our work identified community views, issues and visions for the future, and also helped to engage Council staff and Councilors in the development of the Plan. Community consultation was conducted via a 'snapshot survey' (distributed at a local festival), a longer survey to explore the issues in more depth, and a series of community workshops - including one tailored to high school students. A broad cross-section of Council staff and Councilors contributed to the process via a separate series of workshops.In both sets of workshops participants shared their issues of importance, their views and concerns, and worked to develop group and individual 'visions' for the future and ideas for sustainability strategies in the short and long-term. The workshops employed the recognised technique of 'backcasting', where an ideal, desired future is imagined and participants then attempt to 'work back' to the present. This process helps identify strategies to achieve the desired future. The workshops also used the techniques of divergence and convergence. Participants were facilitated to generate a very diverse range of ideas, issues and concerns at the beginning of the workshops, and then guided to converge their focus onto key issues. They were then encouraged to prioritise these key issues, to provide the basis for a broad community 'vision'. Issues raised in the workshops covered the three dimensions of a sustainable future: environmental, social and economic.The workshops revealed a high level of community awareness about sustainability and strong support for sustainability as an appropriate goal for Council. While there was less agreement about what the priority issues were, or how to address them, there were some areas of convergence. The identification of these priority issues was particularly useful for Council. The findings of this research project were used by Council to inform the development of the Sustainability Plan and its associated actions and strategies.

Partridge, E.Y., Phadtare, I. & Edgerton, N. 2005, Woollahra Sustainability Plan, [prepared for Woollahra Municipal Council], Institute for Sustainable Futures, Sydney. Download/view (PDF 3.47MB).

Sustainable Cities 2025 Discussion Paper

Sustainability Design Guidelines for Urban Release Areas

Sustainable Cities 2025 Discussion Paper
The Institute assisted the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils with their submission to the Sustainable Cities 2025 Discussion Paper. In 2003 the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Environment and Heritage (opens an external site) started examining opportunities to improve the liveability of Australia's cities and settlements in 2003 and tabled their report in 2005.

Sustainability Design Guidelines for Urban Release Areas (PDF 197.8KB): a masterplan approach for developers. This tool was developed for Penrith City Council in september 2000 to assist property developers at the masterplanning stage by outlining design solutions that promote sustainable land use.

An ESD Self Assessment Package for Local Government

Baulkham Hills Shire Council Sustainability Review

An ESD Self Assessment Package for Local Government (PDF 138.45KB) was developed by the Institute and the Local Councils in the Australian Capital Region group as part of the Commonwealth Local Government Capacity building program in June 2000. This package leads councils through a practical process that evaluates their activities in the context of ESD legislation and establishes ways they can achieve greater sustainability. The package is practical and relevant for all Councils, regardless of their size, structure, available resources or current capacity.

Baulkham Hills Shire Council Sustainability Review (PDF 2.9MB) - a whole of Council approach to reviewing both the practices and impacts of the Council and to develop indicators for sustainability in June 2000.

Action Research Project

Action Research Project (PDF 942.52KB) - a unique collaboration between ISF, local councils and government agencies September 1999 to develop a whole of council approach to ESD, Local Agenda 21 and State of Environment Reporting.

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