Home-grown ideas for a greener Sydney

by Jessica Tapp

The rat race of the city could experience a return to pastoral living if a new planning policy is approved by Sydney City Council.

An internal Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) policy for all future public works has been put to Council, as part of the City’s vision of a Sustainable Sydney by 2030.

The ESD policy would mandate the use of recycled water and sustainable materials, and encourage people to grow fruit and vegetables from home.

“We’re addicted to Coles,” said City Councillor Chris Harris, who raised the plan. “If everybody in Sydney thought, ‘Where can I grow fruit on my property?’ we wouldn’t have to buy so much.”

“Addressing climate change is about changing peoples’ behaviour as well as government initiatives,” he said.

More efficient systems for producing electricity, hot water and air conditioning would also be used where possible.

Residents of Myrtle Street in Chippendale already apply part of the ESD policy by growing their own food.

The community conducts regular working bees and also sends used coffee beans to the Hawkesbury’s orchards in return for hay for their gardens.

Inner city residents commended Council for taking a leadership role in environmental issues. The internal ESD is a logical step, according to Michael Mobbs, a ‘sustainability coach’ from Chippendale.

“I don’t think any council can ask developers to comply with certain codes if they aren’t being environmentally sustainable themselves,” he said.

Mr Mobbs said the ESD would save money. Water tanks could be built in and around the city, collecting enough rain to water all trees and parks in the area, he said.

“By planting lemon, orange and lime trees, it increases the level of care [in an area].” Mr Mobbs cited his own street in Chippendale as an example of increased community pride in its environment: “People have been brought together.”

Mr Harris expects the policy to be in place within the next few months.