Sydney's environmental setting is world class. It also has a unique mix of plants and animals which make it one of the most biologically diverse areas in Australia. Almost half of the Sydney region is comprised of national parks, State forests, regional and local open space, water catchments, and wetlands that are protected from inappropriate development.
The natural environment was the strongest theme that emerged at every community forum held on the Metropolitan Strategy. Not only does the beautiful natural environment surrounding Sydney contribute to the quality of life for local residents, the natural environment plays a vital role in supporting many livelihoods and industries within the broader region and contributes significantly to the State's economy.
Australia is already a leader in Asia and the South Pacific in terms of environmental management. Sydney needs to build on this, creating new opportunities for environment-related technologies and industry. The Government's building sustainability index (BASIX) has already encouraged Australian firms to look at innovative new products that can help builders meet more stringent energy and water consumption standards.
As Sydney grows, its natural assets must be protected and should take advantage of the opportunities that growth provides to enhance them. That means containing Sydney's urban and environmental footprint, reducing our consumption of natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of the city's developments.
WaterConsumption of water by Sydneysiders is increasing. While the population has doubled since 1950, water consumption has tripled, placing significant demands on supply. Over the next 30 years there is likely to be less water available in the Greater Metropolitan Region due to climate change and the need to allocate water for environmental flows.
The Metropolitan Water Plan (2004) is the NSW Government's comprehensive plan for ensuring Sydney's water supply for the next 25 years.
Energy and Climate Change
Currently, NSW residential consumers are using more energy per capita (up 14.8 per cent) and per household (up 10.3 per cent) than a decade ago. Electricity consumption is forecast to grow by up to 29 per cent over the next 10 years. NSW currently relies on coal to meet over 90 per cent of its electricity needs. Future energy use should look to include an increasing generation from renewable energy sources.
Australia has the highest per capita greenhouse gas emission rate of any developed nation, with each person in Sydney creating 27.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Australian emissions are almost 30 per cent higher than American citizens and 50 per cent higher than the average figure for industrialised countries.
It is this increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that contributes to the greenhouse effect, which exacerbates the already variable Australian climate. The global climate is changing and predicted impacts include an increase in the number! of hot days (over 35°C), and associated increase in bushfire frequency, decreased rainfall and increased evaporation, and an increase in the number and intensity of drought and flood.
Air QualityAir quality has significantly improved over the last two decades and pollutants are generally below the national ambient air quality standards-good by world standards. However, smog-forming pollutants and fine particles, both from vehicle emissions, still cause air pollution. Planning land use and transport together, and concentrating jobs and housing in places with good public transport, is critical to the continuing challenge of improving air quality.
Natural EnvironmentSurrounded by the Blue Mountains World Heritage area, Royal and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Parks and spectacular beaches and waterways, Sydney's natural environment is one of the city's greatest assets. Within the urban area there are diverse bushlands, parks, sports grounds, beaches, botanic gardens, local parks and playgrounds.
The Sydney Basin Bioregion is the fifth most biologically diverse region in Australia (out of 85 regions), surpassed only by areas such as the World Heritage listed Wet Tropics in Queensland and Tasmanian Wilderness.
However, there has been a decline in species and ecosystem diversity and an increasing number of species, ecological communities and populations being listed as endangered or vulnerable. Remaining native vegetation continues to be cleared and fragmented. In Western Sydney, only 13 per cent of the original vegetation remains and is in good condition.