The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) has released its latest Annual Report, detailing significant financial, environmental, and social wins achieved through cross-council collaboration, including millions in ratepayer savings across energy and waste management.
According to WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting, the collective approach has yielded substantial benefits.
“By working together, WSROC member councils have saved ratepayers tens of millions of dollars, massively reduced their carbon emissions, and put downward pressure on the cost of living,” he said.
The report highlights that the strategic alliance has, to date, saved $75 million across the region through energy projects alone. A further win saw WSROC successfully challenge street lighting costs via the Australian Energy Regulator, securing an additional $34 million in savings for ratepayers over the next five years in the Endeavour Energy area.
Funding the circular economy
In the waste and resources sector, regional cooperation has successfully attracted external funding to tackle escalating issues such as population growth and urbanisation, which are projected to increase domestic waste generation by 46 per cent to one million tonnes by 2041.
Key funding achievements secured by WSROC for waste and environment projects include:
- $9.5 million to deliver waste reduction and circular economy initiatives.
- $450,000 to action a Western Sydney Regional Litter Prevention Plan, addressing the $31.2 million annual cost of littering across the region.
- $1 million secured under the Cumberland Plains Conservation Plan to support the control of illegal native vegetation clearing.
Eight Western Sydney councils have combined efforts through a regional waste program to improve household waste service delivery and enhance community liveability.
Bunting noted that the funding secured will help tackle the region’s challenges proactively.
“By working together, WSROC councils have delivered significant cost savings for ratepayers and better outcomes for our communities,” he said.
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