UN goals included in city's strategic plan

Newcastle City Council has incorporated The United Nations' Sustainable Development goals into its updated Community Strategic Plan.

Council adopted the refreshed Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) last week following a public exhibition period that attracted submissions on local development, sporting infrastructure, cycling pathways and parking, among many other subjects.

A comprehensive community engagement process found the previous community strategic plan written in 2013 still relevant but added a focus on integrated and accessible transport and safe and active public places to the long-term blueprint for council decisions.

Council's Community Strategic Plan engagement stall at last year's NAIDOC Week celebrations in Smith Park, Hamilton North.

The community told Council about the services they prioritised, including cycleways, shared pathways and footpaths, the environment, parks and playgrounds, ocean baths and beaches, as well as roads and parking.

"The updated CSP will help align Council’s work with the aspirations of the Newcastle community," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

"Perhaps the best outcome of the review is the incorporation of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals into our own strategic plan after Australia became one of 193 countries to commit to the SDGs in 2015.

"The goals were developed by the United Nations to provide a global roadmap for countries to work toward a better world for current and future generations."

Each SDG has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years and include: no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals.

An extensive community engagement program spanning seven months informed the CSP update.

More than 2,700 people got involved to help shape the revised plan.

To view the CSP, click here