Mayoral candidate Christine Forster announces plans for a sustainable Sydney

Liberal councillor Christine Forster, who is running against Clover Moore as mayor of the City of Sydney in next month’s election, has announced a suite of policies to help residents better contribute to a sustainable city.

“Sydney is untidy; we don’t recycle enough and our separated cycle paths are under-utilised,” said Cr Forster, the sister of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. “The mayor has saddled us with expensive schemes like gas-fired power generation projects, instead of delivering programs that engage all of us to make a difference.”

One such program will see increased coverage of rubbish and recycle bins in public places, with Cr Forster criticising Sydney’s lack of on-street recycling bins. “We need a mayor who doesn’t just talk about sustainability, but who takes responsibility for providing the facilities that allow people to recycle and dispose of their litter across the city and villages,” she said.

Cr Forster also suggested the introduction of a bike hire scheme in order to better utilise Sydney’s separated cycle paths. She said, “A well-planned and -implemented bicycle hire scheme would encourage tourists to use this mode of transport to explore our city, as well as providing an alternative mode of transport for locals who need to make quick trips.

“The health and environmental benefits of cycling are indisputable, but we have yet to realise the convenience factor. I would like to make cycling at least as convenient as taking a taxi for short trips.”

Finally, Cr Forster claimed Sydney “is nowhere near on track to meet its very ambitious sustainability targets”, and will need help to do so.

“Meeting our targets will require empowering individuals to do the best they can, to build on the actions council has already taken,” she said. “I will introduce incentives in the form of rates rebates to support households and businesses that choose to install rainwater tanks and solar panels.

“In addition, I would introduce some of the many new digital and high-tech incentive schemes that are being implemented in other local government areas that not only encourage households to become more sustainable, but also create partnerships with local businesses for mutual benefit.”

The election will be held on 10 September.