Council expresses support for potential environmental partnership

NARRABRI Shire Council has expressed its support, in principle, as a potential project partner with the University of NSW and the National Environmental Science Program.

The council was approached by Professor Veena Sahajwalla seeking an expression of support for the development of a future funding application.

The project is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The program, titled Australian Climate Science Informing Adaptation Solutions, will support research that informs policy development, strengthens climate resilience, and improves understanding of Australia’s future climate to assist communities, governments and industries in responding to climate-related challenges.

The program builds on the existing National Environmental Science Program, including the Climate Systems Hub and the

Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub, which have delivered nationally significant research into climate science, sustainable communities, resource recovery and the circular economy.

In the process of developing its proposal, the university is seeking to identify local government partners.

Professor Sahajwalla is familiar with Narrabri Shire, having been welcomed as the shire’s Australia Day ambassador at the start of the year.

The council previously collaborated with Professor Sahajwalla on a grant application relating to solar panel recycling and resource recovery initiatives.

“While the application was ultimately unsuccessful in securing funding, the partnership established a positive working relationship and demonstrated the potential for future collaboration on projects that align with council’s sustainability, waste management and circular economy objectives,” the council’s business paper notes.

“Participation in the proposal development phase may position council to access future research, expertise and potential grant funding that aligns with council’s strategic priorities relating to environmental sustainability, resilience, innovation and regional development, while creating opportunities to leverage national research capability to address local challenges.”

In the report tabled at the meeting, staff clarified that the council has not been asked to provide a financial contribution or enter into a formal partnership agreement at this stage.

The shire’s director of development and compliance, Kate Alberry, said the project could provide partnership status with the university that the council could build on.

“Hopefully it ends up with a successful micro factory or micro recycling facilities located in Narrabri to help the university research and come up with sustainable ideas in the future,” she said.

Councillors endorsed the recommendation to support participation, in principle, and to authorise the general manager to continue discussions regarding potential collaboration opportunities.