Shire Climate Action Network (ShireCAN) is a group of Sutherland Shire residents who are deeply concerned about the threat climate change poses to our planet. The reality is climate change is and will continue to impact on our lifestyle as we know it within the Shire, due to increased and extreme weather conditions. As a group we want to play an active role in climate action to ensure the planet is protected for our children and future generations.
The aim of the network is to raise community awareness about climate change and promote strong, practical actions to mitigate and adapt to a zero emissions economy within the Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia and globally.
Raising awareness and having climate conversations within the community, business, media and local authorities is important to highlight how climate change negatively affects the things we most value. As a group we rally support, educate and engage the broader community to encourage everyone to take a stronger stance on climate change action and develop and collaborate on vital climate strategies and initiatives.
ShireCAN was originally called the Sutherland Climate Action Network and was formed in 2007. However, in 2021 we changed our name to Shire Climate Action Network (ShireCAN) to better reflect the Shire community.
ShireCAN is not politically aligned, but we are prepared to challenge the status quo, and we often join with other like-minded community organisations across Australia to bring about positive climate initiatives. To help achieve this ShireCAN lobbies/petitions business and all tiers of government.
We are pleased to see that Sutherland Shire Council is committed to achieve net zero in its operations by 2030 and in the community by 2050, and we are keen to work with Council to ensure the Shire transitions to 100% renewable energy even sooner if feasible.
Have a look at ShireCAN’s Achievements during 2023-2024
ShireCAN’s previous Annual Achievements
Transitioning to Clean Renewable Energy
How and Why to Electrify Your Home
How Can I get Involved with ShireCAN?
Changing the Narrative – Communicating with Our Politicians
Local Campaigns
Encouraging Local Climate Change Advocacy and Uptake of New Initiatives and Technology
We keep abreast of the latest developments and opportunities for households, businesses and government to address climate change and share and discuss our knowledge with others, both in person and online to amplify positive initiatives.
Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link (SCATL)
Transport accounts for a third of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging people to walk and cycle for short trips is one way to help address climate change. State government has gone back on its 2015 promise to build the majority of the route within the rail corridor. Their new route fails to comply with their own safety and design standards and will result in a path that is woefully inadequate to accommodate a high volume of users and requires hundreds of beautiful trees to be removed. Public pressure has prompted them to consider using the rail corridor between Kirrawee and Miranda. Help us campaign for further improvements. We need a safe, efficient and enjoyable route that will serve as a useful ‘spine’ for the Shire’s active active transport network. Find out more at the Sutherland to Cronulla Active Transport Link page.
Useful Resources and Aligned Organisations
Climate Council
The Climate Council is Australia’s leading climate change communications non-profit organisation formed to provide independent, authoritative information on climate change and provide solutions to the Australian public. It advocates reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond Zero Emissions
Beyond Zero Emissions is about accelerating a prosperous zero-emissions Australia. They are an independent, solutions-focused organisation. They conduct and publish research on solutions that unlock economic potential for industries, regions and communities. They also showcase real-world projects as opportunities to prosper in a zero-emissions economy.
Climate for Change
Climate for Change seeks to create a social and political will in which our political leaders can and must do what it takes to stop, and ultimately reverse, global warming. Their vision is an Australia in which climate action is a top priority. Community, business and government unite to make the courageous and urgent changes needed to return a safe climate.
Nature Conservation Council
Nature Conservation Council has been the voice for nature in NSW for over 65 years. They advocate and campaign to protect nature and for a safe climate.
