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 applaud Sutherland Shire Council’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and we are keen to work with Council to ensure the Shire transitions to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Transitioning to Clean Renewable Energy
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. While public pressure is causing them to reconsider their dangerous and substandard route alongside South Village in Kirrawee, the alterations still fail 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. Help us campaign for 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.
Sunny Shire
Sunny Shire is a community energy group of volunteers that work in renewables. They provide support to the Sutherland Shire community for reducing energy bills and advocate for adoption of solar power, energy efficiency, battery storage and electric vehicles.
Together We Can Movement
Together We Can is a collection of everyday Australians, groups and businesses from all over the country who want to see more action on climate change.
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.
