Environmental Levy

Why an Environmental Levy?

Council adopted its Sustainable Ashfield: An Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy in 2003.  Included within this Policy are seven principles that guide the implementation of ESD within the Municipality. The Environmental Levy as part of a special rate variation provides funding to implement programs in line with the ESD Policy. 

The Environmental Levy projects identified for funding include but are not limited to:

  1. Environmental Education & Awareness programs for the community, school groups, local business and Council staff;
  2. Water conservation projects
  3. Energy conservation projects
  4. Street Trees
  5. Cycleway projects.

The Environmental Levy is charged across all rateable properties as a 50% Base Amount and the remainder as an ad-valorem rate.

Projects funded through the Environmental Levy

Council has successfully used funds raised through the Environmental Levy to leverage grants from both the State and Federal Government which have enabled us to undertake more projects.

Projects currently underway:

Environmental Workshops

Ashfield Council is proud to partner with 4 inner west Councils to present the popular Treading Lightly sustainable workshop program. Through resource sharing we are able to offer a more diverse program of sustainability events to the wider community. Click here for the program of workshops on offer.

Ashfield Eco Challenge

The Ashfield Eco Challenge is an exciting new initiative presented by Ashfield Council that will support local households on the journey towards sustainability. We all want to do the right thing for the environment and Eco Challenge will give you those extra reminders and incentives to keep up the good work. By taking part in Eco Challenge you will not only help reduce climate change and your impact on the environment, you'll also save money off your household bills and go in the running to win some fantastic prizes!

Water Conservation Projects

Council through the Environmental Levy and Federal Government Grants has installed rainwater tanks at the Summer Hill Community Centre and Council’s Depot. We will soon be undertaking retrofits of Park amenities blocks to install water saving taps and replacing old toilet cisterns with new water efficient cisterns.

Environmental Education

Council through the Levy and a grant from the Local Government and Shires association recently implemented sustainability training for all staff. This was a very successful program that culminated in the formation of an internal Sustainability Committee for Council.