Smarter, Cleaner, Greener - March 2020

Our Common Ground Success

Our Common Ground has finished its pilot program with great success, following a final workshop in February. The initiative is our first apartment based sustainable food program, with apartment buildings provided with tools, resources and skills workshops to establish and maintain a shared produce garden.

It was amazing to see each of our participating apartment complexes adapt and expand on the program to suit their needs, with initiatives including an increased number of garden beds, the installation of insect hotels, neighbourly cups of tea in the garden and a sunset cocktail hour using freshly picked herbs.

The next round of the program will open applications later this year.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

We understand many in our community are concerned about Coronavirus (COVID-19). The safety of our community is our top priority, and Council is monitoring the latest advice from NSW Health and federal authorities.

As a precautionary measure for community safety, a number of our upcoming workshops and events have been cancelled or postponed, including regular bushcare groups. You can view a full list of changes to Council’s events online.  

“This is an extremely challenging time for everyone, but it is crucial that we come together as a community and help one another. As a Council we will do all we can to ensure minimal disruptions to our services and to provide support wherever we can to those who require it,” City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Jerome Laxale, said.

Putney Park Beach Activation

As part of our efforts to activate the Putney Park foreshore, we’re looking to construct sandstone steps to provide the community with access to the existing beach area. The community can have their say until 22 March.

In 2019, Council endorsed the Parramatta River Masterplan which sets out to make Parramatta River swimmable again by 2025. Putney Park was chosen as one of three potential future swimming sites following extensive community consultation.

Think Reuse When Out and About

We can all do our bit for the environment by considering reuse when we’re out and about.

• Take a reusable cup for your takeaway coffee or opt to sit down and enjoy your cuppa
• Bring your own reusable cutlery and containers with you, you never know when hunger will strike
• Ditch plastic straws and replace them with metal or paper straws if you need them
• Keep a refillable water bottle in your bag or car and fill them up at one of our water stations
• Leave reusable bags near your front door so you don’t forget them when you go shopping

Small changes can go a long way and every single one of us can make a difference.

Council Cuts Single-use Plastic

In February, Council brought into effect a ban on the use of single-use plastic bottles, serving containers, utensils and single-use plastic bags at all Council events and operations. This will mean that Council will be using alternatives such as reusable items at all Council run events.

We're also looking to provide assistance and empower the Ryde community, businesses, schools and residents to reduce their single-use plastics footprint through the Be fantastic. Cut single-use plastic! Education Program.

Be Storm Safe

Severe thunderstorms are the most common type of storms in New South Wales, causing more damage than any other event.

While they can occur at any time, severe storms are most likely to hit Sydney from October to March. They can last from 10 minutes to several hours, with very strong winds, heavy rain and hail causing flash flooding, power outages and damage to property.

Climate Wise Communities: Prepare for Extreme Weather

Our Climate Wise Communities website brings together emergency management agencies and government to offer a range of online resources and a Ready Check tool to help you be better prepared for extreme weather events.

NSW Plastics Plan: Have Your Say

The NSW Government is seeking public feedback on the future of plastics in NSW. Have your say on the discussion paper before Friday 8 May.