Our Diocesan action plan seeks to demonstrate our commitment to the fifth mark of mission to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

We envisage a future where the churches, schools and other buildings across the Diocese will continue to be places of welcome and engagement, brightness and warmth as we seek to engage our world with the love and truth of Jesus. They will be increasingly powered by renewable energy and utilise low or zero carbon technologies for lighting and heating.

We aim to see a reduction in energy consumption across our Diocesan footprint with an associated increase in onsite renewable energy generation. Travel will be by low emission means with an increasing shift towards using electric and other no-emission vehicles. Emissions reduction and sustainability reporting will be embedded in our annual reports. Carbon emissions will reduce year on year, with appropriate verified offset schemes utilised where required.

In conjunction with this, we strive to be water wise and continue to work towards protecting and enhancing the natural environment and biodiversity that surrounds our churches, church property, schools, educational facilities and other buildings, which provide unique ecosystems and habitat for bird and animal life.

Furthermore, as demonstrated following the 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic, ACT hailstorm and flood events in NSW, the church and its wider networks have a vital role to play in our local communities providing spiritual and practical care and support to those impacted. Similarly, there are significant opportunities for the church to play a critical role in supporting and enhancing climate resilience across our communities; through building community connections (i.e. with other local community and First Nations groups).