Established in 1989, we are a collaborative regional organisation that advances sustainable management of Sydney’s urban coastal and estuarine environment. We currently comprise 9 Member Councils who represent nearly 1.3 million Sydneysiders. Collectively we cover an area of approximately 800 square kilometres with a total coastline of almost 600 kilometres, encompassing the waterways of Broken Bay, Pittwater, Port Jackson, Port Hacking, Botany Bay, Middle and North Harbours, and the lower reaches of the Lane Cove, Georges and Cooks Rivers.
Our Vision
Resilient and healthy coastal and estuarine environments that are protected, conserved and managed in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development
Our Mission
Engaging with our members and their communities to lead sustainable management of our region’s coastal and estuarine environment through collaboration, capacity building, advocacy and research
Our Goals
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- People and places adapt to a changing climate and future shocks and stressors
- Waterways and the foreshore are protected and healthier
- Marine biodiversity is protected in the bioregion
- The SCCG Region is comprised of sustainable, livable and ‘smart’ cities
- There is a collaborative, effective and consistent approach to coastal and estuarine management
- SCCG is trusted and respected to make representations that reflect the values of its members
Our Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan was prepared to document and highlight our strategic direction over the next decade from 2019-2029. The Strategic Plan consists of a new vision and sets out six goals that bring focus to providing value for members and enhancing and protecting the coastal and estuarine environments.
The Plan is a dynamic strategy which consists of a three year delivery program and annual operation plan and budget.
Our new Strategic Plan was adopted at SCCG’s Annual General Meeting and is now available here.
Please note – the SCCG Strategic Plan was amended in March 2021 to reflect new governance structure
Our Operational Plan
The Operational Plan is reviewed and updated on an annual basis in consultation with Member Councils to ensure the Group continues to meet member Councils’ needs, and priority areas are addressed.
The 2025 Operational Plan was approved at the Annual General Meeting in November 2024 and is now available here.
Constitution
The Constitution is a requirement of an Incorporated Association. The SCCG Constitution sets out important details of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, and how the Group functions; including but not limited to, its mission and goals; membership representation from Member Councils; details for determining the chairperson and vice chairs; meeting arrangements including voting; termination of membership; termination of the Group and declaration of pecuniary interests, and resolution of internal disputes.
Procurement Policy
The objective of this procurement policy is to provide guiding principles for the procurement of good and services for the SCCG while ensuring compliance with the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (the Regulation). It seeks to detail standard procurement practices across the SCCG and to highlight the obligations of its staff and members of the Executive Committee with the delegated authority to purchase goods and services on behalf of the SCCG.
STATEMENT OF BUSINESS ETHICS
This Statement of Business Ethics applies to the Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) Member Councils representatives, staff, contractors and business associates dealing with the SCCG.
The SCCG is committed to conducting its business in a sound commercial and ethical manner and this Statement of Business Ethics sets out the standards the SCCG requires of its Member Council representatives, staff, contractors and business associates. Both SCCG staff and private sector employees must always be aware of the ethical standards its Member Councils demand when SCCG money is used either directly or indirectly.
The SCCG will demonstrate and practice a professional and ethical approach to all its business activities and all SCCG staff are required to observe a high standard or probity, ethical behaviour and integrity in their business dealings.
All individuals and organisations that deal with the SCCG are required to comply with these standards of ethical behaviour in their dealings with the SCCG.
ENVIRONMENT POLICY
This Environment Policy applies to the Sydney Coastal Councils Group (SCCG) Member Councils representatives, staff, contractors and business associates dealing with the SCCG.
The Environment Policy serves as a blueprint for SCCG’s commitment to environmental stewardship, outlining its strategies to minimise its ecological footprint and promote sustainable practices in all aspects of its operations.
Information for Prospective Members – SCCG Membership Prospectus
The Membership Prospectus outlines SCCG’s organisational structure, committees and opportunities available to members.
If you would like more information on the many benefits of being a member council and the costs of membership, please contact Sydney Coastal Councils Group at admin@sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au. The SCCG can also attend your offices to provide a more detailed briefing on the benefits of SCCG membership and to answer any questions.
SCCG New Members Policy
The New Member Policy prescribes the requirements and application process for prospective new members of the SCCG.
If you would like more information on the many benefits of being a member council and the costs of membership, please contact Sydney Coastal Councils Group at admin@sydneycoastalcouncils.com.au. The SCCG can also attend your offices to provide a more detailed briefing on the benefits of SCCG membership and to answer any questions.
Annual Reports
For a copy of our current and previous Annual Reports, please click on the links below.
Noteworthy Sites
