United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
Council is committed to protecting Brisbane's enviable lifestyle, managing our growing population and helping create a clean, green, more sustainable future for our residents.
Council's aspirations for our future are reflected in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which address the social, economic and environmental challenges that impact all humans on a global and local level. The UN SDGs are 17 transformational goals aiming to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Our residents highly value the ideals behind these goals which include fit-for-purpose infrastructure, services, economic growth, diversity, inclusion, and a clean and safe environment.
Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities
Brisbane is one of five cities announced as a winner of the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award). Jointly established by UN-Habitat and Shanghai Municipality, the award recognises outstanding progress and achievements of cities and municipalities around the world in their implementation of the 2030 Agenda and New Urban Agenda. A total of 54 cities from 16 countries submitted applications for the award, with winners announced in November 2023.
Brisbane was awarded for its integrated data, urban planning, sound financial and economic model and social and institutional innovations that formulate strategies to cope with the constantly growing population in the city.
SDG Cities Global Initiative - Gold Level
We’re continuing our path towards a cleaner, greener future, and have attained Gold Level in the UN-Habitat’s SDGs Cities Global Initiative, making us the second city globally to receive this accreditation.
This initiative involved engaging with stakeholders, undertaking a review of city-wide data to measure our performance and progress on key city indicators, and submission of a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) showing how Council is addressing the urban sustainable development goals.
Our current and future-focussed strategies and initiatives ensure the SDGs are effectively integrated into the city’s future plans, ensuring we continue to improve our residents’ quality of life in areas such as accessibility and inclusivity, connectivity, community safety and resilience as well as environmental improvements both in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.
Brisbane’s action-oriented Voluntary Local Review demonstrates our progress to date and identifies clear commitments and opportunities as we move forward as an exemplary sustainable city.
Our sustainability achievements
Council initiatives that are helping us achieve a sustainable future
Council is the largest carbon-neutral government organisation in Australia and we’re making exciting progress towards becoming a more sustainable and inclusive city. Brisbane has twice been named Australia’s most sustainable city in 2014 and 2016.
Green Bridges Program
New green bridges across Brisbane will make it even easier to get around our city on foot, by bike or scooter, or by connecting with public transport.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will guide our ongoing efforts towards achieving better recognition and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Victoria Park / Barrambin
Council is transforming Victoria Park / Barrambin into an iconic parkland with something for everyone. Explore the 64 hectare park's Master Plan.
Brisbane Metro
The fully electric, high-capacity metros will provide more active travel options with easy links to bus and train services, building new and improved infrastructure.
Water Smart Strategy
Sustainable water use initiatives including stormwater harvesting and reuse, water-smart street trees and using recycled water at Council facilities where possible.
Clean and Green Brisbane
Find out about Council's sustainability targets and commitments, our parklands, waste and recycling services, and how to make your home and community cleaner and greener.