For the first time, important Koala habitat corridors throughout Greater Sydney have been mapped. Total Environment Centre's Sydney Basin Koala Network project created maps that present a cost-effective opportunity that allows Sydney’s critical Koala populations and other threatened species to persist amidst growing threats from development.

Total Environment Centre celebrates the Minns’ government decision to reaffirm Wentworth Park as a key green space for present and future residents. We can now confirm that the site will be retained in public hands, with housing uplift to be achieved around the site.* Saul Dean, our Urban Campaigner, adds, "I think we dodged a bullet here, it became obvious major property developers were looking at the one billion dollar fish market play book again, to get their hands on more public land or maybe even public waterfront land, so it’s great to see the government stare down those interests.”

For more than 5 decades, TEC has stood for one big idea: that nature and communities deserve a powerful voice. We’ve seen a lot of change, including positive change, but our purpose has remains constant, and we’ve never lost sight of why we fight. We protect the living systems we all depend on, champion the species we love, and work alongside people who believe a thriving environment is the foundation of a thriving future.

Peabody, a global coal company, implicated in climate change denialism and dangerous practices, wants to mine under a key Sydney water catchment damaging endangered upland swamps and species.  You can help stop it. You can find further information here. We have also included who to contact in the NSW government. 

Now it’s time to make your voice heard. Use the resources below to take action, individually or with your local groups. Remember: If you’ve already acted, thank you — your voice matters.  Every additional action strengthens our collective voice. Visit our blog for links, templates, and guidance to make your feedback count.  

Last week, I wrote to you about the Minns Government’s Planning Reform Bill — the most dangerous planning changes we’ve seen in decades. If you’re already taking actions, thank you — your voice matters!  Opposition is growing from concerned members of the community, environmental groups, corruption experts and criticism from Parliament’s Legislation Review Committee.   There’s still more you can do. Every email, submission, and council contact strengthens our collective voice. Here I break down 10 myths about the Bill, showing the reality behind each one and including ways you can take action, with draft emails, templates, and links.      

As many of you know, I have worked in environmental protection for five decades under both Liberal and ALP governments. Since the introduction of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, every government has faced lobbying to weaken environmental assessment and public consultation — and every time, communities have pushed back. Now, the Minns Government has introduced a new Bill into Parliament — and it is the worst yet. I urge you, your friends, and local groups to intervene to protect the interests of both the community and the environment.   Take action and email: Planning Minister Paul Scully [email protected] Tell your local MP to stop the Bill  

Sydney is heading for a climate emergency on its doorstep. The Federal Government’s National Climate Risk Assessment, released on 15 September 2025, makes it clear: our cities will heat up drastically, sea levels will rise, and the risk of flooding will escalate. Yet the NSW Government continues to  grant new rights to developers and urban sprawl—pouring fuel on the climate fire—while failing to deliver the most basic adaptation measure Sydney needs: a comprehensive Blue-Green Grid.  

Greater Sydney Parklands: review urges the government take ‘immediate action’ on Blue-Green Grid

The future success of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme hinges on improving transparency of return rates, increasing the refund to 20c, phasing out inconvenient refund points and including wine and spirit bottles, our newest report discovers.

In a welcome move on Tuesday night,  the Hon. Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister for the Environment introduced the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill to the NSW Parliament. This bill will establish a framework to regulate product stewardship over a range of environmentally damaging products. The Minister gave a clear indication batteries would be the first priority for regulation.

Manly Cove, one of Sydney Harbour’s most iconic swimming spots, has been revealed to be a microplastic hotspot, highlighting a widespread issue impacting popular coastal areas. According to a long-running survey conducted by AUSMAP, a project of Total Environment Centre, swimmers here are immersed in a soup of plastic pollution.