Penrith in Sydney’s west has been named Australia’s greenest small city.
Analysing a variety of key sustainability factors – such as air quality, public transport, renewable energy options, EV charging, walkability, and more – Compare the Market set out to establish which small cities in Australia could be considered the greenest in the country.
The individual metrics were scored and combined to produce a ranking out of 100 for each location, which was then used to grade the chosen cities from best to worst for eco-friendly potential.
Scoring 100 points out of 100, Penrith topped the list. A walkability score of 16 out of 20, the third-best air quality score of 22, and the best renewable energy installation rating – 9.61 out of 10 – led Penrith to be crowned Australia’s greenest small city.
Home to around 220,000 residents, Penrith also scored the second-best alternative public transport rating – 9.75 out of 10, and the third-highest number of EV charging stations – 21.
“It comes as no surprise to me as mayor, or for our residents, that Penrith would be named as a green city,” Mayor Todd Carney told GN. “At Penrith, sustainability is an all of council approach, and one of partnership with our communities, industry, business and government.”
Those partnerships have helped Penrith achieve two of its sustainability targets ahead of council’s 2030 timeframe: 40 per cent of the city’s total energy consumption was generated from renewable sources in 2022-23 – well above the target of 10 per cent. During the same period, the city achieved a 58 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – surpassing the 40 per cent target.
“The projects the city undertakes and the upgrades to amenity and infrastructure in our city revolve around keeping our city cool, green and connected. We have been busy delivering new parks, natural canopies, and community spaces to link our city centre through to the beautiful Nepean River,” Carney said.
“At Penrith, we’re not just creating sustainable cities but a sustainable Sydney and Australia – making a positive impact on the environment and wellbeing of our communities now, and into the future,” he added.
Not far behind Penrith in the small green city rankings– with a score of 88.78 – another NSW location, Port Macquarie. The mid-north coastal city scored the best air quality score – 25 points, the second-highest EV charging spots – 27, and the fourth-best public transport score overall – 8.69.
Furthermore, Port Mac was ranked fourth-best for walkability – 11.5, and the fourth-best in terms of renewable energy installation – 7.33.
Coming in third – Launceston in northern Tasmania. Scoring a total of 86.36, Launceston achieved 10 out of 10 for the best green spaces out of any of the small Australian cities analysed. It was also found to have the most EV charging points available for use in the local area – 30 and scored 22 for air quality.
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