North Sydney is charging into the future—with big ideas, bold leadership, and smart strategies to match. From the busy CBD to its lively local centres, North Sydney Council is building a smarter, greener, more connected city where businesses thrive, people feel welcome, and the environment is front and centre.
This transformation isn’t just about plans on paper, it’s about action. Council is delivering real projects that improve day-to-day life, support local business, attract new investment, and make North Sydney a great place to live, work, and visit.
Smart City, Smart Business
North Sydney City is becoming a digitally savvy city. Through its Smart City Strategy, its Council is using technology to improve services, cut red tape, and make life easier for residents and businesses alike.
Real-time traffic updates, intelligent lighting, digital signage, and smart transport links are already reshaping how the city functions. These upgrades make it easier to move around, improve safety, and save energy. They also create opportunities for innovative businesses looking to assess new ideas, offer better services, or simply run more efficiently.
For businesses, this means faster access to information, streamlined approvals, and a future-ready environment where technology helps reduce costs and unlock new markets.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
Alongside its digital push, North Sydney is stepping up as a leader in sustainability, helping businesses lower emissions, reduce waste, and grow greener without sacrificing the bottom line.
One major program is CitySwitch, which supports office-based businesses on their journey to Net Zero. North Sydney has been part of CitySwitch for over a decade, collaborating with other big players like Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne. Since its 2022 relaunch, CitySwitch has focused on helping businesses decarbonise in line with state and federal climate targets.
Right now, 29 businesses in North Sydney are signed up, covering 50,000 square metres of commercial space. These businesses are setting goals, measuring progress, and getting recognition for their efforts, through CitySwitch Annual Awards and other support.
For smaller businesses, the Better Business Partnership (BBP) is another powerful tool. This program, developed with Willoughby and Ku-ring-gai Councils, helps local shops, cafés, and service providers improve in nine key areas such as energy and water use, waste management, sustainable sourcing, and community engagement.
In North Sydney, 54 businesses are already BBP-accredited. They receive help from expert advice, promotion through the “Buy Better, Buy Local” campaign, and the chance to be recognised through yearly awards.
Revitalising the CBD and Local Centres
But smart tech and sustainability are only part of the story. Council is also focused on making North Sydney more enjoyable, more attractive, and more people-friendly.
In the CBD, exciting projects are taking shape. The proposed Miller Street pedestrian plaza and new cycleways aim to transform the area into a high-amenity, walkable precinct that balances commercial energy with public comfort. These upgrades are about creating places where people want to work and where they also want to linger, relax, and connect.
The benefits ripple outwards. Walkable, attractive spaces draw more foot traffic, increase spending in local stores, and help businesses grow. They also improve health, reduce car use, and make North Sydney a more vibrant, sustainable city.
Beyond the CBD, Council is investing in local centres across the area. Streetscapes are being refreshed, outdoor dining supported, and community events brought to life. All of this helps local retailers, hospitality businesses, and services attract more customers and build stronger connections with the community.
Unlocking Even More Opportunities
North Sydney Council isn’t stopping there. Three key ideas are on the table to make it even easier for local businesses to grow sustainably:
- A Sustainable Business Gift Card – A potential new initiative to encourage locals and visitors to shop at environmentally friendly businesses in the area.
- Expanded BBP Support – More help for small businesses to measure emissions, switch to renewable energy, and upgrade to efficient appliances like electric cooktops and heat pump systems.
- Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) – These smart finance tools help commercial property owners pay for building upgrades that cut energy use and save money over time. Council is investigating how to increase uptake and remove barriers.
A Shared Vision for the Future
North Sydney’s success lies in working together. With over 50,000 workers in the area and businesses making up a large share of emissions, lasting change will come through collaboration.
Council’s vision is clear: reduce waste, cut emissions, and create a thriving local economy that works for everyone.
Whether you’re a startup using AI, a café going plastic-free, a shop owner joining the BBP, or a corporate office setting net zero target, North Sydney is the place to be.
With bold ideas, real projects, and strong community partnerships, North Sydney Council is shaping a future that’s smart, green, and full of opportunity.
More Information
maria@mapmarketing.com.au
