The Hunter Region Voluntary Local Review is available on the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs website at sdgs.un.org/topics/voluntary-local-reviews via direct download HERE.
The Hunter Region has made history with the release of Australia’s first regional Voluntary Local Review (VLR), showcasing progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led by Home in Place, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, CIFAL, the University of Newcastle, and the City of Newcastle in collaboration with key regional partners, this landmark initiative highlights the power of regional cooperation in advancing sustainability.
Conducted on behalf of the Hunter Region SDG Taskforce, the VLR provides comprehensive data across 10 local government areas, offering critical insights into the region’s progress on over 60 SDG indicators. In a potential global first for VLR reporting, the review is accompanied by an interactive, online dashboard, allowing organisations and agencies to access recent data and assess how that data can inform how they can contribute to achievement of the SDGs in the Hunter region.
Professor Dave Adamson OBE, Manager Special Projects at Home in Place, emphasised the significance of this achievement.
“This is an excellent example of regional collaboration and SDG localisation. Although the Hunter region isn’t a formal administrative region, it is an important social and economic entity and enjoys a very collaborative culture.” Professor Adamson said.
“Numerous organisations in the Hunter have committed to supporting the SDGs, and this report and dashboard will allow us to track progress in the region.”
The project’s success was made possible by financial and strategic contributions from various Hunter-based organisations, reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable development. Over 200 stakeholders contributed to the review, reinforcing the collective effort required to achieve meaningful change.
Emeritus Professor Will Rifkin from the College of Human & Social Futures at the University of Newcastle praised the collaboration.
“The level of input and collaboration for this effort has been impressive.” said Professor Rifkin.
“I am beginning to hear interest from other regions in having something similar. That is a great endorsement for the vision and persistence that has pushed this project through to this stage. It is also testament to how just ‘measuring things’ can boost engagement with the UN’s sustainable development goals.”
Jonathan Wood, Senior Project Officer at Sustainability Advantage, echoed the sentiment.
“Sustainability Advantage is very proud to be a part of this mammoth collaboration effort which involved more than 200 stakeholders.” Mr Wood said.
“While we recognise this as a fantastic outcome, we acknowledge that this is just the beginning of a long journey. We are looking forward to working with the region to adapt and improve the dashboard and to see it being used by all to create a truly sustainable Hunter.”
This milestone initiative underscores the Hunter Region’s leadership in regional sustainability efforts, setting an example for other regions across Australia and beyond. By providing accessible, transparent data and fostering collaboration, the VLR and its interactive dashboard will be invaluable tools in driving progress towards a more sustainable future.
