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Driving cross-sector growth at the city scale will enable an efficient and rapid transition to a Net Zero economy

Net Zero Cities CRC bid

NZC CRC is a consortium of over 55 partners across industry, government, research, and community developing a bid focused on cross-cutting research at the city scale providing a catalyst for cross-sector growth and unlocking the new Net Zero Economy

Four Cross-Cutting Place-Based
Research Programs

1

Finance, Policy and Social Activations

Research to enable systemic change across finance, policy, governance, and behaviour, accelerating cross-sector growth through investment in the Net Zero Economy.
2

Digital
Solutions

Research to develop and scale cross-sector digital solutions in strategic city environments, integrating energy, transport, and the built environment for more sustainable and efficient urban systems.
3

Circular
Solutions

Research that empowers Australian industry to adopt circular, low-carbon systems, promoting sustainable design, closing resource loops, and driving progress towards Net Zero.
4

Living Labs and
Real-World Demonstration

Research that is the home for city environment co-design, providing the knowledge observatory, tools, measurements and monitoring for digital and circular solutions at the city-scale.

City-Scale Living Laboratories across Australia

Opens Melville, Western Australian description

Kwinana

Kwinana is rapidly transforming into a next-generation city at the heart of the Western Trade Coast’s industrial and energy transition.

Strategically located along Perth’s southern corridor, Kwinana is home to one of Australia’s most important industrial precincts, playing a key role in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics. With major investments in hydrogen, battery production, and port infrastructure, the city is positioned as a critical hub for WA’s economic future.

Guided by a vision for sustainable industrial development, Kwinana is integrating smart infrastructure, circular economy principles, and renewable energy solutions to drive long-term growth. The city’s blueprint focuses on innovation, resilience, and connectivity, ensuring that Kwinana evolves as a globally competitive, low-carbon industrial centre supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy.

Map of Australia showing 7 Net Zero CitiesOpens Springfield, Queensland descriptionOpens Blacktown, New South Wales descriptionOpens Greater Southeastern Melbourne, Victoria descriptionOpens Molonglo, Australian Capital Territory descriptionOpens Bradfield, New South Wales descriptionOpens Kwinana, Western Australia description

Bradfield, NSW

Australia’s newest city capitalising on opportunity the new 24/7 Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the surrounding Western Sydney Aerotropolis present

It will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and acting as a central gathering place for arts, culture, and entertainment.

Advanced manufacturing and other future looking industries based in Bradfield City Centre will act as a magnet for innovation across all Western Sydney.

Melville, WA

Melville, a dynamic and well-established city in Perth’s southern suburbs, is a key hub of economic activity, innovation, and community living along the Swan River.

Strategically located between Fremantle and Perth’s CBD, Melville is known for its blend of urban convenience, natural beauty, and strong local economy. With a focus on sustainable growth, the city is enhancing its transport networks, mixed-use developments, and public spaces to support a thriving and connected community.

Committed to a future-ready vision, Melville is advancing smart city initiatives, environmental sustainability, and urban renewal projects. The city’s planning framework prioritises green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and active transport, ensuring a balance between development and environmental stewardship. As a leader in community-driven urban transformation, Melville continues to set a high standard for liveability and sustainability in Western Australia.

Springfield, QLD

Australia’s first private city and one of the newest cities located on Brisbane's doorstep and the gateway to the western corridor.

Over the 30 years of development this impressive and unique development has been recognised and referenced by past Prime Ministers as a nation-building project.  

In 2018 Springfield set an aspiration to be Net Zero energy in 20 years, by 2038. It has a comprehensive roadmap of how to bring that vision to reality. This implementation plan cuts across all domains in urban, building, mobility, energy and digital.  

Greater Southeast Melbourne, VIC

An alliance of 9 councils and 2 shires encompassing 1.5 million people southeast of Melbourne. This area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. By 2036, the population is projected to reach 2 million.

The Southeast Councils Climate Change Alliance have declared a climate emergency, recognising the urgent need to reduce emissions and build resilience against climate-related threats.

Blacktown, NSW

Blacktown City, the largest council in NSW and one of the fastest-growing and most diverse urban centres in Greater Western Sydney, is a key hub in the metropolitan region’s westward expansion.

As the largest council by population in New South Wales, Blacktown plays a crucial role in shaping Sydney’s future, with major investments in infrastructure, housing, and employment precincts. Positioned as a gateway to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, the city is evolving into a key economic and innovation hub.

Blacktown has set ambitious sustainability goals, with a focus on urban renewal, smart city initiatives, and resilience planning. The city’s roadmap includes large-scale infrastructure projects, green energy transitions, and integrated transport networks to support its rapidly growing population. With a strong commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability, Blacktown is driving forward a vision for a more connected, liveable, and future-ready city.

Molonglo, ACT

Molonglo, one of Canberra’s newest urban developments, is a key growth corridor shaping the future of the ACT.

Positioned between Weston Creek and Belconnen, Molonglo is designed as a sustainable, mixed-use district that balances urban density with the natural landscape. As a critical part of Canberra’s expansion, it is set to accommodate over 50,000 residents while integrating world-class planning principles.

With a strong focus on sustainability and liveability, Molonglo is embedding green infrastructure, active transport networks, and energy-efficient buildings into its urban fabric. The district is planned to be a model for modern, climate-resilient communities, featuring high-quality public spaces, innovative water management systems, and a commitment to preserving the area’s rich biodiversity.

As development progresses, Molonglo is poised to become a benchmark for sustainable city-making in Australia’s capital.

Kwinana, WA

Kwinana is rapidly transforming into a next-generation city at the heart of the Western Trade Coast’s industrial and energy transition.

Strategically located along Perth’s southern corridor, Kwinana is home to one of Australia’s most important industrial precincts, playing a key role in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics. With major investments in hydrogen, battery production, and port infrastructure, the city is positioned as a critical hub for WA’s economic future.

Guided by a vision for sustainable industrial development, Kwinana is integrating smart infrastructure, circular economy principles, and renewable energy solutions to drive long-term growth. The city’s blueprint focuses on innovation, resilience, and connectivity, ensuring that Kwinana evolves as a globally competitive, low-carbon industrial centre supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy.

Four Cross-Cutting Place-Based
Research Programs

1

Finance, Policy and Social Activations

Research to enable systemic change across finance, policy, governance, and behaviour, accelerating cross-sector growth through investment in the Net Zero Economy.
2

Digital
Solutions

Research to develop and scale cross-sector digital solutions in strategic city environments, integrating energy, transport, and the built environment for more sustainable and efficient urban systems.
3

Circular
Solutions

Research that empowers Australian industry to adopt circular, low-carbon systems, promoting sustainable design, closing resource loops, and driving progress towards Net Zero.
4

Living Labs and
Real-World Demonstration

Research that is the home for city environment co-design, providing the knowledge observatory, tools, measurements and monitoring for digital and circular solutions at the city-scale.

City-scale living laboratories across Australia

Springfield, QLD

Australia’s first private city and one of the newest cities located on Brisbane's doorstep and the gateway to the western corridor.

Blacktown, NSW

Blacktown City, the largest council in NSW and one of the fastest-growing and most diverse urban centres in Greater Western Sydney, has set ambitious sustainability goals with a focus on urban renewal, smart city initiatives, and resilience planning.

Bradfield, NSW

Australia’s newest city capitalising on opportunity the new 24/7 Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the surrounding Western Sydney Aerotropolis present.

Greater Southeast Melbourne, VIC

An alliance of 9 councils and 2 shires encompassing 1.5million people southeast of Melbourne. This area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. By 2036, the population is projected to reach 2 million.

Molonglo, ACT

Molonglo, one of Canberra’s newest urban developments, is set to accommodate over 50,000 residents and poised to become a benchmark for sustainable city-making in Australia’s capital.

Kwinana, WA

Kwinana is rapidly transforming into a next-generation city at the heart of the Western Trade Coast’s industrial and energy transition.

Melville, WA

Melville, a dynamic and well-established city in Perth’s southern suburbs, is a key hub of economic activity, innovation, and community living along the Swan River.

Springfield  

Australia’s first private city and one of the newest cities located on Brisbane's doorstep and the gateway to the western corridor. Over the 30 years of development this impressive and unique development has been recognised and referenced by past Prime Ministers as a nation building project.  

In 2018 Springfield set an aspiration to be Net Zero energy in 20 years, by 2038. It has a comprehensive roadmap of how to bring that vision to reality. This implementation plan cuts across all domains in urban, building, mobility, energy and digital.  

Greater Southeast Melbourne

An alliance of 9 councils and 2 shires encompassing 1.5 million people southeast of Melbourne. This area is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. By 2036, the population is projected to reach 2 million

The Southeast Councils Climate Change Alliance have declared a climate emergency, recognising the urgent need to reduce emissions and build resilience against climate-related threats.

Bradfield

Australia’s newest city capitalising on opportunity the new 24/7 Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the surrounding Western Sydney Aerotropolis present

It will become a vibrant, 24/7 global city, driving advancements in industry and acting as a central gathering place for arts, culture, and entertainment. Advanced manufacturing and other future looking industries based in Bradfield City Centre will act as a magnet for innovation across all Western Sydney.

Blacktown

Blacktown City, the largest council in NSW and one of the fastest-growing and most diverse urban centres in Greater Western Sydney, is a key hub in the metropolitan region’s westward expansion. As the largest council by population in New South Wales, Blacktown plays a crucial role in shaping Sydney’s future, with major investments in infrastructure, housing, and employment precincts. Positioned as a gateway to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, the city is evolving into a key economic and innovation hub.

Blacktown has set ambitious sustainability goals, with a focus on urban renewal, smart city initiatives, and resilience planning. The city’s roadmap includes large-scale infrastructure projects, green energy transitions, and integrated transport networks to support its rapidly growing population. With a strong commitment to social, environmental, and economic sustainability, Blacktown is driving forward a vision for a more connected, liveable, and future-ready city.

Molonglo

Molonglo, one of Canberra’s newest urban developments, is a key growth corridor shaping the future of the ACT. Positioned between Weston Creek and Belconnen, Molonglo is designed as a sustainable, mixed-use district that balances urban density with the natural landscape. As a critical part of Canberra’s expansion, it is set to accommodate over 50,000 residents while integrating world-class planning principles.

With a strong focus on sustainability and liveability, Molonglo is embedding green infrastructure, active transport networks, and energy-efficient buildings into its urban fabric. The district is planned to be a model for modern, climate-resilient communities, featuring high-quality public spaces, innovative water management systems, and a commitment to preserving the area’s rich biodiversity. As development progresses, Molonglo is poised to become a benchmark for sustainable city-making in Australia’s capital.

Melville

Melville, a dynamic and well-established city in Perth’s southern suburbs, is a key hub of economic activity, innovation, and community living along the Swan River. Strategically located between Fremantle and Perth’s CBD, Melville is known for its blend of urban convenience, natural beauty, and strong local economy. With a focus on sustainable growth, the city is enhancing its transport networks, mixed-use developments, and public spaces to support a thriving and connected community.

Committed to a future-ready vision, Melville is advancing smart city initiatives, environmental sustainability, and urban renewal projects. The city’s planning framework prioritises green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and active transport, ensuring a balance between development and environmental stewardship. As a leader in community-driven urban transformation, Melville continues to set a high standard for liveability and sustainability in Western Australia.

Kwinana  

Kwinana is rapidly transforming into a next-generation city at the heart of the Western Trade Coast’s industrial and energy transition. Strategically located along Perth’s southern corridor, Kwinana is home to one of Australia’s most important industrial precincts, playing a key role in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and logistics. With major investments in hydrogen, battery production, and port infrastructure, the city is positioned as a critical hub for WA’s economic future.

Guided by a vision for sustainable industrial development, Kwinana is integrating smart infrastructure, circular economy principles, and renewable energy solutions to drive long-term growth. The city’s blueprint focuses on innovation, resilience, and connectivity, ensuring that Kwinana evolves as a globally competitive, low-carbon industrial centre supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy.

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