COUNCILS CROWNED CLIMATE LEADERS AT NATIONAL AWARDS
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS tackling climate change have garnered national recognition at last night’s Cities Power Partnership Awards.
The Awards, run by the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership, took place on Thursday 29 August in Sydney, recognising the unsung work of the climate heroes in local governments across the country, in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement and project funding as well as individual climate champion awards.
David Craven, director of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest local government climate alliance, said that this year’s awards saw a record-breaking number of outstanding entries, reflecting the emergence of local governments as a vital force in developing regional climate and energy solutions.
“The local climate projects on display at these awards, from carbon-neutral kindergartens through to ambitious projects installing solar battery systems in thousands of homes and businesses, are tangible proof that Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change,” he said.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: Next Gen Energy Storage Program, ACT Government
Energy Efficiency Achievement
Winner: Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme, ACT Government
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: Smart Moves Newcastle, City of Newcastle
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: The Butterfly Effect, Albert Park Kindergarten and City of Port Phillip
Project Financing Innovation Award
Winner: Carbon Revolving Reserve, Blue Mountains City Council
Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Cr Tony Wellington, Mayor of Noosa Shire Council
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Adam Clarke, Program Coordinator, City Innovation and Sustainability, City of Newcastle
Tony Wellington, Mayor Noosa Shire Council and Ambassador of the Year award winner, said that he was honoured to be celebrated as a climate champion on a national stage.
“When I became Mayor of Noosa I made tackling climate change and reducing local greenhouse gas pollution a top priority, as I believe that local governments need to lead by example. Since then, we’ve put in place an ambitious plan to take Noosa Shire Council to zero-net emissions by 2026.”
“Now is the time for action on climate change, and it’s up to local governments to show regional leadership,” he said.
The Cities Power Partnership also celebrated its second birthday, recognising two years of local climate progress, which has seen the alliance swell to 110 members, who represent almost half of Australia’s population
“Since the program’s inception, Cities Power Partnership councils have kick-started over 400 climate projects. We can’t wait to see what these local climate leaders tackle over the next two years,” said David Craven.
