Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

Bega Valley Shire Council's climate and sustainability commitments

Bega Valley Shire Council is part of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia's largest network of councils leading the way to a sustainable future

  • Traditional Owners The communities of the Yuin-Monaro Nations
  • Member since 2017
  • Population 35,046
Feature_icon_2 / Solar Energy

100%

renewable energy for community by 2030

Our journey

What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability.

Local government has and will continue to be an important driver for climate change action. Since 2012/13 Council has invested over $300k in energy efficiency and solar power projects across council operations delivering a net present value of over $345k for quantifiable projects. This investment has also leveraged state and federal grants and rebates of over $290k. Council actively supports working in innovative ways with its community. For example the Tathra Community Solar Farm is one such example where Council successfully worked with Clean Energy for Eternity to create an innovative community driven project. This project was a NSW Green Globe Award Winner in 2015.

What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy or broader sustainability.

Council is keen to continue to be a leader in local efforts to address climate change – both through its legislated responsibility and as an opportunity to help the local community be prepared to meet the challenges of the future. To support longer term opportunities and cost savings Council staff are investigating a path towards 100% renewable energy via a Clean Energy Strategy.

Why council joined the Cities Power Partnership.

CPP provides Council with the ability to connect with other local governments from around Australia to share knowledge and to enhance our own local programs. This access to networks and support will help accelerate the success we have already seen in the Bega Valley. CPP also promotes the important role local government has and will continue to have in delivering best practice and meaningful action on climate change.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
Power council operations by renewable energy, and set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.
Support local community renewable energy projects, and encourage investment in community energy.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Sustainable Transport
Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles.

In the news

Media Release

Mayors and councillors stand together in climate call

04 Mar 2021
Seventeen mayors and councillors have called on the government to recognise the spiralling costs to communities from climate-fuelled extreme weather.
Media Release

Powerful councils partnership awarded for climate collaboration

22 Oct 2018
This article first appeared in the Bega District News on October 19 2018 The Bega Valley Shire Council says it is delighted to be involved in…
Media Release

Recognising councils’ action on climate change

22 Oct 2018
A council’s floating solar farm and a museum’s energy upgrade project are among local government climate change initiatives recognised in awards.

Join now and be part of the groundswell of local governments and communities across Australia tackling climate change.