18 NOVEMBER 2021
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS delivering clean energy solutions 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 Wednesday 18 November virtually, recognising the work of the climate heroes in local governments across the country, in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement, ambition, collaboration and innovation.
Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, Australia’s largest network of councils leading the way to a zero emissions future, said that the calibre of submissions showed how local governments are stepping up to the climate challenges and playing a vital role in Australia’s climate solution.
“The local climate projects on display at these awards, from councils collaborating to purchase 100 percent renewable energy in the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by Australian local governments, to shifting entire council fleets to zero emissions vehicles, are tangible proof that Australian communities are leading the way with practical local climate solutions,” said Dr Odell.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: Northern Beaches Council, NSW – Northern Beaches Goes Renewable
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
Winner: Georges River Council, NSW – Working towards net zero emissions
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: ACT Government, ACT – Zero Emissions Fleet Transition
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: City of Adelaide, SA – Sustainability Incentives Scheme Enabling Community Emissions Outcomes
Innovation Award
Winner: Greater Dandenong City Council, VIC – Net zero emissions in Council infrastructure and assets bids
Ambition Award
Winner: Mornington Peninsula Shire, VIC – Climate Emergency Plan “Ensuring our Future”
Collaboration Award
Winner: Darebin City Council, VIC – Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO)
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Shoalhaven City Council, NSW – Mayor Amanda Findley
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Cairns Regional Council Sustainability Team, QLD
Highly Commended: Hunter Joint Organisation, NSW
Community Choice Award
Winner: Borough of Queenscliffe, VIC – Community-led climate emergency response plan
“It’s great to see councils continue to lead on climate solutions despite being faced with the immediate challenge of COVID-19, bushfires, floods and extreme heat,” she said.
“Love the inspiring, community-focused approaches to tackling climate change, delivering major emissions reductions and significant cost savings for local residents and businesses.”
ENDS
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Cities Power Partnership awards recognise councils demonstrating climate mitigation action across the listed 37 action pledge items under the Cities Power Partnership. Each of the 9 categories were judged to ensure their respective criteria were met.
Judges
- Damon Gameau, Film director, author and presenter
- Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO, Next Economy
- Dr Simon Bradshaw, Head of Research, Climate Council
- Pam Townshend, Former Shire President, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Western Australia