Bega Valley Shire
Is a Power Partner
$300,000
investment in energy efficiency
$345,000
worth of solar projects
Bega Valley Shire Council joined the Cities Power Partnership to further empower our Council and our community to be innovative, educated and collaborative in working towards better environmental outcomes for us all.
Council has chosen the following pledges
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on Council buildings for example childcare facilities, libraries, street lighting, recreation centres, sporting grounds, and Council offices.
Power council operations by renewables, directly (with solar PV or wind), or by purchasing Greenpower (from electricity retailers). Set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.
Support community energy projects (with location and planning support) so that residents (such as renters) can band together and invest in community renewable energy projects.
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles. Council has an electric vehicle that is charged by solar power.
Bega Valley Shire
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.