Cessnock City Council
Is a Power Partner
It’s a step in the right direction for Cessnock City Council to join the Cities Power Partnership reaffirming our commitment to positive action. It recognises the importance of environmental improvements at all levels of government. It also aligns with our recently adopted Climate Change Policy and will facilitate the sharing of knowledge with like-minded councils to reduce our emissions and build climate resilience.
Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges
Renewable energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on Council buildings
Sustainable transport
Support cycling through provision of adequate cycle lanes, bike parking and end-of-ride facilities
Sustainable transport
Actively participate in the development of a regional electric vehicle strategy
Energy efficiency
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality
Renewable energy
Open up unused Council managed land for renewable energy
Cessnock City Council
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Cessnock City Council has undertaken the following projects in regards to climate change, energy efficiency and broader sustainability:
- adoption of a Climate Change Policy;
- establishment of the Council Revolving Energy Fund Action Plan;
- lighting efficiency upgrades across six Council sites;
- installing solar PV panels on the Council Depot building;
- and member of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) Sustainable Councils and Communities Program – assistance received includes solar analysis, floodlighting review, account tariff review and community education workshops
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Cessnock City Council has recently adopted a Climate Change Policy, which outlines Council’s commitment to achieving zero net emissions by 2050. This target is consistent with the State Government’s emission reduction target. Council is planning to engage a consultant in the near future to undertake an assessment of Council’s current emissions and establish a baseline. Future projects that Council is working toward include the preparation of a Climate Change Strategy, replacing street lighting with energy efficient LEDs, installing Solar PV on more of Council’s buildings, investigating the uptake of electric vehicles for Council’s fleet and providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
A key planning priority of the Cessnock Local Strategic Planning Statement 2036 is that “Our community adapts to climate change and builds climate resilience”. By joining the Cities Power Partnership, Cessnock City Council will have the opportunity to share knowledge with like-minded councils on further ways to reduce our emissions and build climate resilience for our community.