Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

Huon Valley Council's climate and sustainability commitments

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

  • Traditional Owners Melukerdee and Lyluequonny People
  • Member since 2017
  • Population 18,239

Our journey

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

Huon Valley Council has been running an internal energy efficiency program for a few years now, with some major projects on the board. For example, the Port Huon Sports Centre lighting has been converted from metal-halide to LED, and at the Huonville Pool the energy efficiency has been substantially improved by the installation of a reverse cycle water heater. Huon Valley Council have an employee-led carpooling program, and run environmental projects out of the NRM unit.

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

Addressing global warming is crucial to sustaining a healthy and safe community and environment in the Huon Valley. Huon Valley Council hope to contribute by reducing organisational greenhouse gas emissions through practical and cost-saving measures such as energy-efficient fit-outs and supporting electric vehicles. Strategic planning will play an important role in promoting active transport. Huon Valley Council also aim to empower and support the community in an uncertain future.

What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership

Huon Valley Council looks forward to networking with other Cities Power Partners, and working cooperatively to achieve outcomes. Gaining knowledge and learnings from other local governments will assist regional/rural municipalities to apply initiatives in the best way possible.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Sustainable Transport
Ensure Council fleet purchases meet strict greenhouse gas emissions requirements and support the uptake of electric vehicles.
Provide fast-charging infrastructure throughout the city at key locations for electric vehicles.

In the news

Media Release

Bushfire preparedness and climate on the agenda of expert and local government roundtable

02 Jul 2020
Bushfire experts and Tasmanian councils will today join together in a roundtable discussion to plan and prepare against worsening bushfires in the State.

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