Macedon Ranges Shire
Is a Power Partner
“Participating in the Cities Power Partnership demonstrates the impact of local government in creating a better future through meaningful action on climate change. Council is pleased to be working with other councils in the Cities Power Partnership, to share experiences and collectively build momentum in reducing emissions and helping the wider community to prepare for future climate scenarios. The Cities Power Partnership will assist Council to progress its action on climate change through the support it provides to councils working to improve their operations and services, and to facilitate climate action amongst the local community.”
Council has chosen the following pledges
Renewable Energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
Renewable Energy
Support community facilities to access renewable energy through incentives, support or grants.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Sustainable Transport
Provide fast-charging infrastructure throughout the city at key locations for electric vehicles.
Collaboration
Support the local community to develop capacity and skills to tackle climate change.
Macedon Ranges Shire
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Macedon Ranges Shire Council has been taking action on climate change since June 2016 when it adopted a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 25% by June 2021, from June 2015 levels. At 30 June 2021, and based on a business as usual scenario, emissions had reduced by 29%. To achieve this reduction, Council converted around 2,550 residential street lights to LEDs, installed 348kW of solar panels on 15 of its buildings, and introduced 20 hybrid cars onto its passenger fleet.
Since 1 July 2021, Council has been sourcing its electricity requirements through the Victorian Energy Collaboration, a power purchase agreement for renewable energy. Council also continues to implement Cool Changes, a program to facilitate the development of local community climate action plans in townships across the shire.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability
Council’s goal for its operations is for Zero Net Emissions by 2030. Key focus areas will be to replace gas with electricity from renewable sources wherever possible, introduce hybrid and electric cars into its fleet, and install battery power storage at key community sites. In 2022-2023, Council will collaborate with the community to develop a Climate Emergency Response Plan for the shire.
What council hopes to gain by being a member of the Cities Power Partnership
In joining other councils across Australia in the Cities Power Partnership, Council looks forward to the mutual support councils can provide to each other as we collectively address the urgent need to act on climate change.