Climate Summit for Local Government

Sept 6-8, 2023 | Melbourne

Mackay Regional Council's climate and sustainability commitments

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

  • Traditional Owners Yuwibara and Yuibera People
  • Member since 2018
  • Population 118,723

Our journey

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

Council’s first Sustainability Strategy was endorsed in 2013 to integrate sustainability into the core business of council. The strategy played an important role in advancing sustainability outcomes across council in areas such as:

  • sustainable planning and infrastructur
  • preservation of the natural environment and biodiversity
  • energy, carbon emissions and climate change
  • water and waste management

In recent years, council has successfully implemented a range of energy efficiency initiatives and continues to improve the visibility of the organisation’s electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Mackay also boasts the nationally recognised ‘Bluewater Trail’ urban cycle network which includes quality end of trip facilities for cyclists.

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

Mackay Regional Council has endorsed the Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2017-2022 that provides the framework and identifies priorities for energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport and broader sustainability in the Mackay region.

Council recently approved the installation of 1.7MW of solar PV generation at 21 council sites which will be completed within the 2018/19 financial year. Council will continue to investigate opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable transport options that will benefit ratepayers and reduce carbon emissions.

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

Mackay Regional Council has joined the Cities Power Partnership to showcase our achievements to date and continue to improve sustainability outcomes for our organisation and community. We look forward to partnering with other councils to share and grow the collective knowledge within our respective communities and across the local government sector more broadly.

Pledges

Council has committed to the following Cities Power Partnership pledges:

Renewable energy
Install renewable energy (solar PV and battery storage) on council buildings.
Power council operations by renewable energy, and set targets to increase the level of renewable power for council operations over time.
Energy Efficiency
Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures across all council buildings, and support community facilities to adopt these measures.
Sustainable Transport
Support cycling through provision of adequate cycle lanes, bike parking and end-of-ride facilities.
Work Together and Influence
Support local community energy groups with their community energy initiatives.

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