Shire of Northam
Is a Power Partner
The Shire President, Cr Chris Antonio advised that increasing knowledge of sustainability and renewable energy throughout the community is a positive step for the Shire of Northam. In recent times, the Shire of Northam has undertaken a number of sustainability projects on its own facilities and believes that the Cities Powers Partnership will assist to improve the general knowledge throughout the community. The Shire of Northam includes a wide variety of towns, lifestyle lots and broad acre farming areas that provide a unique opportunity for increasing both small scale and larger commercial sustainability projects. The Shire of Northam looks forward to being an active participant in the Cities Power Partnership
Council has chosen the following 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.
Energy efficiency
Roll out energy efficient lighting across the municipality.
Sustainable transport
Support cycling through provision of adequate cycle lanes, bike parking and end-of-ride facilities.
sustainable transport
Reduce or remove minimum car parking requirements for new housing and commercial developments where suitable public transport alternatives exist.
Shire of Northam
What council has achieved in the past in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability.
In recent times Council has undertaken the installation of solar PV systems in a number of its amenities and facilitated the approval for the biggest shopping centre PV installation in Western Australia (some 2211 solar panels). The Perdaman Group’s solar installation generates a million kilowatts annually (40% of its energy use) and is the first shopping centre to place solar panels above the car parking area to provide additional shade to its patrons.
As part of its commitment to sustainability the Shire of Northam is a recognised “Waterwise Council” that promotes the conservation of water. Planning is currently being undertaken for the extension of the reuse water scheme to further increase the use of treated wastewater which currently provides 74% (191ML) of the council’s requirement.
What council hopes to achieve in the future in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport or broader sustainability.
As indicated above, the Council is currently investigating increased usage of the recycled water, different energy sources for a number of its major facilities and encouraging landowners to adopt broader sustainability principals. Given our location, climate and geographical characteristics the use of renewable energy is seen as a major opportunity moving forward. Increasing Council and the general communities understanding of energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability principals is an expected positive outcome.
What council hopes to gain from being a member of the Cities Power Partnership.
The Shire of Northam is proud to have the opportunity to be affiliated with the Cities Power Partnership initiative. The Cities Power Partnership will greatly assist the Shire in fulfilling environmental energy objectives that are integrated within the framework of the Shire’s corporate strategy. The Shire anticipates the many benefits that are achievable with the collaboration of local governments and the ability to utilise best practise knowledge, information and tools to assist in the implementation of programs and practices that will create a resilient community that can progress into the future.