PARTNERSHIP UPPER Hunter Shire Council has pledged to become a “climate champion”, under a landmark new national initiative officially launched in Canberra last Wednesday. More than 35 councils from across the country, representing almost three million Australians have joined together to tackle climate change at a local level.
The Cities Power Partnership, created by the Climate Council of Australia, empowers councils to continue to undertake five or more projects and initiatives to slash emissions, from emissions reductions plans, switching to cleaner energy, building greener, efficient and more resilient communities.
Councillor Kiwa Fisher attended the launch and said it was a fascinating project. “The Cities Power Partnership is a landmark initiative giving all Australian councils actionable, realistic and effective solutions and methods to encourage clean energy technology, energy efficiency and sustainable transport at a local level,” he said. “The Cities Power Partnership is also a knowledge bank, a repository of contacts, ideas and possibilities.”
Council’s Sustainability Advisory Committee has recommended that solar photovoltaics and battery storage be installed on council buildings including the Scone Administration Centre, Early Learning Centre and Gummun Place Hostel in Merriwa as part of the Cities Power Partnership Pledge.
Council will also investigate the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure; meeting greenhouse gas emissions target in fleet purchases; encourage sustainable transport use (public transport, walking and cycling and an education and behavior change program for community and staff. For more information on sustainability initiatives in the Upper Hunter Shire visit the council’s Cities Power Partnership page
Climate Council CEO Amanda Mckenzie said the Cities Power Partnership aimed to amplify this work, helping councils to take concrete steps to dramatically curb their emissions and increase their renewable energy capacity, ensuring they’re set to thrive beyond fossil fuels.
This article first appeared in the Scone Advocate on 3 August 2017
