18 NOVEMBER 2021
NORTHERN BEACHES Council took out a national climate gong for its work rolling out renewable energy and storage across the region at the prestigious Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said he was delighted to hear the announcement.
“Northern Beaches Council is accelerating the transition to renewable energy and net zero through its flagship Environment & Climate Change Strategy. Delivering priority corporate renewable energy actions has achieved an 80% corporate emission reduction with an estimated $2.4M in savings over 7 years while also supporting renewable energy access and uptake in our community,” Mayor Regan said.
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell congratulated Northern Beaches Council, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of a council embracing clean energy in a competitive field of entrants.
“It’s great to see Northern Beaches lead on climate solutions and demonstrate how councils can roll out renewable energy and storage initiatives,” Dr Odell said.
“The local climate solutions on display at these awards are tangible proof that Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change and play a critical role delivering climate solutions in Australia.”
“The best part is that when one council finds a solution, many more can follow. As we see through innovative renewable energy deals or novel ways to help the community transition to net zero emissions, this sector is leading the way with practical local climate solutions.”
The Cities Power Partnership Awards celebrated outstanding work from local governments in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement, ambition, collaboration and innovation.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: Northern Beaches Council, NSW – Northern Beaches Goes Renewable
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
Winner: Georges River Council, NSW – Working towards net zero emissions
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: ACT Government, ACT – Zero Emissions Fleet Transition
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: City of Adelaide, SA – Sustainability Incentives Scheme Enabling Community Emissions Outcomes
Innovation Award
Winner: Greater Dandenong City Council, VIC – Net zero emissions in Council infrastructure and assets bids
Ambition Award
Winner: Mornington Peninsula Shire, VIC – Climate Emergency Plan “Ensuring our Future”
Collaboration Award
Winner: Darebin City Council, VIC – Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO)
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Shoalhaven City Council, NSW – Mayor Amanda Findley
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Cairns Regional Council Sustainability Team, QLD
Highly Commended: Hunter Joint Organisation, NSW
Community Choice Award
Winner: Borough of Queenscliffe, VIC – Community-led climate emergency response plan
ENDS
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Cities Power Partnership awards recognise councils demonstrating climate mitigation action across the listed 37 action pledge items under the Cities Power Partnership. Each of the 9 categories were judged to ensure their respective criteria were met.
Judges
- Damon Gameau, Film director, author and presenter
- Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO, Next Economy
- Dr Simon Bradshaw, Head of Research, Climate Council
- Pam Townshend, Former Shire President, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Western Australia
