CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL'S Sustainability team took out top honours for their work driving the city's climate response at the national Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
The Sustainability team is this year's Climate Champion award winner recognising their commitment to cutting emissions and educating the community on climate change, while also supporting local industries to transition to a low emissions economy.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia's energy landscape.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said he was proud that the team was recognised for their dedication.
"We have a passionate sustainability team working hard to reduce carbon emissions within Council including developing a Climate Change Strategy for Cairns.
"One of our highest priorities in delivering the strategy is making sure our community is involved, informed and committed at every step of the way, particularly our young people at our Youth Climate Summits, the only such summits held in Australia. Everyone has a part to play in protecting our planet."
Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated the Cairns Sustainability team on their award, noting that they shone in a competitive field of entrants.
"Council's Sustainability team has made a significant contribution to local emissions reduction leading a range of projects including energy efficiency upgrades and installing large scale solar. They've also successfully engaged the community through multiple community education workshops on topics like sustainable transport and delivered a Youth Climate Summit," Dr Odell said.
"Cairns is 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 Cities Power Partnership Awards celebrated outstanding work from local governments in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement and innovation as well as individual climate champion awards.
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
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