Tweed Shire Council is a finalist in the fourth annual Cities Power Partnership national Climate Awards, which recognise the work of local governments across Australia paving the way to a zero-carbon future.
Council is a finalist in the Renewable Energy Achievement Award category for developing a Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP) and putting that plan into action. The plan mapped out 3 phases of energy projects to reduce Council's corporate greenhouse gas emissions from grid electricity use by 25% by 2022, and 50% by 2025, from a 2016/2017 baseline.
In its category, Tweed is up against 3 finalists from local government areas in Sydney, including Blacktown City, the Northern Beaches and City of Canterbury Bankstown.
The award entry has also been included in one of 8 projects selected for the Community Choice Award. This is an accolade organised by the Climate Council and the Cities Power Partnership, with the winner to be decided by the community.
Council's Sustainability Program Leader Debbie Firestone said she was delighted to hear the announcement.
"We are so proud to have been selected as a finalist from the incredible list of projects entered into this year's awards. Every project highlights just how much councils are doing across the nation to lead by example and reduce emissions for their communities," Ms Firestone said.
"Since adopting our plan in October 2017, Council has added 607kW of solar generation capacity to 12 facilities, tripling our pre-REAP renewable energy generation capacity.
"So far, Council has reduced 2,341 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from grid electricity. This is equivalent to helping 130 average households reduce their annual emissions footprint to zero. At the same time, Council is also saving approximately $650,000 per year in electricity costs."
Ms Firestone urged the community to get behind Council's efforts by voting for Tweed in the Community Choice Awards.
"We know how passionate Tweed residents are about sustainability and making sure our Shire remains the special place it is," she said.
"We'd love it if residents could show their support for Council's efforts in leading the way by voting for us in the Community Choice Awards – let's show Australia what we can achieve if we put our minds to it!"
Director of the Cities Power Partnership Dr Portia Odell congratulated Tweed Shire Council for making the final shortlist for the awards, saying this year's entries reflect a new level of climate action and ambition amongst local governments.
"From councils collaborating to purchase 100% renewable energy in the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by Australian local governments, to shifting entire council fleets to zero emissions vehicles, our finalists are leading the way with local climate solutions," Dr Odell said.
Finalists were selected from entries submitted by diverse communities – from small rural townships through to capital cities – in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement, ambition, collaboration and innovation.
To vote for Council and see what others are doing to tackle climate change, visit Cities Power Partnerships Awards. Voting closes on Sunday 14 November.
The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony hosted by Australian broadcaster and comedian Craig Reucassel at 4 pm (NSW time) on Wednesday 17 November. All are invited to attend. Register here to join.
For a full list of categories and finalists, visit Cities Power Partnership
