LAKE MACQUARIE WINS NATIONAL CLIMATE AWARD
LAKE Macquarie City Council has taken out a national climate gong for sustainable transport at the national 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.
Lake Macquarie took top honours for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Strategy, a council-led initiative to see more electric vehicles on the road.
Tim Browne, Lake Macquarie City Council Environmental Systems Manager, said he was proud to have the council's forward-thinking Electric Vehicle Charging strategy recognised.
"Lake Macquarie is a geographically dispersed city that wraps around one of Australia's largest saltwater lakes, this can create challenges in keeping connected," Mr Browne said.
"We manage these challenges through our sustainable transport framework, which guides us in creating better public transport, walking and cycling facilities, and rolling out charging stations at key locations within the city."
"Lake Macquarie City Council is focussed on tackling climate change and we are continually working towards a more sustainable future. This award gives us the green light to do even more."
Awards host, ABC Fight for Planet A presenter Craig Reucassel congratulated Lake Macquarie entry, noting that the winning project was a shining example of sustainable transport in a competitive field of entrants.
"Lake Macquarie's strategy shows how local governments can create effective and practical sustainable transport solutions," Mr Reucassel said.
More than double the number of local governments entered the awards this year compared to last, showing how local governments are stepping up, even in the difficult circumstances of 2020, and playing a vital role in Australia's climate solution.
"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," Mr Reucassel said.
"From innovative renewable energy deals providing communities with abundant clean, reliable and cheap energy, to supporting communities' transition to net zero emissions, Cities Power Partnership councils are 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 and innovation as well as individual climate champion awards.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: City of Melbourne (VIC) - Melbourne Renewable Energy Project 2
Highly commended: City of Cockburn (WA) - Leading the way in WA
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
Winner: Shoalhaven City Council (NSW) - A ray of light still shines bright in the Shoalhaven
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: Lake Macquarie Council (NSW) - EV Charging Strategy 2020-2032
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: Inner West Council (NSW) - Go Solar
Innovation Award (metropolitan)
Joint Winner: Nillumbik Shire (VIC) - Hybrid solar and battery off-grid Community Stadium & Relief Centre
Joint Winner: Brisbane City Council (QLD) - Brisbane Metro Charging Strategy
Innovation Award (regional)
Winner: Sunshine Coast Council (QLD) - Blue Heart Sunshine Coast
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Mark Greenhill, Mayor, Blue Mountains City Council (NSW)
Highly commended: Belinda Coates, Deputy Mayor, City of Ballarat (VIC)
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: City of Yarra (VIC) - Sustainability Team
IMAGE GALLERY
