SHOALHAVEN SHINES BRIGHT AT NATIONAL CLIMATE AWARDS
SHOALHAVEN City Council has taken out a national climate gong for energy efficiency 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.
Shoalhaven took top honours for its 'A ray of light still shines bright in the Shoalhaven' project that includes a range of clean energy initiatives with a focus on energy efficiency.
Shoalhaven City Council's Mayor Amanda Findley said she was delighted to hear the announcement.
"I'm thrilled Council has been recognised for its adoption of a series of sustainable energy efficiency and renewable energy projects aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050," Clr Findley said.
"Some of the recent projects included trialing three fully electric vehicles in its fleet, installation of over 400 kW of solar panels across 10 sites, commencing a revolving energy fund, replacing 4,200 street lights with energy saving LEDs and supporting Repower Shoalhaven's community energy solar farm.
"It goes to show that even regional Councils can play a big role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and embracing clean energy to help generations to come."
Awards host, ABC Fight for Planet A presenter Craig Reucassel congratulated Shoalhaven City Council, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of energy efficiency in a competitive field of entrants.
"It's great to see Shoalhaven continue to lead on climate solutions despite being faced with the immediate challenges of COVID-19, bushfires and floods," 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.
"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 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
