‘GO SOLAR’ FOR THE WIN AT NATIONAL CLIMATE AWARDS
INNER WEST Council has gained a national climate accolade for its community engagement at the prestigious Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
The Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Go Solar, a series of council-led community engagement initiatives, is this year’s Community Engagement award winner for its work increasing solar in the community by 11 per cent in the year from 2018-9 to 2019-20.
The initiative aims to break down barriers to help renters and apartment dwellers install solar in the Inner West.
Inner West Council’s Mayor Darcy Byrne said the program reflects Council’s commitment to make Inner West a national leader in environmental policy.
“Our Go Solar initiatives are part of our target to increase the amount of solar generated in our local government area by 1000 per cent, from 11 megawatts to 121 megawatts, over the next decade,” said Mayor Byrne.
“We also have committed to becoming 100 per cent carbon neutral in 2025, having already become the first council in Australia to achieve 100 per cent divestment from fossil fuels in June 2019.
“Inner West Council is taking serious actions on climate change by thinking globally but acting locally.”
Awards host, ABC Fight for Planet A presenter Craig Reucassel congratulated Inner West City Council, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of community engagement in a competitive field of entrants.
“Inner West’s initiatives shows how local governments can make massive inroads when it comes to driving more solar in communities, which deliver not only major emissions reductions but also significant cost savings for local residents and businesses,” 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: Next Gen Energy Storage Program, ACT Government
Winner:Energy Efficiency Achievement
Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme, ACT Government
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: Smart Moves Newcastle, City of Newcastle
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: The Butterfly Effect, Albert Park Kindergarten and City of Port Phillip
Project Financing Innovation Award
Winner: Carbon Revolving Reserve, Blue Mountains City Council
Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Cr Tony Wellington, Mayor of Noosa Shire Council
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Adam Clarke, Program Coordinator, City Innovation and Sustainability, City of Newcastle
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