Morning Peninsula Shire took out top honours for its ambitious Climate Emergency Plan at the Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
Mornington’s Climate Emergency Plan, which guides the Peninsula towards zero community carbon emissions by 2040, is this year’s Ambition award winner.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape. The Ambition award recognises councils that have bold, detailed plans for their climate change mitigation actions.
Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO, John Baker said he was delighted for the council’s plan to be recognised in this year’s awards.
“Our Climate Emergency Plan really sets the tone for our entire organisation and community to drive climate change action. After only one year of the plan being adopted, we’ve already seen an acceleration of climate action on the Mornington Peninsula, highlighted by the establishment of a community energy group, 22ha of bio links being created, the Shire achieving the launch of our , an expanded and the Solar and energy bulk buy program.”
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell congratulated the Mornington Peninsula Shire, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of ambition in a competitive field of entrants.
“A strong, ambitious plan is essential to ensuring steep carbon emission for councils. Mornington’s Climate Emergency Plan boasts an ambitious science-based target for corporate and community emissions and outlines clear actions to get there. It’s a great example of a plan that is forward thinking, aligned with the science and outcome-focussed” Dr Odell said.
“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 and play a critical role delivering climate solutions in Australia.”
“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: Northern Beaches Council, NSW –
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award Winner: Georges River Council, NSW –
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award Winner: ACT Government, ACT –
Community Engagement Achievement Award Winner: City of Adelaide, SA – Sustainability Incentives Scheme Enabling Community Emissions Outcomes
Innovation Award Winner: Greater Dandenong City Council, VIC –
Ambition Award Winner: Mornington Peninsula Shire, VIC –
Collaboration Award Winner: Darebin City Council, VIC –
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative) Winner: Shoalhaven City Council, NSW –
Climate Champion Award (council staff) Winner: Sustainability Team, QLD Highly Commended: Hunter Joint Organisation, NSW
Community Choice Award Winner: Borough of Queenscliffe, VIC –
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