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Queenscliffe crowned climate leaders

Cities Power Partnership | Climate Council

BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE took out top honours for their work driving the region’s climate response at the national Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.

Queenscliffe is this year’s Community Choice award winner for its extensive engagement with the local community to co-develop a plan to take the region to net zero emissions by 2031.

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 Community Choice award is new in 2021, with the winner decided by over one thousand Australians voting for their favourite project.

Mayor Ross Ebbels said he was honoured that Australians voted Queenscliffe as this year’s Community Choice winner.

“It’s fitting that a project as community driven as our Climate Emergency Response Plan has received the Community Choice Award,” said Mayor Ebbels.

“Despite the Borough’s small size, we’re determined to play a big part in addressing the impact of climate change.”

Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Queenscliffe on their award, noting that they shone in a competitive field of entrants.

“Queenscliffe’s work on climate is testament that small councils can have a big impact. Their work genuinely engaging the community and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporationto collectively develop a plan to take the region to net zero is truly inspiring. I look forward to following their progress.”

“It’s wonderful to have had so many Australians voting for their favourite climate projects – from councils switching to electric power tools to encouraging sustainable transport at schools, Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change and play a critical role delivering climate solutions in Australia.”

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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/Public Release.