8 SEPTEMBER 2023
ACT Government took out top honours for its first-of-its kind tool to support households to better understand the cost savings and benefits of electrifying their homes at the 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.
ACT’s digital tool, Make Your Next Choice Electric, is this year’s Innovation award winner.
Geoffrey Rutledge, Deputy Director General, Environment, Water and Emissions Reduction, ACT Government said they were thrilled to receive the Innovation Award.
“When the ACT Government announced our intention to phase out fossil fuel gas and electrify our city by 2045, our community were supportive, but many told us that they didn’t know where to start to transition their homes," said Mr Rutledge.
“The Make Your Next Choice Electric online tool was our response to this feedback. Through our partnership with CHOICE magazine, we’re helping Canberrans to develop their own tailored household electrification plan to turn off gas at a time that suits them and find the best energy efficient electric appliances for their needs.
“The tool is the first solution of its kind. It has already helped over 5,000 Canberrans to develop their own transition plan and better understand the benefits of electrification, whether its improving household bills or helping the environment.”
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell congratulated the ACT Government, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of innovation in a competitive field of entrants.
“Reducing community emissions is a big challenge but it’s no surprise to see the ACT Government tackle it. This tool demonstrates the power of innovative thinking to help the community switch to cleaner, more efficient products in their homes, ” 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 Cities Power Partnership Awards celebrated outstanding work from local governments in the fields including, renewable energy, energy efficiency, collaboration and innovation.
FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
Winner: Brimbank City Council, VIC - Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
Highly commended: Merri-bek City Council, VIC - Solar Thermal Program
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: Logan City Council, QLD - Health, Environment and Waste Branch staff
Highly commended: Katie Biggs, Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Sustainability Planning Officer, WA
Collaboration Award
Winner: Yarra City Council, VIC - Business Renewables Buying Group
Highly commended: City of Greater Bendigo, VIC - Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration
Innovation Award
Winner: ACT Government - Australian-first Household Electrification Digital Experience
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Tweed Shire Council, NSW - Mayor Chris Cherry
Battler Award
Winner: Shoalhaven City Council, NSW - Climate Resilient Shoalhaven: Battling bushfires, floods and storms
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
Winner: City of Mitcham, SA - Community Renewables Program
Community Choice Award
Winner: City of Mitcham, SA - Community Renewables Program
For more information contact Victoria on 0431 314 047 or [email protected]
ENDS
ABOUT THE AWARDS
The Cities Power Partnership awards recognise councils demonstrating climate mitigation action across the listed 38 action pledge items under the Cities Power Partnership. Each of the 8 categories were judged to ensure their respective criteria were met.
Judges
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Hollie Cheung Researcher, Climate Council
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Professor Josh Byrne Dean of Sustainable Futures, Faculty of Humanities, Curtin University
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Liz Owen Director, Jaragun Ecoservice
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Jerome Laxale MP Member for Bennelong & former City of Ryde Mayor