8 SEPTEMBER 2023
THE SHIRE OF AUGUSTA MARGARET RIVER’s Sustainability Planning Officer took home top honors at the national 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.
Sustainability Planning Officer Katie Biggs was highly commended in this year’s Climate Champion Award, recognised for her role driving strong local action on climate.
Katie Biggs said she was thrilled to be highly commended for the Climate Champion award.
“I feel so lucky to work in a role that I’m really passionate about with the support of such an amazing community,” Ms Biggs said.
“The Shire has set an ambitious Net Zero 2030 target for corporate and community emissions. We have made some big reductions recently and are on track to reach our corporate goals. I’m heading home inspired and energised, ready to tackle those challenging community emissions with renewed enthusiasm.”
Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Katie Biggs on her award, noting that she shone in a competitive field of entrants.
“It’s amazing to see Katie use her role to drive strong local action on climate and to advocate for broader action beyond the shire boundaries. Katie has made a significant contribution to local emissions reduction leading a range of projects including energy efficiency upgrades, electric vehicles and community education,” Dr Odell said.
“Augusta Margaret River is 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 victoria@climatecouncil.org.au
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
