8 SEPTEMBER 2023
THE CITY OF MITCHAM took out two national climate gongs for its work rolling out renewable energy and storage across the region 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.
City of Mitcham Mayor, Dr Heather Holmes-Ross Mayor said she was proud to take home both the Community Choice and Renewable Energy Achievement Award for council’s Community Renewables Program.
“Our Community Renewables Program is an Australian first and is helping our community shift to renewable energy. We are reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy adoption, and easing the cost-of-living pressures,” Dr Holmes-Ross said.
“Over 780 residents are now accessing renewable energy in their homes which is equal to offsetting a total of three fossil fuel power plants. We are pushing the boundaries of what a community can achieve.”
“Our next steps are even more exciting. We are planning a commercial bulk buy, a Mitcham exclusive virtual power plant and a community energy plan to transform the city into a self-sustaining power hub."
The Community Choice Award winner was decided by over one thousand Australians voting for their favourite climate project.
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell congratulated the City of Mitcham, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of a council embracing clean energy in a competitive field of entrants.
“This program showcases the City of Mitcham's leadership in community-led renewable energy and it’s fantastic to see them take home 2 awards for it,” 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 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
