BALLARAT DEPUTY MAYOR COMMENDED AT NATIONAL CLIMATE AWARDS
BALLARAT DEPUTY MAYOR Belinda Coates has taken out top honours for her work on the climate change frontline at the national Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards last night.
Coates was highly commended for the Climate Ambassador Award in recognition of her leadership driving climate action and emissions reduction in her community and beyond.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Dr Portia Odell, acting director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Deputy Mayor Coates and noted that her entry shone amongst tough competition.
“Deputy Mayor Coates has been an incredibly committed and passionate climate ambassador for many years now. She is consistently bringing climate to the top of the agenda, and is making massive inroads on Ballarat’s journey to net zero,” Dr Odell said.
More than double the number of local governments entered the awards this year compared to last, showing how local governments are rising to the challenges of climate change, even in the difficult circumstances of 2020, and playing a vital role in Australia’s climate solution.
“From innovative renewable energy deals that provide communities with clean, reliable and affordable energy, to supporting communities’ transition to net zero emissions, Cities Power Partnership councils are leading the way with practical local climate solutions,” Dr Odell said
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: City of Melbourne (VIC) – Melbourne Renewable Energy Project 2
Highly commended: City of Cockburn (WA) – Leading the way in WA
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
Winner: Shoalhaven City Council (NSW) – A ray of light still shines bright in the Shoalhaven
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award
Winner: Lake Macquarie Council (NSW) – EV Charging Strategy 2020-2032
Community Engagement Achievement Award
Winner: Inner West Council (NSW) – Go Solar
Innovation Award (metropolitan)
Joint Winner: Nillumbik Shire (VIC) – Hybrid solar and battery off-grid Community Stadium & Relief Centre
Joint Winner: Brisbane City Council (QLD) – Brisbane Metro Charging Strategy
Innovation Award (regional)
Winner: Sunshine Coast Council (QLD) – Blue Heart Sunshine Coast
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
Winner: Mark Greenhill, Mayor, Blue Mountains City Council (NSW)
Highly commended: Belinda Coates, Deputy Mayor, City of Ballarat (VIC)
Climate Champion Award (council staff)
Winner: City of Yarra (VIC) – Sustainability Team
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