BLUE MOUNTAINS MAYOR Mark Greenhill has taken out top honours for his work on the climate change frontline at the national Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
Mayor Greenhill took home the Climate Ambassador Award in recognition of his leadership driving climate action and keeping climate on the national agenda during last season’s catastrophic bushfires.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Mayor Greenhill said that he was honoured to be recognised as an Ambassador for the Cities Power Partnership.
“Blue Mountains City Council was one of the first councils in NSW to declare a climate emergency. Climate change and sustainability is at the centre of Council’s strategic planning,” Mayor Greenhill said.
“Last summer we experienced an unprecedented bushfire season and our city faced fires on three fronts.
“We are seeing the effects of climate change right now. It is supercharging natural disasters all around us. For the sake of both humanity and our natural world, we must all act.”
Dr Portia Odell, acting director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Mayor Greenhill on his award, noting that the Blue Mountains Mayor shone in a competitive field of entrants.
“It is hard to imagine a more committed, consistent and passionate climate ambassador than Mayor Greenhill. He was an early champion of climate change, and has continued to make tremendous inroads elevating climate change as a priority on a local, national and global scale,” 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.
“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,” Dr Odell said.
“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.”
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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