Council’s sustainability team wins national award

Cairns Regional Council has been recognised on the national stage for its efforts to cut emissions and community engagement on climate action.

The only Queensland council to win an award at the Cities Power Partnership Awards, Council’s sustainability team was awarded the Climate Champion Award.

Council's winning sustainability team (from left) Sophie Barrett, Will McDonald, Deb Wellington, Dan Walton, Michelle O'Loughlin and Daniel Stronggrove.The Awards, run by the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership, took place yesterday, and recognised the work of the climate heroes in local governments across the country, in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, community engagement, ambition, collaboration and innovation.

Acting Mayor Terry James said Council was committed to taking action on climate change and commended the work of the sustainability team.

“We have a passionate sustainability team working hard to reduce carbon emissions within Council including developing a Climate Change Strategy for Cairns,” Cr James said.

“This award acknowledges the work being done to deliver a strategy that reduces our net emissions and ensuring our community is involved, informed and committed at every step of the way.

“We have looked to particularly involve our young people in our strategy through our Youth Climate Summits; the only such summits held by a local council in Australia.

“We all have a part to play in protecting our planet, starting with our own backyard.”

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