DAREBIN SHIRE Council took out top honours for spearheading the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) at the Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
VECO, the largest emissions reduction project ever undertaken by Australian local governments, coordinated 46 councils to make the switch to renewable energy under one long-term contract. The project, led by Darebin City Council and supported by officers from a range of Councils and the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances, is this year’s Collaboration award winner.
The Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country who are transforming Australia’s energy landscape.
Darebin Mayor Cr Lina Messina said she was delighted to see the commitment and leadership displayed by the team in Darebin recognised through the Cities Power Partnership awards.
“The team have spearheaded the largest ever emissions reduction project by local government in Australia whereby 46 Councils are pooling their electricity needs under one contract to purchase 100% renewable energy. This is equivalent to taking 90,000 cars off the road. I am incredibly proud of Darebin’s role in expanding Victoria’s renewable energy infrastructure,” Cr Messina said. The Collaboration Award goes to the council that best demonstrates how they are working together with their community or other councils for greater impact.
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell congratulated Darebin, noting that the winning entry was a shining example of collaboration in a competitive field of entrants.
“Partnerships like these are showing the impact local governments have when it comes to collaborating to create effective local strategies that can lead to huge emissions reductions,” said Dr Odell.
“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 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: Northern Beaches Council, NSW – Northern Beaches Goes Renewable
Energy Efficiency Achievement Award Winner: Georges River Council, NSW – Working towards net zero emissions
Sustainable Transport Achievement Award Winner: ACT Government, ACT – Zero Emissions Fleet Transition
Community Engagement Achievement Award Winner: City of Adelaide, SA – Sustainability Incentives Scheme Enabling Community Emissions Outcomes
Innovation Award Winner: Greater Dandenong City Council, VIC – Net zero emissions in Council infrastructure and assets bids
Ambition Award Winner: Mornington Peninsula Shire, VIC – Climate Emergency Plan “Ensuring our Future”
Collaboration Award Winner: Darebin City Council, VIC – Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO)
Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative) Winner: Shoalhaven City Council, NSW – Mayor Amanda Findley
Climate Champion Award (council staff) Winner: Cairns Regional Council Sustainability Team, QLD Highly Commended: Hunter Joint Organisation, NSW
Community Choice Award Winner: Borough of Queenscliffe, VIC – Community-led climate emergency response plan
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