Orange City Council’s renewable energy upgrade of Wade Park is a finalist in the Cities Power Partnership’s fifth annual national Climate Awards.
The awards recognise the work of local governments paving the way to a zero-carbon future.
The $993K Wade Park project was funded by the NSW Government’s Regional Sport Facility Fund and included installing a string of energy efficiency projects as well as female-friendly upgrades to the toilets, showers and changerooms, upgrades to the referee room to provide areas for men and women and transforming the old canteen.
Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee chair, Cr David Mallard is delighted to hear that Wade Park is a finalist in two award categories.
ENERGY: Cr David Mallard and Cr Tammy Grennhalgh take a close look at Orange’s newest solar array on the roof of the cricket centre at Wade Park
“The installation of a solar array, LED field lighting, batteries and an innovative water heating system makes Wade Park Orange’s first sporting venue that has net zero energy use,” Cr Mallard said.
“It’s a credit to everyone who’s been a part of this project that Wade Park will be a finalist in both the Renewable Energy Achievement Award and the Community Choice award.
“As well as delivering energy efficiency now, this project will help build the business case to tackle new renewable projects into the future.”
Finalists were selected from entries submitted by rural townships and capital cities across seven award categories including renewable energy, energy efficiency, collaboration and innovation.
Cities Power Partnership Director Dr Portia Odell congratulated Orange City Council for making the final shortlist for the awards.
“From councils collaborating to source 100 per cent renewable energy to power their operations, to supporting low-income households to install solar panels and insulate their homes, our finalists are leading the way,” Dr Odell said.
“These local champions are a critical part of Australia’s climate solution. It’s time to celebrate the climate heroes in local government, who are helping their communities to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and creating a better future.”
The winners will be announced at the Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government 2023 on Thursday 7 September in Melbourne.
The Climate Summit is the premier climate and energy event for local government leaders in Australia.
It will explore opportunities in clean transport, clean energy transformation, climate risk, building resilience and adapting to climate change, and working together for greater impact.
Orange is a finalist in two categories:
Renewable Energy Achievement Award
○ Brimbank Council, VIC – Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
○ City of Mitcham, VIC – Community Renewables Program
○ Orange City Council, NSW – Wade Park: Net Zero Sports Precinct
Community Choice Award
○ Orange City Council, NSW – Wade Park: Net Zero Sports Precinct
○ ACT Government – Australian-first Household Electrification Digital Experience
○ Brighton Council, TAS – Reduced Emissions from Upgraded Waste Infrastructure and Services
○ City of Canning, WA – Wharf Street Basin
○ Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges, VIC – My Energy and Water Saver Kits
○ Merri-bek City Council, VIC – Solar Thermal Program
○ City of Mitcham, VIC – Community Renewables Program
People can vote in the Community Choice award online.
The Cities Power Partnership is a free national program created by the Climate Council that celebrates and accelerates the emission reduction and clean energy successes of Australia in towns and cities.
