SHOALHAVEN MAYOR Amanda Findley took out top honours for her work on the climate change frontline at the national Cities Power Partnership Awards last night.
Mayor Findley was this year's Climate Ambassador award winner in recognition of her leadership driving climate action and keeping climate on the national agenda in the wake of the Black Summer 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.
Robert Horner, Shoalhaven Water Executive Manager said Mayor Amanda Findley has been a strong advocate for a number of sustainable energy projects led by Shoalhaven City Council, the local community and businesses.
"Mayor Findley supported the large solar farm initiated by the local community energy group, Repower Shoalhaven, which is now under construction at South Nowra. Council's own solar panel installations, now reaching almost 1 megawatt in capacity, has also been widely promoted by Mayor Findley," said Mr Horner.
"She has been instrumental in guiding Shoalhaven Council's sustainable energy and climate change policy initiatives, such as driving a fully electric vehicle and establishing a Revolving Energy Fund. Mayor Findley is also an active participant in the Recovery into Resilience bushfire recovery project meetings to fit out 19 community village halls as Local Information Hubs with secondary power sources (solar PV and battery) and satellite communications during natural disasters."
Dr Portia Odell, director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Mayor Findley on her award, noting that the Shoalhaven Mayor shone in a competitive field of entrants.
"It is hard to imagine a more committed, consistent and passionate climate ambassador than Mayor Findley. She 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.
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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