Cities Power Partnership seeks new councils to boost climate progress

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The Cities Power Partnership currently has an opening for 30 new councils looking for support on climate, transport and energy projects to join. The program has grown rapidly, with 105 councils representing over 11 millions Australians joining the alliance in just under two years.

Local residents can nominate their council to join the program – something that new Cities Power Partnership director David Craven said has been hugely popular.

“We’ve had many nominations for new councils come in from people in the community who are keen to see their council take action on climate change,” he said.

“We are looking for councils of all shapes and sizes to join the Cities Power Partnership, from the largest metropolitan boroughs through to tiny rural shires.”

“If you’re keen to see your local council charge ahead with tackling climate change, or if you live in a trailblazing local government area who could share their knowledge with other councils, get in touch with us.”

Councils who join the Cities Power Partnership commit to five actions to tackle climate change, from renewable energy through to sustainable transport, within the first six months of joining the program.

Councils are then supported with expert advice and resources, including access to Australia’s only online forum for local government climate projects, as well as bespoke access to Azility, a comprehensive emissions reporting platform.

Some of the success stories coming out of Cities Power Partnership councils include communities setting 100% renewable energy and emissions reductions targets and developing climate solutions including solar bulk buys, investment in large scale renewable energy and even development of Australia’s largest floating solar farm.

Carole Hammond, sustainability manager at Strathbogie Shire Council, one of the founding members of the Cities Power Partnership, said that the opportunity to connect with other councils through the Partnership has helped Strathbogie to charge ahead with its climate strategy.

“Strathbogie Shire Council is a rural Victorian municipality with a small population and a large, diverse land-mass. Our residents are already grappling with the realities of climate change,” she said.

“We’re already benefiting from the expert support from the Cities Power Partnership, growing important network links from other councils throughout Australia, opening up funding opportunities, and growing our reputation throughout the environment and sustainability sector.”

Councils interested in finding out more about the Cities Power Partnership can visit  https://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/join/