#GreatNewsThursday: Mayor Binks makes the finals of national climate awards

Mayor Cr Laura Binks is a finalist in the Cities Power Partnership’s fifth annual national Climate Awards, which recognise the work of local governments paving the way to a zero-carbon future.

Mayor Binks is a Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative) finalist. Cr Binks has been recognised as a finalist due to her ongoing media and advocacy efforts in promoting climate action.

Mayor Binks said she was delighted to hear the announcement.

“I am excited to be nominated for the Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Ambassador Award,” she said.

“At Strathbogie Shire Council we are committed to a sustainable organisation that leads in climate resilience and mitigation. There is lots we can do, and are doing, to meet our goals within our climate action plan.

“Additionally, the opportunities I’ve taken to advocate for bigger projects such as the Greening Euroa Project and ensuring energy security through renewable energy projects and community battery programs is a great way to ensure that the communities of Strathbogie Shire Council are climate resilient.

“It was an absolute joy to work with passionate Euroa community groups committed to environmental sustainability and climate action with Euroa winning the Victorian Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Awards and going through to being a finalist at the National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Awards.”

Finalists were selected from entries submitted by diverse communities from rural townships through to capital cities across seven award categories including renewable energy, energy efficiency, collaboration and innovation.

Dr Portia Odell, Director of the Cities Power Partnership, congratulated Mayor Binks for making the final shortlist for the awards, saying this year’s entries reflect a new level of climate action and ambition amongst local governments.

“From councils collaborating to source 100 percent 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,” she 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.

For more information visit https://citiespowerpartnership.org.au/cppsummit-2023

FULL LIST OF 2023 FINALISTS

• Energy Efficiency Achievement Award
  • Brimbank Council, VIC – Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre
  • City of Onkaparinga, SA – Green Building Initiative
  • Merri-bek City Council, VIC – Solar Thermal Program
• Climate Champion Award (council staff)
  • Alexandrina Council, SA – Alex Climate Champions
  • Katie biggs, Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Sustainability Planning Officer, WA
  • Yarra Ranges Council, VIC – Climate Action Team
  • Logan City Council, QLD – Health, Environment and Waste Branch staff
• Collaboration Award
  • City of Greater Bendigo, VIC – Greater Bendigo Climate Collaboration
  • Merri-bek City Council, VIC – Electrify everything Community of Practice
  • Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC), NSW – 25 Councils Collaborate for Renewable Energy
  • Yarra City Council, VIC – Business Renewables Buying Group
• Innovation Award
  • ACT Government – Australian-first Household Electrification Digital Experience
  • City of Canning, WA – Wharf Street Basin
  • Shoalhaven City Council, NSW – Recovery into Resilience Project
• Climate Ambassador Award (elected representative)
  • Wagga Wagga City Council, NSW – Deputy Mayor Jenny McKinnon
  • Strathbogie Shire Council, VIC – Mayor Laura Binks
  • Tweed Shire Council, NSW – Mayor Chris Cherry
• Battler Award
  • Brighton Council, TAS – Reduced Emissions from Upgraded Waste Infrastructure and Services
  • Mildura Rural City Council, VIC – Electrifying Mildura
  • Shoalhaven City Council, NSW – Climate Resilient Shoalhaven: Battling bushfires, floods and storms
• 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

About the Cities Power Partnership

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.

Website: Cities Power Partnership  Twitter: @CPP_Au

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Cities Power Partnership awards recognise councils demonstrating climate mitigation action across the listed 39 action pledge items under the Cities Power Partnership. Each of the 7 categories were judged to ensure their respective criteria were met.