New partnership to help tackle climate change across Australian towns and cities


Released 25/07/2017

The ACT Government today joined the Cities Power Partnership which will transform Australia’s energy future from the ground up by enabling local councils to rapidly decrease carbon emissions and prevent worsening climate change impacts.

“I’m pleased to announce the ACT is one of 35 cities and regional councils across Australia who today signed up to be part of a national movement for climate action,” Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said. “The Cities Power Partnership is a positive way to sidestep political roadblocks and red tape.

“Canberra is leading the nation with our progressive targets of 100% renewable electricity by 2020, reducing emissions by 40% by 2020, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Many other cities and councils across Australia are also taking the lead on climate change in the absence of ambitious national action.

“The responsibility for climate action is not one that can be done in isolation. It is increasingly clear that to achieve real progress you need to seek partners and share experiences.

“Like many other successful cities and councils we want to tell our good news stories and learn from others about new and better ways of doing things.

“This new partnership will enable the participating 35 cities and councils to identify opportunities for clean energy technology, energy efficiency and ways to adapt to a changing climate. Participants will get access to a national knowledge hub, be partnered with cities to share learnings, and be better connected with community energy groups.

“It will help us deal with issues such as transport, environment, water and climate change adaptation in a cooperative fashion. An example could be the electrification of our vehicles to reduce emissions. Clearly to encourage long distance travel in electric vehicles there needs to be re-charge points along the way – something which would require the cooperation of local councils and cities.

“Through working together we’ll be able to showcase the incredible achievements of cities in national, local and social media to millions and share their success with a community of over 200,000 members and supporters.”

- Statement ends -

Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

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