MIDCOAST Council is part of a region-wide collaboration on climate goals, this week entering into a partnership with Australia’s largest local government climate network, the Cities Power Partnership.

The Hunter Joint Organisation (JO) has partnered with the Cities Power Partnership to enable collaboration and support in relation to clean energy initiatives in an effort to set the region up for a prosperous future.

JO chairwoman and Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said the agreement strengthened the Hunter’s reputation as a region that supported meaningful action on climate change.

“In order to make an impact on climate initiatives, our councils need to be able to support one another and coordinate our efforts to benefit our communities across the region. By partnering with Cities Power Partnership, our councils and the Hunter JO are ensuring that we take joint action for our region and our communities,” said Mayor Moore.

Port Stephens Council has also signed on.

“Working collaboratively, we aim to attract more funding, expertise and resources to support region-wide and council-specific projects such as electrifying council fleets where possible and boosting energy efficiency,” said Councillor Moore.

“In 2021, the Hunter became the first region in Australia to have all councils become members of the Cities Power Partnership, so it makes sense that we are also the first region that has committed to a Regional Partnership Agreement.”

Sustainable transport and ramped up renewable energy production will be among five actions the councils will pledge to, they include:

Supporting regional collaboration on electric vehicles by identifying opportunities and working together in delivering solutions; supporting evolution to a clean energy future by facilitating regional collaboration, planning and project delivery and/or information sharing; advocating for improved energy efficiency and reducing emissions in the Hunter region and; sharing knowledge and learning to boost impact.

Cities Power Partnership director Dr Portia Odell said councils should take the lead now.

“Local governments have an opportunity to get on the front foot of the global shift to clean energy and accelerate projects that will deliver local jobs quickly, drive new investment and tackle long term challenges like climate change,” she said.

The Hunter Joint Organisation member councils are: Cessnock City Council; Dungog Shire Council; Lake Macquarie City Council; Maitland City Council; MidCoast Council; Muswellbrook Shire Council; City of Newcastle; Port Stephens Council; Singleton Council and; Upper Hunter Shire Council.