Eurobodalla and “buddies” win collaboration award

Eurobodalla, Bega Valley, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee, and Kiama councils have taken out a joint award at the inaugural Cities Power Partnership Summit at Kiama earlier this month.

The Knowledge Sharing Award, accepted by staff from each council, recognised the ‘Buddy Group’ that these five south-east NSW councils have formed to collaborate on environmental projects.

Since its inception in early 2018, the South East NSW Buddies Group has met three times to explore possible joint projects, such as the south-east electric highway proposal.

The group also shares knowledge to assist one another’s environment and energy projects, including Eurobodalla Council’s Emissions Reduction Plan and Wingecarribee Council’s Revolving Energy Fund.

Eurobodalla Council’s Sustainability Coordinator Mark Shorter said the neighbouring locations of the five local government areas meant they often faced similar concerns when it came to the environment.

“By working together, we are able to maximise our knowledge from nearby councils, and learn from one another as we work through barriers and possible solutions,” he said.

“By interacting more freely with colleagues in the wider south-east NSW region, we are able to work together on larger projects with greater efficiency.

“Being recognised with a Cities Power Partnership award for our collaborative approach is just the cherry on top,” Mr Shorter said.

The summit awards were hosted by the Climate Council and recognised outstanding initiatives undertaken by local councils across Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate climate mitigation action.

Eurobodalla Council was also shortlisted as a finalist for the Energy Efficiency Achievement Award, in recognition of its Emissions Reduction Plan.