Mayor wins climate award

Mayor Tony Wellington with his award.

Noosa Mayor Wellington this week took home the Cities Power Partnership Climate Ambassador Award in recognition of his leadership driving climate action and emissions reduction in the community and beyond.

The Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership Awards recognise the work of climate heroes in local governments across the country.

Cr Wellington said that he believed local governments needed to lead by example. “That’s why we’ve put in place an ambitious plan to take Noosa Shire Council to zero-net emissions by 2026,” he said.

“Everyone at council has been unanimous in their support for our actions and advocacy on this essential issue.

“If we don’t take action now, the costs of inaction are definitely going to be borne by residents and ratepayers everywhere.

“This is not being alarmist. Too many people focus discussions on sea level rise, where the greatest threat posed by climate change is what we’re collectively doing to the weather and the massive repercussions if global average temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees.”David Craven, director of the Cities Power Partnership director David Craven said it was hard to imagine a more committed, consistent and passionate climate ambassador than Mayor Tony Wellington. “He was an early champion of climate change and hasn’t wavered since,” he said.

“The local climate solutions on display at these awards are tangible proof that Australian communities are rising up to meet the challenges of climate change,” he said.

“From carbon-neutral kindergartens through to ambitious projects installing solar battery systems in thousands of homes and businesses, Cities Power Partnership councils are leading the way with practical local climate solutions.”

The Cities Power Partnership includes 110 local governments across Australia. Noosa Council was also a finalist for its Zero Net Emission (ZEN) by 2026 initiative in the Renewable Energy Achievement Award.