Cobar Shire Council has been named among the winners of the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards announced at Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney last week.
The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of NSW councils in their efforts to manage and protect the environment.
There were 32 winners across a wide variety of categories ranging from asbestos and waste management to natural environment protection, climate change action and community empowerment.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Cr Darriea Turley AM congratulated all the winners and said this year’s submissions were exceptional.
“The need to protect and enhance our environment has become one of the most critical challenges of the modern day, and these awards demonstrate how local councils across NSW are leading the way,” Cr Turley said.
“It’s important that we celebrate and recognise the amazing work being done by councils and council staff.
“It’s clear that councils are meeting environmental challenges head-on, with innovation and passion, achieving meaningful outcomes for their communities.”
Cobar Shire Council’s Water and Sewer Treatment Plants Solar Arrays project was the winner of the Division A category (for populations of less than 30,000).
The awards judges commended Cobar Shire for installing solar arrays at its water and sewer plants, which has enabled council to reduce emissions and operational costs in line with their net zero plan.
The project provides a model for sustainability in regional and remote areas of NSW.
Mayor Jarrod Marsden said he was proud of the significant step this project takes towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero goals for Council.
“The installation of two 100kW solar arrays at our water and sewage treatment plants was completed in early 2024 and showcases how Local Governments can lead by example in the transition to clean energy, even in remote locations,” Cr Marsden said .
He said the performance of the arrays is being monitored and evaluated as Council is exploring opportunities to expand this model to other Council assets, setting a new standard for sustainability in Local Government
operations.
“By harnessing solar power to operate these essential facilities, Council has been able to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as improving energy efficiency and cutting operational costs,” he said.
“Council has been working in collaboration with the Far North West Joint Organisation on the Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration project which is working with Councils in the far north west to help build capacity within Local Government to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“There are several successful elements to this project,” Cr Marsden said.
“We have reduced Council’s operational costs, we have shown these renewable energy projects are viable to our community and there is a positive impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
“That’s a win, win, win!”
