As a consequence of being a founding member of the Cities Power Partnership program, Kiama Council has announced its five pledges to act on Climate Change.

Kiama’s Climate Change Pledges

• Install renewable energy systems (like solar PV and battery storage) on Council facilities
• Creation of a revolving green energy fund to finance internal projects
• Adopt best practice energy efficiency measures within Council and support community organisations to do so
• Provide fast or other charging infrastructure for electric vehicles at key locations
• Set municipality level renewable energy or emissions reduction targets

Edited version – full text available on Council’s website

“I am really pleased that energy efficiency has become a priority,” says Councillor Andrew Sloan who has long championed the cause.

“It has got to the point where it makes economic sense for community members, businesses and Council to try and become more energy efficient.

“I believe that Council needs to be seen to be a leader in the field of transitioning to renewable energy and becoming more sustainable.”

While the pledges have no timeframe, Cllr Sloan says that work has begun to implement them.

“We have already created a $315,000 Green Energy Revolving Fund which will be used to fund panels on our facilities from 2018.

“The Library will be the first to get the panels, and the idea is that the energy savings made from this investment will be channelled back into the Fund so other facilities, like the Leisure Centre, can be solarised.”

He also says that talks are already being held with the NRMA and property owners about the installation of fast charging stations for cars.

“I expect that we will have a few of them located around town in 18 months.”

With regard to the issue of setting renewable energy or emissions targets for the Municipality as a whole, Cllr Sloan says, “We will be working closely with the community to work out whether to aim for carbon neutrality or something less.”