Date: 28 June 2021

Wollongong Council tonight voted to switch to 100% renewable energy, with an amendment from Greens Councillor Mithra Cox, ensuring that it would be 100% renewable power from day 1 of the contract. 

There was a second option available, to gradually increase the amount of renewable energy, and only achieve 100% by 2030. 

“This is such an important step for Council - it will be a major reduction in our overall emissions, and mean that we can begin transitioning to electric vehicles, trucks and equipment like mowers, Cr Cox said. 

“After declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Council set targets to reduce our emissions to net zero by 2030. 

“Our two most significant actions to achieving this so far have been rolling out fogo, and getting methane producing food scraps out of landfill, and now switching to renewable electricity. 

“It is so satisfying to be able to implement local solutions to global problems like climate change. 

“Not only will this decision slash our emissions, it will also save us money, as the proposed green power is cheaper than our current contract for coal fired electricity. 

“Our community has asked us to act on the climate emergency, and we have show how much can be done at a local level, even in the absence of federal government leadership,” Cr Cox said.  

More information: Mithra Cox 0419 720 322