The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has announced it will switch to renewables for the largest of its energy accounts from February next year.
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The decision received unanimous support from Council, and will see green power delivered through an aggregated electricity agreement brokered by the WA Local Government Association (WALGA), accessing renewable energy from three WA wind farms in Albany, Emu Downs and Collgar.
Shifting to 100 percent renewable energy is the single biggest step the Shire can make towards achieving its 2030 net zero target.
- Katie Biggs, Sustainability Planning Officer - AMR Shire
Katie Biggs, Sustainability Planning Officer at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River said she was proud of the new deal.
"A key action in our Climate Action Plan is the purchase of green power," she said.
"Shifting to 100 percent renewable energy is the single biggest step the Shire can make towards achieving its 2030 net zero target."
Nick Logan, Shire Director for Sustainable Development and Infrastructure agreed it was a significant step forward.
"We know that reducing our carbon emissions is a vital issue for our community and we'll do everything we can to drive our emissions down," he said.
"We're determined to continue to find new and innovative ways to support positive climate action."
The agreement was also supported by fiscal considerations.
"By working together with other Local Governments across the state, our Shire will benefit from reduced costs due to the ability to pool our purchasing power," said Mr. Logan.
The new agreement will provide green power for around 65 percent of the Shire's electricity needs with a view to transitioning smaller sites and streetlights to renewables next.
The project is the first stage of a larger Energy Sustainability and Renewables Project being coordinated through the WA Local Government Association.
Future stages will include electric vehicles, energy efficiency and load shifting.
