However, it is not the case at the local level of government where Bega Valley Shire Council is involved in a partnership that has taken out top honours for knowledge sharing at the inaugural Cities Power Partnership Summit Awards.

The five-council partnership, made up of Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Kiama Councils, was recognised for ground-breaking collaboration in developing a strong, regional climate response for South Eastern NSW.

The awards recognise the work being done in local government to transform Australia’s energy landscape.

South east councils were among the first to sign up to the Cities Power Partnership last year. The Cities Power Partnership is a free national program created by the Climate Council that celebrates the pollution reduction and clean energy successes of Australia in towns and cities.

Mayor Kristy McBain said the councils were dealing with very similar concerns and challenges, and sharing their expertise and experiences was one of the most powerful tools they had.

Of course renewables are no stranger in this part of the world as we have had the well-supported Clean Energy for Eternity campaign running for a number of years.  

The Tathra community has seen 250 kilowatts of renewable energy installed at the sewage treatment plant, schools, the football club and many other public buildings.

Alix Pearce, director of the Cities Power Partnership, said the range of climate solutions coming out of Australia’s councils was staggering.

“These local heroes are stepping up and getting the job done, in the face of continuing federal climate inaction. It’s time to celebrate these quiet achievers, who are working at the climate frontline and helping their communities to drive down local greenhouse gas pollution.”

So with the community and local government firmly committed to the principles of renewable energy and the need to act on climate change, you must wonder what exactly it will take to make the federal government take notice.