Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced Newcastle City Council’s ClimateCam International Test Laboratory initiative the best local government program in Australia at the National Awards for Local Government in Canberra on Wednesday 24 June 2009.

The ClimateCam suite of programs provides a partnership approach to climate change action and working with business, schools, residents and other councils through the TogetherToday cooperative is making a real impact.

The award is a great achievement for council and the Newcastle community.

The National Winners were selected by an independent judging panel from 21 Category Winners. All up, 233 entries were submitted by councils and shires across Australia.

The judges found the ClimateCam International Test Laboratory to be an example of best practice, showcasing the innovative ways local government serves local communities.

ClimateCam, developed as part of The City of Newcastle Greenhouse Action in Newcastle (GAIN) Plan, is positioning Newcastle and the Hunter as a leading international testing ground for the application of sustainable technology and practices. We are well on the way to becoming Australia’s most energy and water efficient region.

Newcastle has achieved outstanding reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with Council achieving a 13.6% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions below 1995 levels. The Newcastle community has also reduced their emissions by 20.2% below the projected 2008 business-as-usual scenario since 2001.

Council has reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 13.6% which is equivalent to 3,200 tonnes of carbon, below 1995 levels, despite having additional facilities and expanded operations during the measurement period, such as the Fred Ash administration building, the new Wallsend District Library, electric heating of the Lambton Pool and extended operating hours of the Beresfield and Stockton pools.

Over the next 12 to 18 months the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will showcase the initiative across the country.

National Award - Newcastle City Council, New South Wales
Project: ClimateCam - International Test Laboratory

Newcastle City Council developed the world's first greenhouse gas speedometer www.climatecam.com to measure and report progress on its local greenhouse action plan. The Council reports a 40% reduction in its electricity consumption based on 1995 levels. It has now developed a range of action-based learning programs to help the community and businesses achieve deep and sustainable reductions in energy and water consumption.