Muswellbrook Shire has been named a statewide Bronze Partner of Sustainability Advantage for hitting 100% renewable energy for Council sites, cutting waste to landfill by a quarter and displaying sustainability leadership in the region.
The award, a recognition by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, is for commitment to sustainable practices and environmental leadership.
The Bronze Partner status reflects Council’s significant progress toward its targets including a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
The award follows several major sustainability successes including the transition to 100% renewable electricity across all Council sites, a Shire-wide upgrade to LED street lighting and the rollout of FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) collections, which have reduced waste to landfill by 24.5%.
Now implemented widely in the Hunter, FOGO is a state-mandated requirement for all NSW councils by 2030.
To achieve Bronze, organisations must undertake a sustainability diagnostic, establish baseline data, demonstrate progress toward clear environmental goals and integrate sustainability into strategic planning.
Mayor, Jeff Drayton welcomed the recognition for Council’s leadership in sustainability as consistent with the high standards it sets for all impacts on the community, from renewable energy projects to temporary worker accommodation.
“We’ve made real changes that cut waste, protect our community and reduce costs,” Mayor Drayton said.
“This Bronze recognition shows we’re leading, we’re on the right track, and we’re not stopping here.”
The Bronze Partner recognition also acknowledges the Council’s strategic investment in a fleet transition plan, energy efficiency upgrades, including lighting retrofits, and a comprehensive study into landfill gas capture systems. These actions align with the emissions reduction hierarchy that prioritises avoidance and mitigation before offsets.
Council’s Sustainability Officer, Tracy Ward, who led the application process, says it is great to have Council’s efforts acknowledged.
“We’re proud to be part of the Sustainability Advantage program. The Bronze Partner status reinforces our journey so far and motivates us to keep raising the bar,” Ms Ward said.
“It’s a great acknowledgement of the practical changes we’ve made, like cutting energy use, reducing waste, and switching to renewables, and it gives us momentum as we continue working toward Silver.”
