The Northern Rivers Joint Organisation (NRJO) has won $253,200 in funding under Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) grant program.
The Organisation says the investment will fund the employment of a dedicated staff member to lead net zero initiatives across the NRJO and its member councils for the next 18 months.
It marks the third consecutive year that NRJO has received a grant through the JONZA program, demonstrating its continued progress and commitment to climate action in the region.
The NRJO, comprising seven member councils in the region, is focused on reducing emissions – particularly those from high-impact sectors such as energy, transport, and construction.
“The communities of the Northern Rivers are unfortunately seeing and feeling the impacts of climate change through more frequent storms, floods and drought and we know it is important to do what we can,” Chair of the NRJO and Tweed Shire Council Mayor, Chris Cherry.
“That is why NRJO is prioritising a regional approach to reducing emissions in the Northern Rivers, while continuing to improve efficiencies and cost savings. It is great to see the investment over a longer period by the state government as we transition to lower emissions transport and electricity options.
“By working together in partnership through the NRJO, we can achieve more for our communities and deliver stronger environmental and economic outcomes for the region.”
NRJO Executive Officer, Phillip Rudd said the Net Zero Manager funded through the grant will help drive regional net zero priorities.
“The JONZA grant provides a valuable opportunity to address the resourcing challenges our member councils face,” he said.
In Round 2 of the program, the Net Zero Manager identified significant potential electricity savings and worked with the councils on energy efficiency and cost-reduction initiatives.
“As part of their focus on fleet emissions, the ‘Powering Up Northern NSW – EV Charging Solutions’ report was released to assist councils with fleet electrification. Six councils also participated in a successful trial of a Foton 6-tonne electric tipper truck.
“Additionally in Round 2, the ‘Community Renewable Options’ report was released, which explores the role of councils in advancing community-based batteries and renewable energy solutions.”
“The councils have also been supported with emissions baseline calculations and new tools to guide future emissions reduction programs.”
Mr Rudd said the funding will help build on the NRJO’s strategic goals.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to continue working closely with the Net Zero Manager over the next 18 months on important environmental and economic objectives for our region.”
The JONZA program is a capacity-building initiative delivered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). It is designed to support regional councils in reducing emissions and contributing to the state’s targets: a 50% reduction
by 2030, 70% by 2035, and net zero by 2050.
Emily Yip, Director of Sustainability and Circular Economy Partnerships at DCCEEW, said: “Funding provided to the nine Joint Organisations – covering over 70 regional councils – will enable each JO to employ a full-time staff member for up to 18 months to lead net zero efforts
in their region.”
“Projects will include developing council emissions baselines, reviewing electricity tariffs to identify savings, supporting solar PV and battery uptake, and creating EV policies.”
By funding all nine JOs, the program ensures that over 70% of regional NSW councils will receive targeted support, highlighting the state’s commitment to regional decarbonisation.
The grants form part of the NSW Government’s Sustainable Councils program, which helps local governments reduce emissions, save energy and money, and work toward net zero.
Joint Organisations play a critical role in strengthening collaboration between State and local governments. By combining resources and addressing regional challenges collectively, JOs enable stronger service delivery and better outcomes for local communities.
More information on the JONZA program is available at: https://netzeronsw.smartygrants.com.au/JONZARound3.
