
About the Council Net Zero Accelerator
The Council Net Zero Accelerator 2024 will run from February to May 2024. Delivered online, it is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge to develop a net zero pathway for their council. It also provides access to industry experts and practical support through guided discussions to inspire ambition and assist your council to achieve its net zero targets.
Course Snapshot
- Applications Open: Tuesday 7 November 2023
- Applications Close: 5pm Friday 1 December 2023
- Course Commences: Tuesday 13 February 2024
- Course Finishes: Tuesday 28 May 2024
- Click here to view course outline
Two program options are being offered:
Program | Time Commitment | Course Inclusions | Price per Person (includes GST) | Positions Available |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Council Net Zero Accelerator | 4-month program (approx. 3 hours per month. 12 hours total) | Includes: Monthly facilitated deep-dive sessions with expert speakers, Net Zero Essentials e-learning course, Discussion forum | Valued at $2,750. Thanks to a subsidy by NSW Government, successful applicants are only required to contribute a co-contribution of $330 incl. GST) per person. | 25 |
2. Net Zero Essentials e-learning course | Self-paced (approx. 4 hours to complete) | Net Zero Essentials e-learning course only | Fully funded by NSW Government (valued at $495 per person). | 30 |
The NSW Government is subsidising the course to support NSW councils to participate.
Who Can Apply?
The course is an initiative of the Joint Organisation Net Zero Accelerator (JONZA) program, and is open to member councils of the following Joint Organisations and Regional Organisations of Councils:
- Canberra Region JO
- Central NSW JO
- Far West JO
- Hunter JO
- Illawarra-Shoalhaven JO
- Mid North Coast JO
- Northern Rivers JO
- Riverina and Murray JO
- Riverina Eastern ROC
Who is this course best suited to?
This course is for those who wish to increase their knowledge of best practice in climate change mitigation. It is best suited for councils needing support to reduce energy and emissions.
This may include developing a net zero pathway, emissions inventory and opportunities identification. It is best suited to councils needing support undertaking these tasks, or where it may need improvement to align with best practice.
This is a practical course that will provide you with tools that you will use in your day-to-day role. As such, it is best suited for staff members with a direct responsibility for energy and climate change projects, either operationally or strategically.

Spaces are strictly limited
We’re capping attendance at just 25 participants for the Council Net Zero Accelerator to ensure an interactive and engaging learning experience.
Bonus Offer
Each successful applicant for the Council Net Zero Accelerator course will receive one additional free Net Zero Essentials e-learning course position for a colleague at their council, funded by the NSW Government. Having an additional staff member upskilling in this area will accelerate net zero outcomes for your council.
Net Zero Accelerator Course Testimonials
‘[the Accelerator has] increased my confidence and put an extra spring in my step…that we are heading down the right track…its reinforced to knuckle down and work with constraints but seize opportunities to deliver.’
‘My Director knowing I was doing the program gave me more credibility. And I guess just inherently having more confidence gave me more influence. When they asked me questions, in the past I might have wavered in my response, but having learnt all this stuff I said, ‘we definitely can achieve net zero and this is how we can do it.’
‘If you are looking for a program that demystifies Net Zero and decarbonisation and provides the building blocks to equipping your toolkit to develop this strategy within your business, you need to check out the Net Zero Emissions Leadership Accelerator Program. I was a part of the first cohort and absolutely loved the value-add provided by the program and facilitators. It gave me a deeper understanding around Net Zero and how to build a strategy around this.’ — Kaushik Sridhar, ESG Thought Leader.
For more information
If you would like to find out more, please contact Lexi Crouch, Net Zero Coordinator at Hunter JO at lexic@hunterjo.com.au
Apply Now
Complete the form below by 5pm Friday 1 December 2023 to apply for the Council Net Zero Accelerator or Net Zero Essentials e-learning course.
