We’re thrilled to share that the NSW Government are continuing their investment in the Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) program into its second year. This pivotal initiative, which began in March 2023, is helping the 10 councils of the Hunter region in their journey towards net zero emissions.
The JONZA program empowers nine Joint Organisations across NSW to hire dedicated Net Zero Coordinators to drive projects amongst their member councils that build capacity and reduce emissions.
Sustainable Councils program manager Simon Wallace-Pannell described regional council partnerships as vital to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“Using JONZA as a network to distribute and share information, opportunities and programs through councils is important. We are also learning about what’s happening on the ground and what’s needed,” Wallace-Pannell said.
In its first year, JONZA achieved impressive results, and the Hunter Joint Organisation played a key role by:
- Delivering NSW’s first net zero training course tailored specifically for local government staff.
- Hosting the “Plugging into the Future: Electrifying Council Fleets” event attended by over 60 council staff.
- Establishing a Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) buyer’s group of 13 regional councils across NSW, alongside Mid North Coast JO.
- In partnership with the NSW EPA, developing the “Mastering Landfill Emissions with the NGERs Calculator” training package and measuring landfill emissions for 7 Hunter councils.
- Delivering the “Design a Renewable Energy Fund (REF) Kit” for councils, alongside Central and Mid North Coast JOs.
The second year of the JONZA program will see the Net Zero Coordinators continue their vital work, building on the momentum already established and continuing to support regional councils on their net zero journeys.
Stay tuned for more updates and see how your council can benefit from these exciting developments!