More than forty mayors and councillors from across the country last week released a joint statement committing to economic recovery solutions that will create jobs and tackle climate change.
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Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM is among the signatories.
The mass commitment to a sustainable economic recovery aims to support industries and sectors that invest in a zero carbon future, along with driving strong economic recovery for communities hit hard by twin climate and COVID-19 crises.
Cr Keith said all local councils must play a role in sustainable economic recovery and climate change.
"We had our driest and hottest year ever recorded on my property last year so we need to take action for the sake of future generations," he said.
"Parkes Shire Council's been leading by example with our new water and sewerage schemes, along with our new recycled water scheme, delivering two megalitres (two million litres) of water a day to our green spaces.
"It's very sustainable, it drought proofs Parkes' green spaces, and makes 250 megalitres a year available for the community to use potable water."
The joint economic recovery statement outlines eight solutions, from renewable energy through to sustainable transport that put local governments on a practical, jobs-rich path to future-proof cities, reduce energy costs and create more comfortable homes and workplaces.
Cr Keith said Parkes is a finalist in the Climate Council's Sustainable Awards category for its recycled water scheme, with the event taking place on Thursday night.
"We look like we'll be the first local government in Australia to get an International Sustainability Rating for the way [the treatment plant has] been constructed and managed into the future," he said.
"It pumps using the electricity from the solar panels during the day and uses off-peak pumping at night time to reduce the energy costs, and it distributes water at night time so you save on the way it's watered as well.
"The sewer, the water and recycled scheme, was all packaged together and made sure it was built in a sustainable manner as well."
Parkes was one of the first 35 councils in Australia to join the Climate Council's Cities Power Partnership (CPP) program in 2017.
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