Nine regional NSW local government joint organisations have received funding to employ a dedicated net zero officer to drive emission reductions.

The $155,000 grants are awarded under the state government’s Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration program, which is designed to help regional councils cut their carbon emissions as the state targets 50 per cent reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

The funding covers one year’s employment for an inhouse specialist to drive net zero initiatives such as power purchasing agreements and EV plans.

Seventy per cent of regional councils to benefit

Seventy per cent of regional councils will now get support through the program, director of sustainability and circular economy partnerships with the NSW office of energy and climate change Emily Yip said.

“Projects will include developing a regional Electric Vehicle (EV) plan, emissions reduction plans and establishing Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for renewable energy purchase for member councils,” Ms Yip said.

The Joint Organisations, representing 65 regional councils, are:

• Mid North Coast

• Canberra Region

• Illawarra Shoalhaven

• Hunter

• Northern Rivers

• Riverina Eastern Region

• Riverina Murray

• CentralNSWJO

• Far North West

Regional energy strategy

Mid North Coast JO Chair Peta Pinson says the funding will ensure a regional approach to emissions reductions across the mid north coast via the development of an energy strategy.

“Our member councils are at different stages along the net zero path,” she said in a statement.

“This funding will allow the MNCJO to assess individual member councils and provide a truly regional approach to emissions reduction through development of a Regional Energy Strategy.”

MNCJO includes Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Bellingen Shire Council and Kempsey Shire Council.

There are currently 13 regional JOs in NSW covering 87 councils.