Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland)—The Hunter Joint Organisation [JO], in collaboration with its 10 Member Councils and Central Coast Council, has been announced as a finalist for the Climate Champion Award in the Cities Power Partnership's [CPP] 2021 Climate Awards. These awards recognise the efforts of local government organisations working towards a zero-carbon future. I congratulate this group upon their nomination, which is a recognition of the strength of our local and regional leadership. The Hunter was the first region nationally to have all Member Councils join the CPP. The Hunter JO's participation in the development of the CPP network has seen 11 local Councils join the program and work collaboratively to develop and pursue shared regional opportunities. The councils in the program include Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council, Mid Coast Council, Dungog Shire Council, Maitland City Council, Cessnock City Council, Singleton Council, Muswellbrook Shire Council and Upper Hunter Shire Council. I again congratulate the nominated organisations and commend the work of our local councils in approaching the challenges of climate change in a direct and responsible manner, taking affirmative action to reduce climate impact, while seeking to simultaneously expand our local economies.