Congratulations to the participants in the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb project, who have made the island a national award winner.

The Magnetic Island Solar Suburb, part of the Townsville: Queensland Solar City Project, has been recognised at the national Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards.

The Magnetic Island Solar Suburb won the Community Action accolade, in recognition of the support of the local community in coming together to reduce electricity usage.

Director of the CSIRO Sustainable Communities Initiative and awards judge Sean Rooney said it was great to see the community at all levels coming together to reduce peak demand electricity usage as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save customers money and defer network investment.

Ergon Energy’s Solar City Manager Ian Cruickshank said community support had been vital in the success of the project.

“We have received tremendous support for the project from the local Magnetic Island community, with residents and businesses embracing the opportunity to be part of the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb transformation,” he said.

The innovation behind the Smart Lifestyle Centre on Magnetic Island, which was created from a renovation of the former Horseshoe Bay Sport and Recreation Club, also received commendation from the judges.

The Centre was refurbished by Ergon Energy to act as a community education and display centre, and will be handed back to Townsville City Council at the conclusion of the project.

The Townsville: Queensland Solar City project is part of the Australian Government's leading-edge Solar Cities initiative. Ergon Energy leads the Townsville Solar City consortium, which includes Townsville City Council, Delfin Townsville, HIG Riverway, Cafalo Pty Ltd and funding partner, the Queensland Government through the Department of Mines and Energy.