Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA)
The JONZA project is a capacity building project based on the recommendations of the RAMJO Regional Energy Strategy, adopted in 2022. The focus is to assist member councils accelerate activities which will:
- reduce the emissions of the participating Councils,
- increase efficiencies, and
- assist the NSW Government to meet the goals outlined in its Net Zero policies and strategies.
The Joint Organisation Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) grant program was first funded in 2023 by NSW State Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to employ a dedicated in-house staff member for twelve months. This additional staff member was to help to drive progress toward the recommendations of the RAMJO Regional Energy Strategy, and help achieve net zero outcomes.
We were once again successful in acquiring funding for the project in 2024 and now in 2025 we have acquired 18 months of funding to continue the work achieved under the JONZA banner.
Welcome to Tamara Cummins, our Net Zero Project Manager.
Tamara leads initiatives focused on climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable regional development. With a Graduate Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation and over a decade of experience as a Senior Project Manager, Tamara has worked across all levels of government, driving impactful projects.
Tamara specialises in stakeholder consultation, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that community voices and diverse perspectives are central to decision-making processes. Her expertise spans climate change adaptation, energy efficiency, policy implementation, and project delivery in complex regulatory environments.
Known for her ability to translate policy into action, Tamara is passionate about empowering regional communities to build climate resilience through innovative, locally driven solutions. She brings a strong foundation in systems thinking, risk management, and change leadership, making her a valuable contributor to sustainability conversations at both regional and national levels.
Tamara will be working with member councils on projects such as:
- Switching electricity contracts to achieve savings.
- Reviewing tariffs
- Identifying potential regional procurement opportunities
- Increasing understanding and capacity about energy provision and data
- Increasing the proportion of smart meters to improve data collection and reduce staff time
- Setting up processes to allow councils to engage in a joint Energy Supply Agreement to allow more certainty over energy costs over time.
- Working towards a transport strategy
- Examining opportunities for mid-scale solar for interested councils.
The project is also working to build capacity and share resources across other Joint Organisations across NSW. This includes identifying tools and processes and training opportunities that can be used by RAMJO councils.
Tamara’s latest project is the introduction of a EV 101 Platform, a digital resource to support both businesses and Councils to evaluate where they are on their EV journey.
If you would like further information about the project components or how you can be involved, please contact Yvonne Lingua at yvonne.lingua@ramjo.nsw.gov.au.
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