Greens Pay Tribute to Courageous Port Augusta Mayor

The Australian Greens have today paid tribute to Mayor Joy Baluch, a courageous advocate for the Port Augusta community.

"I met Joy on a trip to Port Augusta last year to see first-hand the strong community campaign for renewable energy," Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.

"A fitting tribute to her memory would be to fulfil her dream of repowering Port Augusta with solar energy."

South Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Joy was a strong, passionate leader for the Port Augusta community.

"Always determined and at times controversial, Joy's commitment to her city was unquestionable and her legacy will last for many decades to come," Senator Hanson-Young said.

"Her support for transitioning the coal power stations in Port Augusta to a solar thermal plant has helped to galvanise the local community's backing of the project."

Senator Penny Wright also paid tribute to Joy's dedication.

"I met Joy Baluch in June last year and I was taken by her passion and energy, even though she was not well. Her ongoing interest in mental health and solar power showed her enduring commitment to her community," Senator Wright said.