The federal government wrote to all 537 councils in Australia to bring forward projects, calling specifically for initiatives that can start quickly, like roads and infrastructure.

While this is a welcome opportunity, councils must put forward projects that can deliver a sustainable and equitable economic recovery - solutions that build resilience and fight the threat of climate change.

As deputy mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, my highest priority is protecting the health, security and well-being of my community. Today, that means doing everything possible to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable.

But it also means making every effort to minimise the burning of coal, oil and gas that's worsening the impacts of climate change.

Out here in the Central West, we've suffered through a punishing drought, with more pain ahead if we don't see consistent winter rainfall. Climate change is hitting us hard.

As climate change fuels more extreme weather events, those of us in country towns know our economic struggles will gradually worsen if policymakers fail to bring down emissions.

We have a unique opportunity to choose an economic recovery that improves public health, reduces inequality and accelerates climate action.

Dubbo recently became a member of the Cities Power Partnership, an alliance of more than 125 local councils taking meaningful action on climate change.

This group of councils want to see climate-positive projects like wind and solar energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency upgrades, environmental restoration and carbon farming in agriculture take centre stage.

While traffic is considerably reduced, it's the perfect time to upgrade all street lighting to energy efficient lighting.

While buildings like recreation centres, sport facilities and office buildings are closed, let's conduct energy efficiency upgrades.

While we're at it, let's add solar energy and battery storage for these buildings too.

Projects like these give communities a helping hand right now, boosting the local economy with new, purposeful jobs and lower energy bills.

Long term, we can enjoy affordable public transport, clean air and healthy and vibrant communities.

I hope all levels of government can join us to prioritise solutions that will shape the world we want to live and thrive in.

Cr Stephen Lawrence is deputy mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, NSW