Exceptional environmental management including asbestos management, transitioning to a circular economy and waste management by New South Wales councils, will be recognised by LGNSW, the State’s peak body for local government at a special event this week.
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Excellence in the Environment Awards will be held at Darling Harbour, Sydney on Wednesday 4 December.
Darriea Turley, LGNSW President said the outstanding quality of nominations for this year’s awards highlighted the excellent work being done by councils across New South Wales.
“The protection of our local environment has become one of the most critical challenges we face, particularly with increased threats posed by climate change and more extreme and frequent weather events,” she said.
“These awards show that councils are leading the way with innovation and passion for their local environment.
“This year’s list of distinguished finalists and their wonderful initiatives demonstrate that councils are on the ground, working hand-in-hand with their communities on solutions that are making a real difference.”
Councils, county councils, regional groups of councils and other council-based organisations were eligible to enter across four divisions for each award, based on the type of organisation and a council’s population base.
In choosing the winners, the judges looked for certain qualities including demonstration of innovation and best practice, success of implementation and the creation of new opportunities and anticipation of future challenges.
This year’s award categories include:
- Asbestos Management
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Towards Net Zero Emissions
- Communication, Education and Empowerment
- Innovation In Planning, Policies and Decision-making
- Invasive Species Management
- Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement: On-Gound Works
- Transition to a Circular Economy
- Behaviour Change in Waste
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Water Management
- Local Sustainability
The Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability will also be announced, recognising individual achievement by a council officer or elected councillor in contributing to environmental improvement and sustainability.
This award is named in honour of Louise Petchell, Sustainability Manager at Penrith City Council, who passed away in 2009.
Petchell was respected across the local government sector and was pivotal in the success of her council in many Excellence in the Environment Awards.
For more information, www.lgnsw.org.au
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