Local Government NSW awards announce excellence in the industry

A Penrith City Council program to divert textile waste from landfill has earned it a 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award.

The awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of New South Wales councils in their efforts to manage and protect the environment, were announced at a special event held at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney on December 4.

There were 32 winners across a variety of categories ranging from asbestos and waste management to transitioning to a circular economy, natural environment protection, climate change action and community empowerment.

The awards ceremony was emceed by Costa Georgiadis, author, landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter.

Darriea Turley, Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President said the need to protect and enhance the environment has become one of the most critical challenges of the modern day, and the awards demonstrate how local councils across the state are leading the way.

“It’s clear that councils are meeting environmental challenges head-on, with innovation and passion, achieving meaningful outcomes for their communities,” she said.

For each of the awards, there were four divisions based on the type of organisation and its population base.

The overall winners for each category are:

Asbestos Management: Moree Plains Shire Council

Moree Plains Shire Council’s Burnt and Derelict Housing enforcement program tackles dilapidated properties, many containing asbestos, by incentivising proactive property management and enforcing clean-up as a last resort. The program improves safety, reduces clean-up costs, and enhances community aesthetics.

Behaviour Change in Waste: Edward River Council

Edward River Council transitioned from a single-bin to a three-bin system, improving efficiency and resource recovery. This strategic overhaul sets a new regional standard in sustainable waste management, joint council collaboration, and community and council interactions.

Climate Change Adaptation: Hawkesbury City Council

Hawkesbury City Council created a consolidated Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Action Plan after facing numerous extreme weather events. The plan aims to enhance council’s adaptive capacity and prepare for complex climate challenges.

Communication, Education and Empowerment: Goulburn Mulwaree Council

Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s “Call Before You Clear” campaign was developed to address a significant increase in illegal clearing across the local government area. Goulburn Mulwaree Council partnered with the New South Wales Government to educate the community and businesses on native vegetation preservation.

Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision Making: Blacktown City Council

Flipping the narrative that street trees pose a safety risk to vehicles, Blacktown City Council’s research highlighted the multitude of risks associated with not planting trees. The findings led to a new council policy position to allow large shade trees along streets of 60 kilometres per hour and 70 kilometres per hour.

Invasive Species Management: Hilltops Council

Hilltops Council is successfully tackling invasive velvety tree pear using cochineal insects, reducing the need for chemicals. The initial small venture to grow and release the insects has expanded to support larger-scale releases, providing a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional pest management.

Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement: Parkes Shire Council

Parkes Shire has successfully transformed wastewater ponds into a sustainable wetland. The area is already providing habitat for native flora and fauna, as well as an accessible natural attraction for the community and visitors.

Sustainable Infrastructure: City of Parramatta

Parramatta’s new aquatic centre integrates sustainable building design and operations with cultural heritage and nature restoration. The pools are pre-fabricated stainless steel, reducing embodied carbon and emissions compared to traditional concrete pools.

Towards Net Zero Emissions: Central NSW Joint Organisation

The 52 Shades of Green program supported councils to understand their net zero maturity and identified a comprehensive and tailored suite of activities to reduce their emissions. Innovative ideas, short term wins and successful strategies have been shared across most of regional New South Wales.

Transition to Circular Economy: Penrith City Council

In partnership with Textiles Recycling Australia, Penrith Council diverts textile waste from landfill through a variety of collection options. This recycling initiative promotes a circular economy, encouraging residents and staff to adopt sustainable habits.

Water Management: Central NSW Joint Organisation

This project leads by example for regional water management, enhancing water security and resilience in Central New South Wales. The identification of a pathway, tools and resources will enable further rollout and embedment of water loss management practices in local water utilities across regional New South Wales.

Lane Cove Council was awarded the Local Sustainability Award, with a prize of a $10,000 to put towards professional development in sustainable practice.

Helen Burnie from Blacktown City Council was announced as the winner of the Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability.

Burnie drove the council’s response to climate change and has substantially reduced energy consumption through streetlight upgrades and installing rooftop solar, heat pumps, and EV charging stations.

She has led innovative projects, including Australia’s first ‘heat refuge’ program and the Regenesis project, which resulted in the first council-owned forest registered under the New South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme.

For more information: //lgnsw.org.au/