Exceptional environmental management by NSW councils will be recognised by 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).
LGNSW President Cr Darriea Turley AM said the outstanding quality of nominations for this year's awards highlighted the excellent work being done by councils across NSW.
"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," Cr Turley said.
"These awards show that councils are leading the way with innovation and passion for their local environment," she said.
"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," she said.
Councils, county councils, regional groups of councils and other council-based organisations were eligible to enter.
There were four divisions for each award, based on the type of organisation and a council's population base.
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.
Ms Petchell was respected across the local government sector and was pivotal in the success of her council in many Excellence in the Environment Awards.
