Local governments recognised for commitment to saving water

Water Minister Dave Kelly today named the cities of Bayswater and Cockburn as Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year for their sustained commitment to water efficiency. 

The announcement came at a special recognition event co-hosted by Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) to celebrate the achievements of Western Australia's top waterwise councils and aquatic centres.

The City of Armadale, City of Gosnells, Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Town of Claremont were all welcomed as new waterwise councils, with the Town of Claremont, City of Belmont and City of Albany receiving special recognition as a gold waterwise council.

To achieve gold recognition, endorsed Waterwise Councils must have a Water Corporation approved waterwise verge policy; all aquatic centres within their local government area endorsed as Waterwise Aquatic Centres, and an established Water Management Team within the council.

Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year also need to provide a range of initiatives they have completed that year that align with the Water Sensitive Cities goals and indicators.

The Minister also congratulated the City of Canning for claiming Water Corporation's Community Choice Award for its Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park. Chosen by public vote, the park was among six innovative projects showcasing water-efficient design.

The Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, created in partnership with the Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics, saw 15 aquatic centres achieve gold recognition for delivering best practice water management planning, and achieving industry benchmarks for water efficiency. This is the first time aquatic centres have been recognised at the event.

The impacts of climate change have seen a 20 per cent reduction in rainfall in the State's south-west since the 1970s, meaning we can no longer rely on rain alone to meet our water needs, and dramatically affecting where precious water supplies are sourced from.

As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, local governments, businesses and the community all have a role to play to protect and adapt the way we use water.

The Waterwise Council Program was introduced by Water Corporation and DWER more than 12 years ago. A total of 46 councils are now endorsed through the program, with eight councils this year recognised for 10 years' participation. To find out more about the Waterwise Council and Aquatic Centre Programs, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au

As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"By encouraging local governments and aquatic centres to improve water efficiency, Water Corporation and the McGowan Government are helping to secure precious water resources for all Western Australians.

"Aquatic centres are an important part of communities right across the State, so it's great to see so many going above and beyond to find new ways of saving water.

"As climate change continues to have an impact on our water supplies, never has it been more important for local councils and aquatic centres to lead by example and help entrench waterwise actions across the community."

Waterwise Council Program 2021 recognitions

Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year - Awarded to a council demonstrating innovation and achievements over and above gold requirements. To be eligible, the council must be an endorsed Gold Waterwise Council.

Community Choice Award - Chosen by the community as the council most deserving of recognition for their nominated Gold Waterwise Council project.

New Gold Waterwise Council - Awarded to councils for demonstrating actions across all Water Sensitive City goal areas.

Newly Endorsed Waterwise Council - Councils that have met endorsement requirements.

2021 New Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centres

Awarded for demonstrating best practice water management in an Aquatic Centre.