Pittwater Council, on Sydney’s northern beaches, has won the AR Bluett Memorial Award for 2002. The award – announced in June 2003 and presented in September – recognises the greatest relative progress made by a NSW Council in the previous year.
Pittwater Council, formed just ten years ago, covers 125 square kilometres and is home to some 56,000 people.
The award citation recognised Council’s “outstanding progress in the delivery of Local Government services to the Pittwater community”.
“Council completed an impressive program of special projects and public works utilising funds generated by asset rationalisation, development contributions and levies,” the citation reads. “The fact that Council was judged to be the most progressive in the State in only its tenth year of existence was particularly commendable. The Trustees were impressed with the breadth of services provided and the sound approach adopted by Council in using information technology to expand and maintain service efficiency.”
Council’s award submission included the acquisition and environmental upgrade of a major part of the Warriewood Ingleside escarpment, and 11 additional hectares of foreshore parkland at Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale.
Other achievements included the construction of the Avalon Recreation Centre, which won a building excellence award, and the building of a Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre, in partnership with local schools, community groups, and the State Government.
Mayor Patricia Giles said Council was absolutely thrilled to accept the award, which she describes as “the pinnacle of excellence for Local Government in NSW.
“We are proud of our achievements and delighted to have been publicly recognised,” she said. “This is proof that smaller is successful, and bigger is not better.”
Only two Bluett Awards are bestowed each year, with Pittwater winning the Local Government Association section. The Shires Association section was won by Tenterfield Shire Council.
For further information, contact General Manager, Angus Gordon, email pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au, or telephone (02) 9970 1103.
