In the face of some strong competition, the City of Marion took out the 1998 Keep South Australia Beautiful (KESAB) Metropolitan Council of the Year Award. Presented late last year, judges highlighted a number of factors leading to Marion’s win and why it stood out from its competitors.
Marion’s widely recognised commitment to environmental policies and ratepayer education, together with its implementation of an effective system of community grants in the areas of heritage and environmental care, earned special mention. Over the past three years, the Community Environmental Grants Scheme has resulted in the funding of 18 local projects initiated by local schools and community groups.
The win also recognises the success of Marion’s Local Agenda 21 program that the Council has enthusiastically endorsed. This program has resulted in some important practical outcomes for the local environment.
One outcome has been The Marion and Mitcham Environmental and Educational Project. This provides advice and assistance to local businesses on a variety of environmental issues, such as stormwater management and water conservation.
Part of the Project has included a community education program aimed at increasing community awareness and involvement in environmental management initiatives.
The first of its type in South Australia this Project brought together the Cities of Marion and Mitcham, Patawalonga Catchment Board and the Murray Darling Basin Commission in a unique show of cooperation between Local Government and environmental authorities.
Coastal management strategies involving revegetation and dune restoration at Hallett Cove, and the securing of Coastcare grants and Greencorp assistance for related coastal projects, such as the Coastal Walking Trail, were some of the areas highlighted by the KESAB judges.
The production of educational brochures promoting Marion’s coastal environs has increased public awareness of the sensitive nature of this area. Judges in the prestigious award were also impressed with Marion’s innovative and creative approaches to solving the problems of graffiti vandalism.
A Crime Prevention Committee, made up of Council members and community representatives; the installation of covert cameras to assist Transit Police in identifying graffiti vandals; and a graffiti hotline have all led to a welcome decline in this type of crime.
The judging panel acknowledged Marion Council for pioneering and maintaining successful techniques of kerbside recycling, and also its work with local industry to reduce pollution and waste through cleaner production. Mention was also made of the manner in which Council has been prepared to get ‘its own house in order’.
Marion Council has recently initiated an Environmental Management System beginning with a wide ranging and thorough audit of Council’s major operations. The audit has already revealed a number of areas where improvements can be made.
Maggie Hine, Marion’s former Environmental Policy and Projects Team Leader and presenter of Marion’s winning KESAB Award Application, said that it was important for Council to lead by example.
“Council’s commitment to a warts and all approach in trying to achieve environmental improvements and a willingness on our part to take a lead contributed significantly to the recognition we have received,” she said. “The win certainly encourages us to build on our success.”
For further information contact Don Donaldson, General Manager Environment, telephone (08) 8375 6709.
