The tiny Town of Claremont, nine kilometres west of Perth’s CDB, won two of the three categories at the 2003 WA Local Government Best Practice Awards. Council was the overall winner of the Effective Communication Award, for outstanding communication with residents on its underground power project.
It also won the Customer Service Award for the way its new waste management system was introduced.
Council reduced the size of its rubbish bins and introduced larger recycling bins, through an extensive public education program involving the distribution of pamphlets, Council newsletter articles, school talks, shopping centre displays and staff and Councillor workshops.
The Town of Claremont is located in the leafy western suburbs of Perth, on the banks of the Swan River. It has a population of 9,368 and an area of 4.9 square kilometres. Council’s total annual revenue is $6.86 million.
Mayor Peter Olson said there were many competing demands on Council’s limited resources. He said Claremont continued to deliver excellent services to residents and businesses, despite its small size.
“Many of our staff have several portfolios and this versatility, along with their dedication and desire to provide excellent customer service, has resulted in a unique level of service delivery and relationship with the community,” Mayor Olson said. The Town of Claremont is to be commended for its outstanding success in these awards because it competed against larger Councils with far better resources. Our customer service and communication strategies are excellent, with the number one priority being to meet the needs of community members.”
