Port Vincent in South Australia has been named Australia’s Tidiest Town for 2004. The 400 strong community, on the Yorke Peninsula west of Adelaide, took out this prestigious prize at a gala ceremony at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, Western Australia last month.
The award was presented by Australian Tidy Towns Ambassador and country music legend, John Williamson. As well as the overall title, Port Vincent also received an Australian Achievement Award for Community Action, and the Port Vincent Tidy Towns Group received the inaugural Dame Phyllis Frost Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Among the other winners were Bicheno in Tasmania, which was recognised for protecting the natural environment and preserving native fauna and flora. Several environmental protection programs are currently underway within Bicheno.
Broken Hill in New South Wales was recognised for its achievement in community litter and waste management. Resource recovery initiatives are a feature of Broken Hill’s commitment to effective waste management. With a 25 per cent reduction of waste to landfill already achieved, a broad range of waste minimisation initiatives are in place and widely accepted by the community.
An award went to Charters Towers in Queensland for proudly preserving and valuing its cultural history. Heritage restoration and preservation on a grand scale are in train with numerous buildings and sites being restored to their former glory. Highlights include the City Hall, Post Office, Information Centre and famous Stock Exchange building.
Collie in Western Australia was awarded for its environmental innovation. From paper recycling programs in partnership with local mining organisations, to numerous beautification projects undertaken for overall community benefit, Collie’s citizens – young and old – continue to learn about innovative ways to lessen their impact on the environment.
Hastings in Victoria was recognised its for environmental achievement through its youth initiative and environmental education. The education system within Hastings is committed to raising student awareness of the need to care for the environment. Many beautification initiatives are also in place, particularly within the local West Park Primary School where students are actively involved in programs tailored to develop an environmental ethos for a sustainable future. Students at the Western Port Secondary College are also involved in planting thousands of trees at Warringine Park and coordinating a host of environmental initiatives.
Palmerston in the Northern Territory was awarded for its partnership achievements with a Local Government and the community. Palmerston’s Integrated Community Plan reflects the City Council’s commitment to sustainability. It is working to develop a distinctive image of Palmerston that reflects a clean and green environment, a safe and healthy lifestyle, enables full participation in community life and promotes economical, environmental and socially sustainable development.
