Hornsby Shire Council has taken out the overall Most Sustainable Council award at the New South Wales Keep Australia Beautiful Awards. Announced in August, Hornsby also took out the Biodiversity category and was runner up in the Waste category. The awards aim to recognise Councils and communities for their environmental achievements. As the most respected environmental awards in New South Wales, the competition is keenly contested between Councils throughout the State.
Hornsby Mayor, Nick Berman, said Council has always performed well in the past, but it was a great achievement to win the overall prize.
“To be named the most sustainable Council in New South Wales for 2006 is a tribute to the work of Council and the community,” he said. “Within Hornsby Shire we know that we’re saving energy, maintaining clean waterways, reducing waste and promoting biodiversity. It’s great to have our achievements recognised at a higher level.”
Chair of Keep Australia Beautiful New South Wales, Dawn Fardell, congratulated Hornsby for its efforts in caring for the natural and built environments and showing innovation to ensure a sustainable future.
“Hornsby Shire Council serves the needs of about 150,000 residents over an area of 510 square kilometers,” she said. “Council has the special responsibility to conserve the unique character of the beautiful and rugged natural environment, while maintaining a careful balance between the pressures of development and conserving the natural features of this bushland Shire.”
“Hornsby has over 700 trained volunteers who regenerate the bushland in over 130 sites in the Shire.
“Education programs for residents have resulted in an increased use of composting and worm farming and tailored school education programs reach thousands of students annually. While the actions taken by Local Governments make substantial differences to our quality of place, so, too, can the actions of hard working, dedicated individuals and groups.”
The City of Sydney was announced runner up in the overall category, while Manly Council was highly commended.
For full award details visit www.kabnsw.org.au
