National awards to recognise Local Government innovation
Councils across Australia will be recognised for their innovative work in supporting local communities at the 2012 National Awards for Local Government.
Federal Local Government Minister Simon Crean said the National Awards recognised the critical role of Local Governments in making communities more productive, liveable and sustainable.
"Local Government underpins location-based solutions to specific needs across Australia," he said.
"It is important for us as a nation to tap into local expertise and develop creative solutions to address emerging social, economic and environmental issues.
"I’m confident that this year’s entries will demonstrate the same creativity and innovation that we have seen over the past 26 years."
A spokesman from Mid-Western Regional Council in NSW said the National Award it won in 2011 continued to motivate staff and inspire a sense of pride in the community.
This year sees the addition of six new award categories; active arts, excellence in road safety, improving services to remote communities, land use planning – addressing disaster risk and enhancing resilience, rural and remote health, and strength in diversity.
The national winners will be judged by an independent panel and announced at the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association in Canberra in June 2012.
For more information phone 1800 065 113 or visit www.regional.gov.au