Maroondah City Council has won the 2015 National Award for Excellence in Local Government, awarded in Canberra this week.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the National Awards for Local Government celebrate innovative projects that help create better communities.
“The awards are a prime opportunity for local governments to develop and showcase unique solutions to local issues that make their communities better places to live.
“The high quality and diversity of this year’s entries are a testament to the hard work and dedication of local government and their drive to continually improve the services they deliver to their communities.
“Each and every project selected in 2015 highlights the important contribution of local governments across Australia, and Maroondah City Council deserved its win with its Changing Places – Changing Lives project.”
Mr Truss said the project addressed a significant disability access and equity issue.
“Changing Places – Changing Lives promotes the installation of accessible toilet facilities that meet the needs of most people with a significant disability and those of their carers.
“The new facilities allow people with disability greater participation in everyday activities and enhance their independence.
“This is truly an exceptional project from a council striving to make a real difference for all members of its community – well done Maroondah City Council.”
The project involved Maroondah City Council researching international best practice, engaging with the community and experts in the field and securing private and government investment through a strong business case.
The Council led the development of the Changing Places Information Kit, which has been shared with other councils and the building industry, encouraging design consistency across the nation.
