Minister urges communities to vote

Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain MP.

The Australian Government is calling on communities and local governments across the nation to cast their votes for the 2022 National Awards for Local Government before voting closes.

Local governments and communities can vote for the outstanding initiatives nominated in this year’s awards that they believe best meet the outcomes of each of the 11 award categories, display excellence and innovation, and can be replicated across regions.

Federal Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain MP urged communities and LGAs across the country to get in before votes closed.

“This is a unique opportunity for communities to recognise the hard work of local councils by voting for the projects they think make the biggest difference to their communities,” the Minister said.

“I’m delighted by the influx and range of incredible nominations we have had for this year’s awards, and I look forward to finding out who the winners will be when they’re announced in October.

“The awards will have special significance this year as many local councils have had to grapple with recovery from floods and other natural disasters in their community, as well as special measures to deal with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The awards bring national recognition to local councils by shining a spotlight on their innovative and resourceful solutions, allowing them to be more widely praised than just within their region.

“All local governments benefit from their involvement with these awards as it brings to the fore great ideas and solutions that can be implemented by others across Australia.”

Winners across the 11 award categories will be decided by popular vote, voting is quick and easy and there is no need to register to vote.

The 11 award categories are Creativity and Culture, Productivity through Infrastructure, Regional Growth, Cohesive Communities, Road Safety, Addressing Violence against Women and their Children, Women in Local Government, Indigenous Recognition, Career Starter, Waste Management, and Disaster Preparedness.

Now in its 36th year, these awards recognise the important services local governments provide, by showcasing the achievements and positive impact they have on communities through the work they do in applying creative and tailored solutions to improve social and economic outcomes.

Voting closes on 14 September 2022 and the winners will be announced in October.

To cast your vote now, visit nalg.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/zYrmywPm

For more information, visit infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/local-government/national-awards-local-government

The awards are administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.