Local environmental initiatives singled out as among the state’s best as part of peak industry awards

MEDIA RELEASE - Local environmental initiatives singled out as among the state’s best as part of peak industry awards

Sutherland Shire Council’s efforts to enhance the natural environment and empower local young people to tackle climate change have been singled out as among the state’s leading environmental initiatives, having been selected as finalists in the upcoming Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Excellence in the Environment Awards.

As part of this year’s awards, two programs established by Sutherland Shire Council have been recognised for top honours, acknowledging the combined efforts of Council staff and volunteers attached to Council’s community nursery.

Among the many worthy initiatives selected by LGNSW, the state’s peak local government industry body was the ‘Youth Climate Forum’ staged by Council earlier this year, which saw 58 local young people come together to tackle critical issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

The event, which focused on supporting local young people to take up the mantle as community environmental advocates, was nominated as part of the ‘Communication, Education, and Empowerment’ awards category.

Also nominated as part of the awards was the ‘Growing our Future’ delivered as part of Council’s community nursery volunteer program, which has performed invaluable work in enhancing koala habitats, street tree canopies, and biodiversity corridors across Greater Sydney through the cultivation of 161,699 native plants within the last year alone. The program is among the finalists of the ‘Natural Environment Protection & Enhancement’ awards category.

Sutherland Shire Council CEO, Clare Phelan, said she was delighted to see both programs in contention for the prestigious industry awards, recognising Council’s strong focus on protecting and enhancing the local environment.

“Reaching the final stage of the LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards is a significant achievement and gives us an incredible opportunity to showcase the outstanding environmental initiatives our teams champion on behalf of our community,” Ms Phelan said.

“We are thrilled to have two of our projects recognised as finalists in what is a highly competitive awards process. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about the amazing work of our staff, who are extremely passionate about ensuring that our beautiful natural environment is protected for future generations to enjoy.”

“To be named a finalist in two categories spanning communication and education and protection and enhancement, reflects the breadth of Council’s environmental efforts. The LGNSW Awards are highly competitive, so it is a privilege to be recognised for our contributions to the environment.

Winners will be announced during an award ceremony on Wednesday 4 December, with Sutherland Shire Council among the 28 individual councils or combined local government bodies that are in contention for the top honours.