Council's sustainability efforts awarded

Published on 22 February 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to improve its environmental sustainability have been recognised by the association for people working in Local Government in Victoria.

Council took out the Sustainability Initiative title at LGPro’s 2019 Awards for Excellence ceremony, held on Thursday night in Melbourne.

The accolade recognises Council’s Sustainable Gannawarra initiative, which included the following:

• Council’s sustainable practices of bulk solar installations;
• Retrofitting lighting to incorporate LED technology;
• Installation of HVAC timers on and in Council-owned buildings;
• Changing 80W mercury vapour streetlights to an LED alternative; and
• Changes to waste services, which included the introduction of a green waste collection, increasing the recycling rate, and further diverting waste from landfill.

Other category finalists were Melbourne City Council, Surf Coast Shire Council and Wyndham City Council.

“This award is credit to all who have played a role in helping Council become more environmentally sustainable,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Many of these works have been ongoing within the Shire, and we will continue to build on the work achieved so far.”

Council also received High Commendation awards for the two other award categories:

• Community Assets and Infrastructure Initiative $2 million and Under for the Kerang CBD upgrade; and
• Innovative Management Initiative for Gannawarra Shared Services, which saw Council share resources with Buloke Shire Council to set up the Confirm asset maintenance management system within its organisation.

“Council congratulates all award finalist and winners for being recognised for the work they have achieved in their respective communities,” Mayor Learmonth said.