2013 NATIONAL AWARDS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The
Prime Minister tonight announced the winners of the prestigious National Awards
for Local Government.
The
awards were presented at the 4th Australian Council of Local Government in
Canberra– the nation’s largest annual gathering of mayors and shire presidents.
The
two award winners for 2013 are:
•
Dungog Shire, Maitland City Council and Port Stephens Council from New South
Wales for their Safer Motorcycle Routes project. Together, the three Councils
developed a ‘safe system’ approach that would make motorcyclists’ recreational
rides through the Hunter Region safer. This included working with motorcyclists
and road organisations on an audit of the most problematic routes, the
installation of more effective signage and the provision of enforcement bays
for police to target speed. The community benefited with safer roads and better
protected pedestrians.
•
Northern Grampians Shire Council in Victoria for its Monash Steps/Stawell Steps
project. This project incorporates two engineer-designed spillways aimed at
diverting flood water away from nearby properties. In addition to providing
protection against floods, the architecturally designed Stawell Steps has now
become a community meeting space with wheelchair accessibility.
In
addition, 17 councils and shires received awards across 10 categories today.
These
awards show what can be achieved when a community works together and is
thinking innovatively.
All
four councils have done a tremendous job identifying local challenges and
coming up with innovative solutions that are appropriate for their communities.
With
192 entries coming from all over Australia, it was a big task for the chair of
the National Awards Judging Panel Cr Paul Bell AM, Central Highlands Regional
Council and the panel in determining the winners.
The
Gillard Government congratulates every council nominated for an award and the
category winners.
As
the tier of government closest to the people, local government delivers
important services and infrastructure for their communities.
The
Gillard Government is proud to work with the 565 elected councils across the
nation that bring about positive and lasting change at the local level every
day to make their communities, stronger communities.
More
information about the National Awards for Local Government can be found at www.regional.gov.au
CANBERRA
16
JUNE
PRESS
OFFICE: (02) 6277 7744
MINISTER
ALBANESE'S OFFICE: 0407 415 484
MINISTER
KING'S OFFICE: 0425 199 184
