Northern Beaches Council has been presented with nine 'Keep NSW Beautiful' Blue Star Sustainability Awards at a ceremony held on Wednesday evening (31 August 2016) at the Concord Function Centre.

'Keep NSW Beautiful' (KNSWB) is the State's premier organisation for litter reduction and environmental sustainability.

The KNSWB Blue Star Sustainability Awards are conferred out at two separate events – one for the Metropolitan Councils, and one for the Regional Councils.

Northern Beaches Council was presented with Metropolitan awards in nine categories, more than any other metropolitan Council.

Northern Beaches Council was presented with awards in the following categories:

  • Cultural Heritage Award [WINNER]
    For 'Destination Sydney'. The Cultural Heritage Award recognises built and cultural heritage projects which show best practice heritage management
  • Young Environmental Achievement Award [WINNER]
    Dana Lanceman – for an individual aged 25 and under that demonstrates outstanding commitment to the environment
  • Environmental Achievement Award [WINNER]
    Judith Bennett – acknowledges individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to their environment
  • Environmental Achievement Award [highly commended]
    Jude Furniss – for Manly Community Beach Clean Ups
  • Sustainable Systems Award [highly commended]
    The award recognises the significant environment benefits achieved by the design of the newly-upgraded Manly Andrew 'Boy' Charlton Aquatic Centre, including carbon emission reductions achieved each year from the Centre's state-of-the-art 'cogeneration plant' energy system
  • Sustainable Systems Award [highly commended]
    ClearSky Solar Investments Clean Energy for Eternity – celebrating projects that bring sustainability to town planning, business practice and/or to the community
  • Waste Less, Recycle More Award for Event Waste Management [highly commended]
    Stormwater Pollution Movies – shared by Coastal Environment Centre & Northern Beaches Council for inventive techniques that specifically address local waste problems, with quantifiably effective outcomes
  • Habitat and Wildlife Guardianship Award [highly commended]
    Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge Habitat Restoration Project – for effective stewardship of our natural surrounds over a range of actions
  • Overall Metropolitan Sustainability Award [highly commended].

"This is a great acknowledgment for all the work done on environmental sustainability by Council", said Mark Ferguson, General Manager, Northern Beaches Council.

"Council has been at the forefront of many environmental sustainability initiatives and it is wonderful for staff to get this recognition from their professional peers."

"Council works closely with community representatives who have devoted considerable energy to these projects, too," said Mr Ferguson.

"The recognition granted by conferring these awards reflects the special sense of stewardship we as a community all have for the unique environment that we enjoy on the Northern Beaches".