The Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Simon Crean has announced the category winners for this year’s National Awards for Local Government.

 

The 17 winners from across 10 categories were judged by independent judging panels and included seven winners from small councils with fewer than 15,000 properties.

 

"The award categories include leading community climate change action, strengthening and engaging Indigenous communities, innovative infrastructure development and youth engagement," Mr Crean said.

 

In coming weeks an independent panel will again assess the 17 councils and determine which will receive a 2011 Award for Excellence.

 

The 2011 National Awards for Local Government category winners are:

 

  • Asset and Financial Management
 Winner: Townsville City Council, QLD - Best Practice Pricing and Financial Sustainability Model, Cairns, Townsville and Mackay Water Alliance.   Small Council winner (under 15 000 ratepayers): Kangaroo Island Council, SA - Asset Management Plans.
  • Engaging and Strengthening Indigenous Communities
 Winner: City of Swan, WA - Yagan Memorial Park. Small Council winner: Victoria Daly Shire Council, NT - Leadership for Indigenous Women.
  • Excellence in Alcohol Management
 Winner: Sunshine Coast Regional Council, QLD - Collaborative Approach to Liquor Management (CALM).
  • Innovative Infrastructure Development 
Winner: City of Tea Tree Gully, SA - Water Security for Tea Tree Gully. Small Council winner: Cabonne Shire Council, NSW - Waluwin Community Centre.
  • Inspired Cities
 Winner: Frankston City Council, VIC - Frankston Student Discount Card Scheme (Splash Card).
  • Leading Community Climate Change Action
 Winner: City of Cockburn, WA - Sustainability and Climate Change Program.
  • Promoting Reconciliation
 Winner: Manningham Council, VIC - Manningham Reconciliation Week Program and Exhibition. Small Council winner: Narrabri Council, NSW - Aboriginal Flag Raising Celebration.
  • Regional Collaborations
 Winner: Cairns Regional Council, QLD - Tropical Innovation Awards Project. Small Council winner: Shire of Morawa, WA - Morawa Education and Industry Training Alliance (MEITA).
  • Women in Local Government
 Winner: City of Ryde, NSW - Ticket to Ryde - Women Leading the Way at City of Ryde. Small Council winner: Mid-Western Regional Council, NSW - Inspire, Encourage, Enlighten.
  • Youth Engagement
 Winner: Moonee Valley City Council, VIC - The Sustainable Employment and Economic Development (SEED) Youth Project. Small Council winner: Circular Head Council, TAS - Seven Up Youth Centre.