Local Government to be celebrated with national awards

The 2016 National Awards for Local Government are now open for entries. The awards recognise local governments for their achievements and for the crucial role they play in Australian communities.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher said the national awards recognise local government projects that demonstrate innovation and improved outcomes for their community.

“I am particularly pleased to announce increased private sector sponsors for the Awards, with Optus Business and Woodside Energy Ltd joining the Australian Government in supporting this important annual event,” Mr Fletcher said.

“As the closest tier of government to their community, local government service delivery is crucial to the social and economic development of Australian regions.

“Through these awards, the Australian Government demonstrates the value of, and fosters its relationship with, local governments by celebrating the best projects with the recognition they deserve.

“Past participants acknowledge the additional benefits of being recognised by these awards including increased profile and promotion of their council, expansion of their programmes and enhanced networking opportunities.

“Last year’s winner Maroondah City Council took out the Disability Access and Inclusion Category and delivered a key infrastructure project that demonstrated leading practice and addressed a significant disability issue facing the community.

“This year we’re encouraging all local governments to submit projects that aim to deliver better services at the community level and contribute to building a stronger more productive local economy.

“Held annually since 1986, the National Awards for Local Government are highly regarded by the local government sector and considered a prestigious event in the local government calendar. I want each local government to consider entering these awards.

“Category winners will be announced in April 2016 and the National Winner will be announced at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly dinner in June 2016,” Mr Fletcher said.

2016 National Awards for Local Government categories:

• Arts Animates – excellence in building innovative and inspired communities
sponsored by the Department of Communications and the Arts through the Ministry for the Arts

• Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure
sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

• Contributing to Regional Growth
sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

• Digital Innovation in Local Government
sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

• Disability Access and Inclusion
sponsored by the Department of Social Services

• Excellence in Road Safety
sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

• Innovation to create more liveable Australian cities
sponsored by Optus Business

• Multicultural Australia—Strength in Diversity
sponsored by the Department of Social Services

• Promoting Indigenous Recognition
sponsored by Woodside Energy Ltd

• Youth Economic Participation
sponsored by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

The National Awards for Local Government will close to applications on Friday 4 March 2016.

More information on the National Awards for Local Government is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/nalg

Media Contact – Nick Hannan 0413 247 818