Transforming a piece of retired infrastructure into a rural oasis has earned Parkes Shire Council another prestigious environment award.
The winners of the 2024 Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards have been announced at a special event at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf in Sydney on December 4 with Parkes claiming the Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement Award.
The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of NSW councils in their efforts to manage and protect the environment.
There were 32 winners across a wide variety of categories ranging from asbestos and waste management to natural environment protection, climate change action and community empowerment.
Parkes was the Division A winner and overall winner for its wetlands development 'From Wasteland to Wetland'.
Latest Stories
It's the second time in as many months the Parkes Wetlands has been recognised with it winning the Biodiversity Conservation Award Population Category C at the 2024 Tidy Town Awards.
Council has successfully transformed wastewater ponds into a sustainable wetland.
The rehabilitated 25 hectares is already providing habitat for native flora and fauna, as well as an accessible natural attraction for the community and visitors.
The prestigious awards ceremony was emceed by Costa Georgiadis, author, landscape architect, environmental educator and television presenter.
Representing Council were Michael Chambers and Hannah Farrant-Jayet from the Environment and Sustainability team, who were honoured to accept the award.
"Thank you to our dedicated team and community for supporting this important project, which highlights our commitment to sustainability and biodiversity," Council wrote on social media when announcing the news.
"Together we’re building a greener future."
Local Government NSW president Cr Darriea Turley AM congratulated all the winners and said this year’s submissions were exceptional.
“The need to protect and enhance our environment has become one of the most critical challenges of the modern day, and these awards demonstrate how local councils across NSW are leading the way,” she said.
“It’s important that we celebrate and recognise the amazing work being done by councils and council staff,” she said.
