2 December 2025
Spotlight on Local Government excellence in environmental management
Exceptional environmental management by NSW councils will be recognised by the state’s peak body for local government at a special event tomorrow, Wednesday 3 December.
The Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Environment Symposium and Awards will be held at Waterview in Bicentennial Park in Sydney’s west.
The awards highlight the innovative work councils do every day, from cutting emissions and adapting to a changing climate, to championing biodiversity and designing more sustainable communities.
LGNSW President Mayor Darcy Byrne said councils were on the frontline of some of the most complex environmental challenges facing NSW.
“Communities across the state rely on their councils to lead, innovate and deliver practical, on-the-ground solutions. These awards give us the opportunity to elevate that work and celebrate the people behind it,” Mayor Byrne said.
“As the sphere of government closest to local communities, councils are uniquely placed to drive real, lasting environmental outcomes. This year’s entrants show just how powerful that leadership can be,” Mayor Byrne said.
“The calibre and creativity of the entries demonstrate the passion, expertise and determination of councils working hard to secure a cleaner, more sustainable and resilient future for their community,” Mayor Byrne said.
Councils, county councils, regional groups of councils and other council-based organisations were eligible to enter.
Categories include:
- Asbestos Management
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Towards Net Zero Emissions
- Communication, Education and Empowerment
- Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision-Making
- Invasive Species Management
- Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement – On-Ground Works
- Transition to Circular Economy
- Behaviour Change in Waste
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Water Management
- Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability
- Local Sustainability
The entries were judged on demonstration of innovation and best practice, clear rationale, ambitious objectives beyond core business, demonstrable results, and whether they created new opportunities while anticipating future challenges.
LGNSW thanks the 2025 Environment Symposium & Awards partners: Vision Super, Water Directorate; NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; NSW Environment Protection Authority; NSW Public Works; Cleanaway; Return and Earn and SiteHive.
BACK TO ALL NEWS