King Island Council has been named the overall Gold Winner of the 2008 Tasmanian Local Government Awards for Excellence for its innovative waste management project.

President of the Local Government Association Tasmania (LGAT) Mike Gaffney said the organisation was delighted to recognise the council, which had demonstrated a proactive approach to providing a sustainable service for the processing of waste generated on King Island.

“Prior to the opening of the Currie Waste Management facility, all waste received by King Island Council was deposited in an uncontrolled manner on a central site in close proximity to sensitive areas,” Cr Gaffney said.

At the facility, which has also won the Sustainable Community Assets Awards, waste is segregated into recyclable putrescibles to be delivered into a specially designed shed, where the material is compacted, baled and wrapped in a protective covering. 

The procedure can significantly reduce the potential negative impacts on the local community and the environment caused by noise, odour, fires, vermin and litter.

“The new development provides new opportunities for the effective reuse and recycling of the waste collected,” Cr Gaffney said.

Other category award winners include Meander Valley Council for its waterways audit and signage project, Tasman Council for improving water quality and efficiency at Nubeena, and Derwent Valley Council for its innovative children’s educational bike track.