Blacktown City Council has been recognised for leading the way on environmental sustainability in NSW.

Earlier this month, council was named overall sustainable cities winner at the Keep Australia Beautiful NSW awards.

In addition to winning the top gong, Blacktown City Council also won the communication and engagement category for a project that promoted recycling and waste management to people living in apartment blocks.

Blacktown City mayor Brad Bunting was delighted the efforts were recognised. “Our team is leading the way on environmental sustainability because we recognise it’s not just a local issue, it’s a global one,” he said. “We are doing all we can to ensure people can continue to enjoy the natural beauty we have here because our community has told us how much they value it.”

The win was a credit to the Blacktown City community given the teamwork between council and local groups who also entered the awards, Bunting added.

Among those commended, a group of public school students for their work preventing mud and debris entering a stormwater drain.

Keep Australia Beautiful NSW sustainable cities assessor Peter Clark said the collaborative approach between council and the community was a driving force for success.

“Blacktown City Council’s dedication to sustainability serves as an inspiring model for cities everywhere,” he said.