By Staff Writer

Victoria’s Melton Shire Council has taken out the inaugural Australian Sustainable Cities Awards for efforts to protect its local environment. 

The Sustainable Cities program recognises the environmental initiatives of residents, community groups, businesses and government agencies.

It is also a part of the Keep Australia Beautiful ‘Australian Sustainable Communities’ Awards which includes the Tidy Towns and Clean Beaches programs.

Melton Shire Council also picked up two category awards – the Community Action and Protection of the Environment awards – in addition to winning the overall award.

Melton Shire Council has contributed extensive resources to help encourage local resident participation across a broad range of environmental initiatives, said Sustainable Cities National judge, Dick Olesinski.

“Melton’s Recycled Water System Development project, Public Place Recycling program and the Waste Management Education & Strategy project, together with the community’s overall commitment to the principles of sustainability, encapsulates the Sustainable Cities award ideals,” he said.
“Melton Shire Council has put great emphasis on environmental issues through their own work or in encouraging and supporting the many ‘Friends of’ groups. These groups, along with the students of Melton, are to be commended on the broad range of environmental improvement activities they are involved with, their desire to reinforce their message of sustainability and to gradually extend their impact into the broader community."