Shoalhaven City Council on the NSW south coast has received a gong  for expediting its net zero target by 15 years at the LGNSW Excellence in the Environment Awards.

See the full list of winners here.

The awards ceremony, recognising outstanding achievements in managing and protecting the environment, was held in Sydney on December 5.

Shoalhaven was named winner of the Local Sustainability category for showing leadership by bringing forward its net zero emissions target from 2050 to 2035.

“The council is well on the way to achieving its target thanks to actions such as a power purchase agreement for more renewables (25 per cent in 2023 and 50 per cent by 2025), and installing 400kW solar PV and batteries at more than 25 council-owned halls and community assets,” the local government peak said.

It’s also helping residents to reduce emissions through community workshops, community energy efficiency kits, and the release of a Sustainable Living Guide.

The 2023 Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability went to Waverly Council’s Regional Environmental Program Manager Anthony Weinberg, who has designed and implemented a number of award-winning and innovative projects including the Solar my School program which is now being offered in more than 200 schools across 13 LGAs.

Climate change adaptation

Wagga Wagga City Council claimed the overall Climate Change Adaptation Award for its use of real time aerial photograph to capture land surface temperature and canopy cover profiles for 27 suburbs for use in its 2022-52 Urban Cooling Strategy.

Council has applied the data to undertake tree planting programs in parks and active travel paths, install shade sails in playgrounds and conduct a bus stop shelter audit.

Council has also made the web-based mapping tool available to the community.

Asbestos management

Meanwhile, Penrith City Council took home the overall award for asbestos management for its digital asbestos register and use of onsite QR codes at over 300 locations across council managed buildings.

Once scanned, the QR codes provide workers and visitors with access to digitised asbestos documents.

Penrith says the technology is making it easier to meet health and safety requirements and means staff resources are being utilised more effectively.

“By confirming that QR codes are being scanned and documents are being downloaded, Council can maintain confidence that staff and contractors are accessing the required documentation to perform works on the site,” the council says.

Council hopes to use the platform for other safety related documentation in future, including fire safety, heritage, alarm instructions and evacuation plans.

See the full list of winners here.