Council recognised at IPWEA Victoria awards
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Published on 14 December 2021
Gannawarra Shire Council’s work to position the municipality as Victoria’s renewable energy capital has been recognised by the State’s peak public works body.
Council’s Sustainable Gannawarra initiative was commended in the Environmental Sustainability category at the 2021 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia – Victoria Awards, announced on Friday, 10 December.
The commendation recognises Council’s continued efforts to improve environmental sustainability through innovation and practices.
“Our Sustainable Gannawarra initiative is renowned across Victoria and Australia, with this accolade following on the program winning the 2019 LGPro Awards for Excellence Sustainability Initiative, as well as being a finalist in the 2019 LG Professionals Australia National Federation Awards,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“Whether it is incorporating rooftop solar systems, LED and HVAC timers in our infrastructure, recycling solar arrays for local use or supporting the development of renewable energy projects in the Gannawarra. Council is committed to making the municipality the renewable energy capital of Victoria.”
Council was also recognised in three other award categories, with projects or individuals nominated.
The Koondrook – Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Destination project, which improved pedestrian links between the Koondrook central business district, internationally recognised Koondrook Wharf and Koondrook Retreat, was a finalist in the Excellence in Public Works Project < $2 million category.
The implementation of a paperless system for managing Occupational Health and Safety requirements within Council’s Operations Team was a finalist in the Excellence in Innovation – Regional award, whilst Council’s Manager Projects and Property, Wade Williams was a finalist in the Emerging Public Works Leadership Award.
“Council congratulates all involved in the three projects, as well as Wade, for being recognised at the Public Works Engineering Australasia – Victoria Awards,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“To be recognised amongst some of Victoria’s prolific Councils, such as Cardinia, Darebin, East Gippsland, Greater Geelong and Yarra, is a credit to the professionalism our staff show for all tasks they undertake.”
ABOVE: Council's Sustainable Gannawarra initiative (clockwise, top left), Manager Projects and Property, Wade Williams, the Koondrook - Victoria's Nature Based Tourism Destination Project and the implementation of a paperless system for managing Occupational Health and Safety requirements within Council’s Operations Team were recognised at the 2021 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia – Victoria Awards.