Wagga Wagga City Council’s focus on local biodiversity has been recognised at the NSW Local Government Excellence in the Environment Awards.
Council’s Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030 won Division B within the innovation in planning, policies and decision-making category.
There were 35 finalists in 14 categories, representing a variety of inspiring council-led environmental initiatives across NSW.
The Biodiversity Strategy is a keystone document that aims to increase awareness and address a wide range of the main threatening processes impacting on local biodiversity.
The document includes measurable actions that are planned to be delivered over the next 10 years to protect and enhance biodiversity across the Local Government Area on both private and community land.
Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall said all levels of government and the community have an important role to play in preventing any further decline of biodiversity.
She said developing Council’s first biodiversity strategy would place biodiversity conservation and natural resource management as a priority across the community.
“It was challenging, yet so rewarding, and now we’re seeing the benefits of the strategy in action across the community,” Ms Pascall said.
“There’s a long way to go in achieving our goals, but this award confirms we are on the right track.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed including Council staff, Councillors and of course the community for their amazing feedback which went a long way towards ensuring the strategy was comprehensive and achievable.”
The Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030 can be viewed online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity
Image: Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall with the award recognising Council’s effort in developing its first biodiversity strategy.
