The South Australian town of Waikerie has won the Energy Innovation category award at the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Tidy Towns Awards 2010/11.
The announcement was made at the national awards ceremony held last night at Beechworth in Victoria, the winner of the prestigious award last year.
The Waikerie Tidy Towns community was also commended for their outstanding efforts in the Environmental Innovation & Protection and Young Legends categories.
According to the Australian Tidy Towns National Judge, Dick Olesinski, the Waikerie Tidy Towns Committee is a well-established group that has gained a high profile due to the dedication and hard work of its member who have embraced a
number of conservation programs with enthusiasm.
Highlights earning Waikerie the Energy Innovation category award include a number of proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gases and promote renewable energy sources, as well as the Waikerie education programs designed to inform children about energy and climate change issues and encourage them to participate in power saving projects.
“Environmental education programs are a major focus throughout Waikerie’s education system,” the National Judge Dick Olesinski, said.
“Their passion to promote sustainable practices is further demonstrated by their focus on educating the youth of the community. Schools are strongly focused on environmental programs with innovative approaches to education and developing community partnerships for positive environmental outcomes.
“Waikerie’s residents view energy conservation and the use of renewable fuels as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. The community is proactively reducing greenhouse emissions through a wide range of initiatives,” he added.
Chairman of Keep Australia Beautiful National Association, Don Chambers, said, “Congratulations to the community of Waikerie who have shown great commitment and leadership in local sustainability practices and education.”
Lithgow in New South Wales won the overall national title of Australia’s Tidiest Town for 2010/11.
For further information visit www.kab.org.au
