Council has been named as one of three finalists in Public Sector Leadership award and is up against Sydney Metro (Transport for NSW) and the University of Technology, Sydney.

Mayor Gary Rush said the nomination was a fitting reward for council’s commitment to the environment.

“Council’s nomination captures the work being undertaken across council’s departments to show leadership and innovation in environmental issues,” Cr Rush said.

“Council has committed to a range of programs and projects which are a part of our award nomination.

“These range from our involvement in the contaminated lands capacity building project providing training and information to better manage contaminated land, to the installation of four solar projects, the largest of them being 100 kilowatts at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.”

Cr Rush said the introduction of the kerbside garden and food waste service in April had seen more than 200 tonnes of organic material diverted from landfill each month, while a commitment to the restoration of remnant woodlands for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater had resulted in the planting of more than 20,000 mixed native species.

“Finally, the annual Sustainable Living Expo, Sustainable School Grants program and the Land Improvement Awards all combine to create an impressive record of environmental leadership by council,” Cr Rush said.