Local governments recognised for commitment to saving water

  • City of Bayswater and City of Cockburn named Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year
  • City of Canning's Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park wins Community Choice Award
  • Waterwise programs part of McGowan Government's response to impacts of climate change 
  • Water Minister Dave Kelly today named the cities of Bayswater and Cockburn as Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year for their sustained commitment to water efficiency. 

    The announcement came at a special recognition event co-hosted by Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) to celebrate the achievements of Western Australia's top waterwise councils and aquatic centres.

    The City of Armadale, City of Gosnells, Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Town of Claremont were all welcomed as new waterwise councils, with the Town of Claremont, City of Belmont and City of Albany receiving special recognition as a gold waterwise council.

    To achieve gold recognition, endorsed Waterwise Councils must have a Water Corporation approved waterwise verge policy; all aquatic centres within their local government area endorsed as Waterwise Aquatic Centres, and an established Water Management Team within the council.

    Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year also need to provide a range of initiatives they have completed that year that align with the Water Sensitive Cities goals and indicators.

    The Minister also congratulated the City of Canning for claiming Water Corporation's Community Choice Award for its Wharf Street Basin Next Generation Community Park. Chosen by public vote, the park was among six innovative projects showcasing water-efficient design.

    The Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, created in partnership with the Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics, saw 15 aquatic centres achieve gold recognition for delivering best practice water management planning, and achieving industry benchmarks for water efficiency. This is the first time aquatic centres have been recognised at the event.

    The impacts of climate change have seen a 20 per cent reduction in rainfall in the State's south-west since the 1970s, meaning we can no longer rely on rain alone to meet our water needs, and dramatically affecting where precious water supplies are sourced from.

    As we continue to feel the impacts of climate change, local governments, businesses and the community all have a role to play to protect and adapt the way we use water.

    The Waterwise Council Program was introduced by Water Corporation and DWER more than 12 years ago. A total of 46 councils are now endorsed through the program, with eight councils this year recognised for 10 years' participation. To find out more about the Waterwise Council and Aquatic Centre Programs, visit https://www.watercorporation.com.au

    As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:

    "By encouraging local governments and aquatic centres to improve water efficiency, Water Corporation and the McGowan Government are helping to secure precious water resources for all Western Australians.

    "Aquatic centres are an important part of communities right across the State, so it's great to see so many going above and beyond to find new ways of saving water.

    "As climate change continues to have an impact on our water supplies, never has it been more important for local councils and aquatic centres to lead by example and help entrench waterwise actions across the community."

    Waterwise Council Program 2021 recognitions

    Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year - Awarded to a council demonstrating innovation and achievements over and above gold requirements. To be eligible, the council must be an endorsed Gold Waterwise Council.

    Community Choice Award - Chosen by the community as the council most deserving of recognition for their nominated Gold Waterwise Council project.

    New Gold Waterwise Council - Awarded to councils for demonstrating actions across all Water Sensitive City goal areas.

    Newly Endorsed Waterwise Council - Councils that have met endorsement requirements.

    AwardCouncil
    2021 Platinum Waterwise Council of the YearCity of Bayswater
    2021 Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year City of Cockburn
    Community Choice AwardCity of Canning
    New Gold Waterwise CouncilCity of Albany
    New Gold Waterwise CouncilCity of Belmont
    New Gold Waterwise CouncilTown of Claremont
    Newly Endorsed Waterwise CouncilCity of Armadale
    Newly Endorsed Waterwise CouncilShire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes
    Newly Endorsed Waterwise CouncilTown of Claremont
    Newly Endorsed Waterwise CouncilCity of Gosnells
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilCity of Belmont
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilTown of Cambridge
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilShire of Capel
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilCity of Joondalup
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilTown of Mosman Park
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilCity of Nedlands
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilShire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
    10 Year Waterwise CouncilCity of Subiaco

    2021 New Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centres

    Awarded for demonstrating best practice water management in an Aquatic Centre.

    Aquatic CentreCouncil
    Albany Leisure and Aquatic CentreCity of Albany
    Bayswater Waves Leisure CentreCity of Bayswater
    Cannington LeisureplexCity of Canning
    Riverton LeisureplexCity of Canning
    Bold Park AquaticTown of Cambridge
    Bay of Isles Leisure CentreShire of Esperance
    Fremantle Leisure CentreCity of Fremantle
    Craigie Leisure CentreCity of Joondalup
    Kwinana RecquaticCity of Kwinana
    Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation CentreCity of Mandurah
    Merredin District Olympic Swimming PoolShire of Merredin
    Murray Aquatic and Leisure CentreShire of Murray
    Scarborough Beach PoolCity of Stirling
    Beatty Park Leisure CentreCity of Vincent
    Wanneroo AquamotionCity of Wanneroo
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