Local Government NSW (LGNSW) has announced the winners of its 2025 Environment Symposium and Awards, celebrating environmental protection efforts made by councils in a range of areas.
Formerly known as the Excellence in the Environment Awards, the event recognises outstanding environmental leadership, highlighting the innovation, collaboration and commitment shown by councils, county councils, regional groups of councils and other council-based organisations across the state.
Thirty projects and individuals were recognised across 13 categories spanning topics such as planning and policy, invasive species management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the circular economy.
Judging focused on innovation and best practice, strong rationale, ambitious objectives, demonstrable results, and the creation of new opportunities that anticipate future challenges.
LGNSW President, Mayor Darcy Byrne, congratulated all recipients, praising councils for their leadership in protecting and enhancing the environment.
“The need to safeguard and restore our environment is one of the defining challenges of our time, and local government continues to lead the way,” Mayor Byrne said.
“These awards recognise the ingenuity, collaboration and determination of councils and staff working every day to deliver tangible environmental outcomes.
“I congratulate all the winners but also those councils who didn’t win today but continue to roll out these incredible projects that ultimately benefit all of us.”
Each category includes four divisions reflecting the size and type of participating organisations, with overall winners recognised in the following categories:
- Asbestos Management
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Towards Net Zero Emissions
- Communication, Education and Empowerment
- Innovation in Planning, Policies and Decision-Making
- Invasive Species Management
- Natural Environment Protection and Enhancement – On-Ground Works
- Transition to Circular Economy
- Behaviour Change in Waste
- Sustainable Infrastructure
- Water Management
Maitland City Council received the Local Sustainability Award, including a $10,000 prize for professional development in sustainable practice.
Meanwhile, Tim Pasley from Liverpool City Council won the Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability, recognising outstanding personal leadership in advancing environmental outcomes.
View all winners and case studies on LGNSW’s website.
