Gladstone, Brisbane and Logan councils and were amongst the winners for this year’s National Awards for Local Government. Announced on May 1 the awards highlight councils who have used innovative and resourceful solutions to make a difference in their communities.
Category: Boosting Productivity through Infrastructure
Winner: Gladstone Regional Council for Waste Powering Gladstone’s Greener Future through the Benaraby Landfill Gas to Power Project.
Project profile: Gladstone Regional Council is using technology to harness and burn gas rising from the Benaraby landfill. The project includes the design, installation, expansion and operation of a landfill gas extraction system, with gas composted in a purpose-built 1.065mW power facility. Future plans for the landfill include the commissioning of a second 1.065mW biogas engine and the development of a 1.5mW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant adjacent to the power facility in order to maximise use of the existing interconnection to the electricity grid.
Council's Commercial Services Committee Chair PJ Sobhanian said the project had already delivered a number of positive outcomes including minimising environmental risk associated with land gas, reducing landfill greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60 per cent, and abating more than 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalence.
Benaraby Landfill was also the first landfill gas project registered under the Federal Government's Carbon Farming Initiative (now Emissions Reduction Fund) and eliminated Council's liability under the Carbon Price Mechanism, saving about $250,000 during the 2013/14 financial year.
Category: Disability Access and Inclusion
Winner: Brisbane City Council, QLD—Brisbane Access and Inclusion Plan 2012— 2017 Implementation
Project profile: Brisbane city council won the disability access and inclusion award for the implementation of their Access and Inclusion Plan 2012-2017. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the plan is about challenging misconceptions and going above and beyond,
“This plan is about universal access and inclusion so that everyone can use public facilities, participate in Brisbane City Council programs and receive full benefits from our local government services”. Mayor Quirk said.
“Council rarely does the minimum required, and we will continue to lead the way with key initiatives”.
Some of Brisbane City Councils key initiatives in this area include:
- proactive auditing and access improvements for Brisbane’s public buildings
- web accessibility and online customer interface
- designing inclusive play experiences in Council parks
- conducting a feasibility study into a Brisbane Mobility Centre.
Category: Excellence in Road Safety
Winner: Logan City Council, QLD — Flooded Road Smart Warning System
Project Profile: As part of Council’s commitment to better prepare the city for severe weather, Council allocated $250,000 to install flashing warning signs on priority flood-prone roads across the city. Mayor Luke Smith said Logan City Council was committed to reducing risks for drivers during floods.
“The project is also being delivered by Council in partnership with Substation 33, a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Logan.
“When the road floods, low-cost, solar-powered flashing signs will trigger automatically. The smart signs can also automatically update flood information on Council’s website, and provide real-time information to other web pages in the future.” Mayor Smith said.