TIDY TOWNS TIPS
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Recognises outstanding achievements in
adaptation to environmental change.
Often this will have been brought about by
working in partnership with local government,
industry and the wider public.
Under this category, entrants can focus on one or
all three sub-categories – Water, Energy and/or
Nature Conservation.
Water
Recognises sustainable water management and education
within communities which has combined innovative water
conservation and water re-use initiatives at the private,
industrial and municipal levels, benefiting society and nature.
Judges look for:
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Innovative design in water and waste water re-use projects and implementation
of water sensitive urban design principles.
Water minimisation practices and/or devices, e.g. automatic shut-off taps on
public toilets and showers, evaporation protection measures, etc.
Local government support for innovative community/industry projects, concepts,
studies and/or research which focus on innovative water conservation and/or
reuse initiatives.
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JUDGE’S TIPS
To demonstrate and monitor your outcomes, conduct water audits and record and
measure the litres of water you are saving, recycling or reusing. Keep a copy of all
publicity, media coverage and letters received in relation to your projects to show judges
the progress you have made.
PROJECT IDEAS AND CASE STUDIES
The state winner of the Water Conservation award for 2015 was Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
You can read all about their projects and projects from state finalists here (from page
16).
ONLINE RESOURCES
Both the Department of Water and Water Corporation websites provide useful
resources for communities including waterwise tips, fact sheets on waterwise garden
designs, and rebates for water saving devices. .
Waterwise Council Program
State Water Recycling Strategy (a useful tool when planning waterwise strategies for your
town).
Energy
Recognises sustainable energy management and education
which focuses on innovative energy efficiency measures and
climate change issues, aiming to reduce energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions.
Judges look for:
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Programs and partnerships which encourage community involvement in
innovative strategies focussing on renewable energy use, climate change issues,
and include an element of design that considers impacts on the environment.
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Energy minimisation practices and/or devices at public facilities, e.g. long-life
light globes, solar-heated/powered public facilities or services, automatic light
shut-off switches, where safety is not compromised.
JUDGE’S TIPS
Ask yourself:
 What industry has introduced a solar power component?
 What education is underway?
 What has Council done to reduce energy consumptions?
 What is the set up and design in community buildings (planned or completed) –
is there anything new and energy saving?
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Are there any Council policies on new constructions to be solar efficient?
Are there any committees looking at the issue of energy?
How is power generated locally: gas versus coal down south; diesel power
station converted to gas; any wind turbine components; any studies on wave,
wind or solar for the future?
Is there any back-loading and local production to reduce energy and food
miles?
CASE STUDY
The state winner of Energy Conservation for 2015 was Kalgoorlie-Boulder. You can
read all about their projects and projects by other state finalists here (from page 18).
Nature Conservation
Programs which encourage community education and/or
involvement in the planning, development and/or
implementation of innovative strategies which focus on
better community understanding, and environmental
protection.
Judges look for:
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Commitment to, or involvement in, community action programs such as
Landcare, Coastcare, Bushcare, Dunecare, Waterwatch, Saltwatch and similar
initiatives.
Established local conservation and/or environment group(s).
Practical conservation initiatives and habitat management plans such as wildlife
corridors in residential, industrial and agricultural areas.
Protected open space plans within a community and its surrounds, including
areas with significant conservation value.
Feral animal management policies and plans.
Weed eradication policies and programs.
Where relevant, commitment to addressing hazards, such as salinity and soil
erosion, which reduce land use capacity.
JUDGE’S TIPS
Weed and litter eradication is a very significant indicator on how communities care for
their environment.
Evidence of community input into planning is important, for example, community liaison
on shire initiatives on bush management, biodiversity or green plans.
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Be sure to include whole of community environmental initiatives.
We recommend that you monitor your outcomes with before and after photographs.
CASE STUDY
The state winner of Natural Environment Conservation for 2015 was Greenbushes. You
can read all about their projects, and environmental projects from state finalists here
(from page 12).
RESOURCES
The Waste Wise Schools’ website is a good resource for ideas on composting,
recycling, worm farming, managing air quality and energy, and educational material on
sustainability, weather and climate change.
The website of Department of Agriculture and Food lists declared plants in Western
Australia and information on integrated weed management.
Please note: In 2016 a separate category titled, Environmental Education will be
awarded for an outstanding initiative, organisation or community for its innovative
environmental advocacy and or awareness program across any/all criterial. More
information is on a separate Tips Sheet.
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