Category 1: Research and Practice
This category will showcase research or innovative practice that has been led by Local Government and which has resulted in improved outcomes for growth areas. Entries may be based on projects undertaken solely by an individual Council, a group of Councils or in collaboration with industry or academia.
Entries will be assessed on:
• Use of evidence base to identify the need for the project
• Innovation in project design and delivery
• Evidence of improvements to local government practice including capacity building within Council
• Evaluation of the impact of the project in relation to NGAA’s core pillars – liveability, productivity and resilience.
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Category 2: Built Environment
This category is for completed projects in the built environment that show best practice design, collaboration and impact.
Entries will be assessed on:
• Methodology and evidence base used to identify the need for the project
• Innovation in project design and delivery
• Evidence of improvements to local government service provision achieved through the project
• Evaluation of the impact of the project in relation to NGAA’s core pillars – liveability, productivity and resilience.
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Category 3 - Partnerships - Building Connections
This category showcases partnerships and collaboration that have achieved better outcomes for communities. Partnerships need to include local government, and may be in collaboration with Industry, Local, State or Federal Government, Community groups or other Stakeholders.
Entries will be assessed on:
• Process used to identify partners and outcomes to be achieved through collaboration.
• Innovation in collaboration such as new partnerships, new engagement methodologies or new fields of practice.
• Evidence of improvements to local government practice arising from the partnership, including capacity building within Council
• Evaluation of the impact of the project in relation to NGAA’s core pillars – liveability, productivity and resilience.
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Category 4 - Advocacy
This category is in support of Councils’ efforts to achieve outcomes in funding or policy that were achieved through dedicated advocacy efforts (to any level of government).
Entries will be assessed on:
• Innovation in advocacy practice – campaign design and delivery, integration of advocacy into broader Council strategic objectives
• Evidence of improvements to local government practice including capacity building within Council
• Evaluation of the impact of the project in relation to NGAA’s core pillars – liveability, productivity and resilience.
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Category 5 - Leadership in Growth Areas
Award Partner - City of Playford, SA
This category is aimed at recognising an individual or team from within a NGAA Member Council who has shown an outstanding commitment and leadership to pursuing better outcomes for growth areas, in any aspect of Council work. This award will be offered as ongoing recognition of the leadership of the founders of NGAA.
Entries will be assessed on evaluation of the impact of the individual or team going 'above and beyond' to improve the liveability, productivity and resilience of the nominee's LGA or growth areas more broadly.
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Winner: Penrith City Council for Places of Penrith - Developing a place-based strategic framework
Council has developed a suite of city shaping strategies for a place-based approach across the city. The strategies are:
Each strategy is underpinned by research, spatial analysis and social, economic and environmental criteria-based prioritisation.
Commendations:
Winner: City of Cockburn for Wetlands Precinct
A transformative redevleopment underpinned by a collaborative partnership with site tenants delivered a new, sustainable, purpose-built community facility at the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct in the Bibra Lake A-Class Reserve.
Commendation: Melton City Council for Cobblebank Indoor Stadium
Joint winners:
City-wide strategic planning identified the need for a new school and social infrastructure in the growth area suburb of Angle Vale. Council advocqacy led to early engagement with the Education Department and a partnership to incorporate shared-use facilities. A 30 year Council Enhancement Deed between project partners TESA Education, Department for Education and the City of Playford formalises the collaboration and ensures the longevity of the facility usage.
Council redeveloped Melton Central Community Centre into an integrated hub with a new building and service model. The Centre co-locates service providers including Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services, Catholic Care and MiCare to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive destination.
Commendations:
Winner: City of Kwinana for Indian Ocean Gateway
With high growth and high unemployment, Council's advocacy has focused on expediting State Government delivery of the Indian Ocean Gateway - a container port long identified in plans. The City executed a strategic advocacy framework that in 2017 led to the commitment of the then shadow government to plan and construct the new port.
Commendation: Wollondilly Council for Wilton Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Winner: City of Playford for Andrew Smith - Playford Growth Areas
Development in the Playford Growth Area is on privately-held, fragmented land between two rural townships with inadequate existing infrastructure, complex legal arrangements and multiple stakeholders. Andrew Smith has established credible and trusted relationships with landholders, State Government, service providers and developers, and has been critical to securing funding and delivery of infrastructure.
Commendation: Cardinia Shire Council for Lisa Hall's contribution to growth area planning
Sponsored by Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
Winner - City of Cockburn for Community Sport and Recreation Facilities Plan
Pictured: Councillor Lee-Anne Smith, City of Cockburn and Dr Michael Fotheringham, AHURI
Commendation
Sponsored by the City of Swan
Winner - City of Casey for Selandra Community Hub
Pictured: Kathryn Seirlis, City of Casey and Mike Foley, City of Swan
Commendation
Sponsored by Astrolabe Group
Winner - Penrith Council for Penrith Health Action Plan
Pictured: Rachel Pagitz, Penrith City Council and Belinda Campbell-Comninos, Astrolabe Group
Commendation
Sponsored by McLeods Barristers and Solicitors
Winner - Penrith Council for Penrith Council Advocacy Journey
Pictured: Rachel Pagitz, Penrith City Council and Denis McLeod, McLeods Barristers & Solicitors
Commendations
Sponsored by the City of Casey
Winner - City of Playford
Pictured: Phil Harrison and Mayor Glenn Docherty, both City of Playford, and Jayden Mizzi, City of Casey
Commendation
Winner: City of Wanneroo - Activating Yanchep for the future by building on the past
Commendation: Melton City Council - Atherstone Library Access Point
Winner: City of Wanneroo - Kinkuna Park Smart Playground Technology
Commendation: City of Playford - Prince George Plaza
Winner: City of Cockburn - Cockburn ARC
Commendation: Cardinia Shire Council - Together We Can