Randwick Council has been named a finalist in the prestigious Banksia Sustainability Awards this year for two initiatives focused on sustainability and conservation projects in the community.

Randwick Council’s Sustaining our City program funded by an Environmental Levy and the Solar my School joint program run by Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils are both up for the top gong.

“The success of the Sustaining Our City and Solar My Schools Programs show that there is a desire within the community to find more and better ways to look after our environment,” said Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson. “It’s no surprise to me that both of these initiatives have been recognised for their achievements. I’m so proud of our environmental team.”

Randwick’s Sustaining Our City program continues to transform Randwick Council’s approach to sustainability by carrying out a wide range of projects and programs to protect and improve the environment.

“Over the past 14 years, the Sustaining Our City program has looked for ways for Council to minimise our waste, water and energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution and encourage the community to do the same,” said Mayor Neilson.

The Sustaining Our City program has been funded by an environmental levy for the past 14 years, the latest round of which is due to conclude on 30 June 2019. The levy has delivered initiatives such as clean beaches, stormwater re-use, solar panels on Council buildings, the Eco-Living Expo and the extension of the coastal walkway.

The environmental levy has been in place since 2004 and was extended in 2009 and 2014. It is currently due to expire on 30 June 2019. In November, Randwick Council will consult with the community to gauge their support about extending the levy for a further five years.

Solar my School is a joint program run by Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils, which provides independent guidance to primary and secondary schools looking to install solar panels. Currently, more than 30 schools have signed up to the initiative.

The Banksia Sustainability Awards have been running for 30 years and recognise individual and organisation contributions to sustainability across Australia and educate the community about sustainability. Winners will be announced on Thursday 29 November.