Through the Local Council Partnership Program Showcase Grants, Councils have successfully promoted sustainable living practices that reduce waste and increase resource recovery.

To further support this activity, the NSW Government's Environmental Trust is providing $324,850 in funding to 12 councils to document and promote leading practice education projects in environmental sustainability.

Grants have been awarded to Blacktown City Council, Gosford City Council, Wyong Shire Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Newcastle City Council in partnership with Charles Sturt University, Randwick City Council in partnership with the UNSW Faculty of Built Environment, City of Sydney, Marrickville City, and a joint project between Liverpool City Council, Camden Council, Campbelltown City Council, Wollondilly Council and the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living.

"These grants build on the positive steps that councils have already taken towards designing innovative programs that change the way local communities relate to crucial issues like water, waste, air, chemicals, energy and biodiversity"     said Bob Debus, NSW Minister for the Environment.

"Leading environmental practice will assist councils to educate their organisations to conduct effective programs that increase the community’s knowledge, skills, and commitment to protecting the environment and living sustainably".

For the past five years the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation has partnered with local councils to work on leading practices with stormwater, litter, illegal dumping, air quality, energy, waste and urban biodiversity education.

Developing education resources to progress sustainability in NSW is a key component of the Local Council Partnership Program. The program partners with Councils to develop and implement local and regional education
for sustainability projects relevant to their communities.

For more information contact Karen Paroissien on (02) 8837 6050 or Carol Davies on (02) 8837 6008.

>> More info - www.livingthing.net.au