Blue Mountains News

Council was presented with the Outstanding Council Award at an event in Parliament House, Canberra, on February 6, recognising BMCC’s commitment, support and longevity of its relationship with Clean Up Australia.

Council has supported Clean Up Australia since its inception in 1990, and over the years thousands of dedicated local community members have generously donated their time to clean and protect our waterways, swamps and bushland.

Council supports the event by coordinating volunteers, ensuring sites are safe, and providing free access to tips, or contractors to collect waste from sites.

It also promotes Clean Up participation and has coordinated Walk and Talk events where volunteers learned more about protecting our unique region.

“We are extremely honoured to receive this inaugural national award,” Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said.

“As a City within a World Heritage Area, Council works alongside our community to build a sustainable future environmentally, socially and economically.

“We are proud to help to care for our environment, which is on Dharug and Gundungurra lands, and Clean Up Australia offers our community a fun, safe and supported opportunity to contribute.

“OurWalk and Talk events give back to our committed volunteers, with local experts sharing insights on our water catchments and diverse plant communities.

“Volunteers learn about the Blue Mountains upland swamps that are home to threatened species – including the Blue Mountains Water Skink – and there’s even a well-earned morning tea at the end.

“I’m thankful to the many community members who have helped clean and protect our unique region over the past 35 years, and I’m pleased Council has been able to help bring the community together in this way.”