Another gold award for waterwise activities

The City of Stirling has once again achieved gold status in the annual Waterwise Councils accreditation, in recognition of our progress on commitments outlined in our Waterwise Council Action Plan 2021-26.

After being awarded as a Platinum Council in 2023 – the highest honour possible in the Waterwise Council program – the City’s return to gold status in 2024 will enable continued access to $10,000 per year to fund waterwise plant giveaways to residents.

In addition to the free plants giveaway, the City has progressed our Waterwise Action Plan through the Sustainable Verge Program, improvements to water monitoring and auditing, increased water efficiency in City buildings and strengthening water requirements in City projects through a new Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Management Practice.

Combined with the increased risk of urban heat impact within the City of Stirling, our gold accreditation meant the City was eligible for a $600,000 grant from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. The funding will assist the City in delivering a number of projects dedicated to minimising our impact on groundwater resources.

Mayor Mark Irwin congratulated the City’s sustainability team members and employees involved in delivering the objectives of our waterwise plans under challenging conditions.

“Collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders, along with innovative solutions, will be essential as we work towards tough groundwater reduction targets and sustainable water management,” he said.

“On behalf of Council I congratulate all the employees and stakeholders that continue to deliver on the City’s waterwise commitments, which are a challenging task but nevertheless a core component of our commitment to managing, protecting and improving our natural environment.

“Water is a valued and precious natural resource, and in a drying climate it is essential that the City continues to find innovative ways to conserve and protect our water sources into the future.”

Further background
This award comes as the City prepares to support the 2024 WA Tree Festival. In its third year, the event has grown to such an extent that the WA Local Government Association (WALGA) is now taking the lead and targeting 50 participating local governments.

The City recently announced that we are on track to achieve our 35 per cent emissions reduction goal by 2025 on the way to 70 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

To find out more about sustainability events and programs at the City this school holidays, visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/sustainability