The award – presented at the Local Government NSW (LGNSW) Water Management Conference in Armidale – was established in 2017 to recognise best practice service delivery by council local water utilities.

LGNSW president Linda Scott said the award commemorated the work done to drive a range of reforms that helped to lift local water utilities to best practice standards.

“Snowy Monaro Regional Council have been recognised with this award for the extensive work they’ve put in with their local communities to drive better value services,” Cr Scott said.

"The council undertook a detailed water supply and sewage pricing review, followed by actions that streamlined and harmonised prices which ensured sufficient revenue to bring existing infrastructure up to scratch.

“Communities must be able to count on their water and sewage infrastructure to work, and be sustainably funded into the future.” 

Cr Scott said the hard work undertaken by SMRC demonstrated the importance of genuine consultation at all levels of government.

“One of the most important responsibilities for all levels of government is ensuring the people they represent understand the challenges ahead, and are part of working out how to best meet those challenges,” she said.

“That’s what representative democracy is all about.

“Local government is, by its very nature, closest to the local community, and effective community consultation is the best way to achieve good decision making and good management of community assets.

“I commend Snowy Monaro Regional Council on this award, and their prudent approach to infrastructure management so they can deliver quality water services for their communities.”