Kambalda is clean as a nickel

Kambalda claimed the State title in the 2008 Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Awards at a ceremony held in Perth today.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said Kambalda was recognised for an impressive array of projects and events, demonstrating community spirit and pride.

"Kambalda's achievements this year included a new recreation centre, ongoing improvements to local parks and plans for a major airport upgrade," Mrs Faragher said.

"Significant work has been done at the caravan park, while new banners at the town entry reflect the town's character."

Initiatives undertaken included a student-initiated recycling program; plastic bag free Thursdays; a prickly pear eradication program; tree planting and water conservation, such as mulching, water wise gardens and installation of grey water systems.

State category winners were:

. Community Action - Hedland

. General Appearance - Hedland

. Recycling and Waste Management - Kambalda

. Natural Heritage Conservation - Greenbushes

. Enhancing Cultural Identity - Cuballing

. Water Conservation - Dampier

The Minister said the awards provided an opportunity to recognise and reward communities for the contributions they made to improve the appearance and environment of their towns, and look forward to sustainability.

"These towns have put in significant work with projects supporting and encouraging sustainable living and protecting the environment for this and future generations," she said.

"They've demonstrated how we can all make a difference through individual efforts and, more importantly, come together as a community to make positive changes."

Kambalda is now in the running for the national Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities awards to be held in Canberra in April 2009.

A total of 47 towns entered this year's awards, sponsored by the Packaging Stewardship Forum and Grundfos and supported by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

Background information about the category winners is attached.

Minister's office: 9213 7250