Categories
The following categories demonstrate the different areas of assessment for the program. First round judging will be based on written or electronic submissions. The submissions will be initially assessed and categorised on a regional basis prior to the judge's visit.
WATER
Water Conservation Weighting – 20%
This category recognises efforts to sustainably procure and use water including the disposal of wastewater. Educational and other water conservation initiatives are included in this category. Changes in water use to improve the efficiency of use and disposal of this resource will also be recognised.
Water Infrastructure Weighting – 5%
Infrastructure works/projects by local government that improve water use efficiency
Capital works and other infrastructure projects that demonstrate collaboration between community/local government/industry in addressing the issues of water source and/or storage, reuse or recycling.
Other innovations relating to water issues that involve the community will be recognised.
Water Conservation Education Weighting – 5%
Programs encouraging education of the community about water sustainability issues. Community involvement in the different stages of water conservation activities will be recognised in this criterion.
Changes in Water Use Weighting – 10%
Recognises achievements and best practice in relation to water resources, use and reuse/recycling (eg wastewater reuse, water sensitive urban design)
WASTE
Weighting – 20%
Waste/resource recovery infrastructure will be recognised in this category. Education and awareness of best practice (in accordance with the State Waste Strategy) waste management and resource recovery is important to achieving an integrated, strategic approach to materials following their primary use.
Litter, Recycling & Resource Recovery (Waste Infrastructure) Weighting – 10%
Adequate provision and collection of litter bins in public areas (examples of areas of high usage include commercial districts, recreational areas and transition zones such as boat ramps, rest areas or bus stops)
Adequate provision and collection of other waste streams (eg recycling, cigarette bins)
Appropriate signage to encourage correct disposal of waste (may also apply to different waste streams such as cigarette butts or recycling)
Access to resource recovery facilities and promotion of separation of waste streams and application of the waste hierarchy
Local litter and waste minimisation strategies
Waste Education (Schools, Community, Business, Local Government) Weighting – 5%
Education programs facilitating disposal according to reduce, reuse, recycle waste hierarchy as stated in the State Waste Strategy, such as KESAB’s Wipe Out Waste program.
Integration Weighting – 5%
Data about waste and recycling yields and percentages from local government and recyclers including CDL
Programs to better integrate different waste stream management at an organisational, school and whole community level.
ENERGY
Total weighting – 10%
As energy generation is currently the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, this category will recognise energy efficiency measures and, where practical, generation of electricity from renewable sources. Education about energy efficiency and greenhouse emission reduction is also highly regarded.
Energy Efficiency Initiatives Weighting – 5%
Education programs and programs to reduce energy use
Community awareness and education programs
Energy and Climate Change Education Weighting – 5%
Promotion of energy efficient alternative products
Promotion of energy reduction practices
Education about carbon balance
Increased community understanding of global climate issues
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Total weighting – 30%
This area has been the traditional focus of the Tidy Town model, both interstate and National Award criteria. It remains an integral part of the revised Tidy Town Model. Initiatives in this area include recognition of amenity value of the physical space the community occupies, initiatives that foster a sense of inclusion, participation and pride in the community. Many assessment criteria in this category are similar to the old KESAB and National Tidy Town criteria.
Appearance Weighting – 10%
Tidy, well maintained appearance of approaches to town, commercial centre and public parks
Appropriate signage
Recycling and litter prevention and management strategies
Local Government Partnerships Weighting – 5%
Programs to reduce environmental impact of the community such as illegal dumping programs and graffiti removal
Community involvement in public works operations
Local government support of community groups, community initiatives and events
Commerce and Industry Weighting – 5%
Business activities involving local community groups (eg support of Tidy Towns Group/Rotary/Lions/Apex/CWA activities etc)
Business involvement in community events and other community activities
Business activities that promote sustainable practices at a community level
Community Engagement Weighting – 10%
Level of community involvement in the culture and heritage of the town.
BIODIVERSITY
Total weighting – 10%
Biodiversity conservation will be recognised and efforts to identify vulnerabilities and take appropriate conservation activities will be recognised. Schools may be particularly useful in this category.
Education Weighting – 5%
• Programs recognising the local plants and animals and the key vulnerabilities of the local environment.
• School and community awareness of local biodiversity issues.
Conservation Activities Weighting – 5%
• Programs to address key vulnerabilities for local plant and animals.
EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
Total weighting - 10%
This category assesses education initiatives and other innovations that increase community understanding of sustainability issues. This will be achieved by promoting awareness of the issues facing each community and education programs promoting solutions to reduce the consequences of key vulnerabilities.
School Initiatives Weighting – 5%
School education programs such as Wipe Out Waste and Sustainable Schools
Environmental art competition for schools
- Community Initiatives
- Weighting – 5%
Community education and awareness of sustainability
