Port Stephens Council’s innovative model recognised at the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards FEATURED Medowie & Tilligerry News Of The Area Medowie, Ferodale, Campvale Port Stephens LGA Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Tomago by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 9, 2019 Council’s Strategy & Environment Section Manager Steve Peart accepting the award from Mr Bruce Christie, Deputy Director-General of Biosecurity and Food Safety, NSW Department of Primary Industries. PORT Stephens Council’s innovative model for prioritising and managing weeds has been recognised at the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Awards in Sydney last week. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE The awards recognise outstanding achievements by local government in managing and protecting the environment. Steve Peart, Council’s Strategy and Environment Section Manager, says it’s a great achievement. “It’s great that our proactive approach to managing invasive species has been recognised as leading the way for other councils,” Mr Peart said. “Once you start to learn why plants like African Olive, Chinese Violet and Giant Salvinia are considered a biosecurity risk, it’s alarming how often you’ll recognise them lurking in the local environment.” “We know that Councils have limited resources to fight the war on weeds. With 2700 introduced species to Australia, there are always going to be more weeds than there are resources.” Mr Peart said, “That’s why our model ensures that efforts are focused on managing the most significant weeds while maximising efficiency. It helps us work out what time and resources we’ll need to make a real difference on the ground.” “This award is a fantastic achievement for our Invasive Species team and will help Council continue its innovative work in fighting the war on weeds,” Mr Peart said.