This award is presented to a Local Government project that displays key outcomes in environmental remediation, amenity enhancement and utilisation improvement.

IPWEA judges recognised the Alfred Street project due to its unique design, including its permeable pavers and tree planting gateway, which showcased how green corridors can be created within restricted urban environments.

The project took place over the 2022/23 financial year and resulted in a huge streetscape beautification overhaul of Alfred Street in Walkerville.

This project transformed a once ‘run down’ laneway into a green plaza that is readily accessible to pedestrians visiting the local shops or playground. The project took six months to complete and aims to address issues arising from a warming climate and stormwater management.

James Kelly, Group Manager Assets & Infrastructure at Town of Walkerville, accepted the award on the behalf of Council at the awards night, alongside Alyssa Todd, Assets & Projects Officer from the Town of Walkerville.

Mr Kelly said, "Alfred Street displayed how all arms of Council can work together to deliver a significant project for our local community.

"Whether it was our Field Services team undertaking the planting and irrigation works, our Communications and Marketing team assisting with community updates and promotional material or the streetscape design itself, which was developed by our Group Leader Landscape Design & Field Services, this project impacted all levels of the organisation and a big thank you goes out to all staff involved, as well as our patient community who were impacted whilst works were being delivered.”

The purpose of the Alfred Street project was to address community feedback, which identified key concerns with pedestrian and access issues, lack of proper footpaths, stormwater problems and the poor condition of the road.

The project delivered a number of benefits to the Township, both for the environment and for community wellbeing.

Since Alfred Street was in quite poor condition and did not cope well with small to large rain events, the completed project delivered a road that could handle heavy rainfall due to the design of the rain gardens and permeable pavers which effectively captures stormwater. Additionally, the roads significant urban heat island impact was addressed.

Council acknowledges the State Government for its contribution of $131,087.50 towards the project as part of the 2021/22 Greener Neighbourhoods Grants Program.