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Hornsby’s GM wins national Baton sustainability prize

Hornsby Shire Council’s General Manager, Robert Ball, has received the prestigious Baton Prize for his contribution to local sustainability practice.

The national award was presented by The Baton Forum, a group comprising sustainability experts with backgrounds in government, academia, consultancies and corporations. They believe sustainability covers environmental, social and economic issues and they see it as integral to the wellbeing of humans and the environment.

Robert Ball was recognised in the General Manager category for outstanding leadership in the Local Government or business sector. The Baton Forum praised Robert for his initiative in leading the first New South Wales Council to set up a specialised Environment Division, for hiring staff with appropriate sustainability management skills, for setting up the Catchment Remediation Rate - the first environment levy by a Local Government in the State, and for his commitment to improving water quality, waste management, energy efficiency and bushcare in Hornsby Shire.

President of The Baton Forum, Professor Garry Smith, said the inaugural prize aimed to identify a General Manager at the cutting edge of sustainability, and acknowledge the critical importance the General Manager makes to improving sustainability.

“A council does not achieve the track record of Hornsby Shire in the environment and sustainability areas without strong leadership and commitment to action from the General Manager,” he said.“This award sets a worthy benchmark for General Managers and Chief Executive Officers in Australia for this important community and environmental issue.”

Robert Ball said he was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the entire staff at Hornsby Council.

“Hornsby Council is continually working to improve sustainability within the environment, the economy and the local community as a whole,” he said. “I am fortunate to have dedicated staff with the vision and skills to move forward on this important issue and support me in my goals for the Shire.”

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