The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Annual Awards recognise the leadership, innovation and resilience of local governments in Australia’s outer metropolitan growth areas.
These councils are not just managing rapid population growth: they are building the future cities that will house more than 20% of Australians.
Unlike general local government or urban development awards, the NGAA Awards are purpose-built for the unique conditions of growth areas, where councils must balance long-term planning with immediate pressures.
They honour the distinct skills of foresight, advocacy, infrastructure delivery and inclusive community-building that shape thriving communities from the ground up.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, located in the city centre, offers a world-class water play destination that brings a beach experience closer to home. Delivered by Campbelltown City Council, its design draws inspiration from Dharawal National Park and Georges River, highlighting local beauty and Aboriginal culture. The parklands feature hand-sculpted rocks, tranquil rockpools, cascading water, a billabong-style pool, a children’s pool, and an interactive splash zone. This vibrant, family-friendly space encourages active recreation while strengthening the community’s connection to its natural and cultural heritage, catering to visitors of all ages.
Connecting Wyndham is a long-term infrastructure program transforming how Wyndham City plans and delivers the road transport network. The program provides the single view of Council’s planned road needs over 20+ years with clear drivers for investment needs, criticality, and timing.
The program ensures infrastructure decisions are coordinated, evidence-based and future-proofed and supports the development of an integrated, efficient, and sustainable network. It provides guidance for Council’s capital works and associated financial decisions, balancing road upgrades and asset renewal to meet the City’s growth.
The program also delivers a greater transparency and engagement with the community, building trust and confidence in Council’s long-term vision.
With support from the State Government, we are creating an arts and cultural precinct on Jacksons Hill in Sunbury.
We're transforming Building 22 (the former Female Refractory) and Building 24 (a work shed) on Jacksons Hill into a destination for art, community and cultural connection.
In order to bring our vision to life, refurbishment works are planned from April 2025 until October 2025.
The Feast of Nations, hosted by Campbelltown City Council, is a lively three-day festival celebrating cultural diversity and community connection. It highlights the traditions of the Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and South Asia through interactive workshops, live performances, and global cuisines. The event fosters a welcoming atmosphere where residents of all ages and backgrounds come together to share experiences, celebrate diversity, and strengthen community bonds. By emphasising cultural expression and inclusivity, the festival not only entertains but also builds pride, understanding, and a sense of belonging throughout the Campbelltown community.
Reliable mobile and internet connectivity is essential for safety, business, education, and daily life. However, thousands of residents and businesses in the City of Whittlesea - particularly in our growth areas - continue to experience mobile black spots, dropped calls, and inconsistent internet service. In order to better advocate to telecommunication providers and decision makers, the City of Whittlesea commissioned a telecommunications accessibility report confirming the existence of blackspots and collected stories from residents and businesses to make a stronger case for more investment in this space.
Future Wollondilly is Wollondilly Shire Council’s bold advocacy platform, ensuring infrastructure, services and investment keep pace with some of Australia’s fastest population growth. Anchored in clear priorities - from transport links and schools to health, housing and environmental protection — it reframes Wollondilly as a critical connector in the Western Parkland City, not the edge of Sydney. By setting out compelling, evidence-based asks of State and Federal Governments, Future Wollondilly drives the case for growth area equity and a fairer future for 150,000 current and future residents.
Green Streets is a pioneering initiative by the City of Casey and Developer Balcon, delivering innovative, sustainable urban streetscapes that exceed standard planning and design requirements. The project reimagines local roads to align with the Green Strategy, Climate Adaptation Plan, and Environment Strategy. Key features include inviting landscaped streets, 30% tree canopy for shade and cooling, safer roads through reduced vehicle speeds, community gathering spaces, encouragement of cycling and walking for health, and the use of recycled materials in construction to minimise raw material consumption and promote environmental responsibility.
The City of Armadale’s Advocacy Priorities Strategy (2022) has secured nearly $30 million for vital infrastructure, addressing rapid population growth and rising demand for services. Six major projects including the Civic Precinct Redevelopment, Armadale Station Central Park, Health & Medical Precinct, ARRR, Champion Centre, and Hilbert District Community Centre & Library, are unlocking Armadale’s potential as a Strategic Metropolitan Centre. Key achievements include significant government grants for recreation and education facilities, Aboriginal community programs, and completed business cases. This structured, collaborative approach translates vision into investment, supporting a thriving, resilient and connected future for Armadale.
The Community Futures Blueprint guides how the City of Swan plans and advocates for sustainable, people-focused communities in high-growth areas. It identifies priority projects across health, education, emergency services and community facilities, providing a clear case for investment and collaboration with government and partners. By anticipating future infrastructure needs and aligning with the City’s long-term vision, the Blueprint drives transformative outcomes and strengthens advocacy for a sustainable future.
The City of Cockburn’s Engineered Fringing Reef Trial at C.Y. O’Connor Beach exemplifies collaborative innovation for coastal hazard management. As part of the Cockburn Sound Coastal Alliance, the City partnered with MMA Offshore and UWA’s Oceans Institute to install 270 concrete reef modules (2022–2024), pioneering erosion reduction research in WA. Initial results show a 10% decrease in wave height and 20% reduction in wave energy at the shore. The reef also supports marine life and recreational snorkelling, demonstrating how local government, industry, and research partnerships can deliver tangible environmental and community benefits.
In 2024, Camden Council partnered with Talk2MeBro to launch Camden Talk2MeBro Community Catch Ups; free, grassroots mental health sessions addressing limited mental health service access in Camden. Across nine sessions, 351 participants, including those facing severe mental health challenges, received confidential support and links to services. The initiative fostered resilience, reduced stigma, and encouraged open discussion, with six residents becoming volunteers for ongoing sustainability. The program’s success has led to its expansion into neighbouring LGAs and a shift to monthly sessions in 2025, highlighting the impact of local government collaboration with grassroots organisations.
The Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale’s planning and infrastructure teams have demonstrated exceptional leadership in guiding the community through a period of hypergrowth, balancing immediate local needs with long-term strategic planning. They have successfully coordinated and influenced more than $2 billion of transformative State and Federal investment in rail and road infrastructure, ensuring these projects align with the Shire’s growth trajectory.
If you want a leader who thrives under growth pressures, look to Alison Hancock. As General Manager Strategy at Mount Barker District Council, she’s transformed overwhelming growth into opportunity through clear strategy, collaborative advocacy, and strong partnerships. Alison’s leadership delivered a unified corporate strategy, effective advocacy, and inclusive community engagement. She’s secured major projects, championed transparent planning, and mentored emerging leaders. Her practical, clear approach ensures Mount Barker’s needs, like schools and health services, are front and centre. For her fearless, impactful leadership in one of SA’s fastest growing communities, Alison Hancock is a fitting nominee for the NGAA leadership award 2025.
