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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.
This award celebrates councils that have delivered infrastructure in a way that meets the challenges of rapid growth — where demand outpaces traditional planning and funding frameworks. Projects may include transport, stormwater, community facilities, digital infrastructure, or utilities, delivered through innovative partnerships, funding models or planning approaches.
This category recognises the vital work of turning housing developments into liveable, connected communities. It rewards councils that combine built form (such as parks, streetscapes or early-stage community hubs) with cultural programming; engagement with communities such as First Nations people, young people or people who speak a language other than English; temporary activations; arts initiatives; or multicultural events that reflect the identity and diversity of their new populations.
Whether it’s securing infrastructure funding, shaping state or federal agendas, or leading a campaign that brought visibility to local issues, this award recognises the advocacy power of growth area councils. Entries should show how evidence, partnerships and persistence translated into impact — not just outputs, but outcomes for the community.
This category recognises the strategic thinking that positions councils ahead of the curve — from new research methods and data-driven planning tools to digital engagement platforms, digital transformation or reform-focussed planning work. The emphasis is on anticipating need and developing strategies to address both new challenges like climate adaptation, or perpetual challenges like waste and traffic management, in innovative ways.
In growth areas, collaboration is essential to delivery. This award recognises partnerships between councils and other tiers of government, industry, developers, researchers, or community groups that produced tangible benefits. It rewards shared governance models, joint delivery projects, co-funded initiatives or innovative place-based service models.
This award recognises leaders — elected members, executives or staff — who have stepped up to champion solutions, influence policy, build alliances, or embed culture change within their organisation. It honours those who push beyond business-as-usual to lead with vision, courage and community focus in a demanding growth environment.
Submit a short online form by Friday, 19 September 2025, outlining your project name, category, and a brief description. This step lets NGAA manage judging capacity and promote entries early.
Once your EOI is submitted, you’ll receive an invitation to complete a full submission by Friday, 31 October 2025. Your nomination must:
All entries must clearly explain the project’s relevance to growth area challenges and provide evidence of impact.
Winners will be announced at the NGAA Annual Awards Evening, held at Parliament House, Canberra, on Wednesday 26 November 2025. To purchase tickets for the awards event, click here.
